Welcome | College of Opticians of British Columbia

Volunteer with the College of Opticians of BC

The College of Opticians of British Columbia (COBC) always welcomes people who would like to get involved in health regulation in British Columbia. Please use the application form at the bottom of the page to get in touch with us.

OPEN POSITIONS:

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Committee members are Licensed Opticians or members of the public who are passionate about the profession and want to ensure safe and effective vision care to the public. Committees are integral to the work of COBC. We have four committees: registration, inquiry, quality assurance, and patient relations. Apply now to join the pool.

Registration Committee (2 registrant positions open - apply now!)

Develops and evaluates policies for registration to the COBC
Develops and recommends to the Board of Directors policies that ensure each applicant is qualified to practice opticianry in BC, based on provincial and national competencies
Evaluates and approves registration applications submitted under the registration policy

Inquiry Committee (1 registrant position open - apply now!)

Reviews complaints submitted against registrants of the COBC to ensure the public is receiving safe, ethical and competent vision care
Evaluates and weighs evidence objectively to resolve the complaint in a fair and neutral manner
Successful inquiry committee members are able to make decisions regarding complaint files which use the least amount of regulatory action required to ensure that best practices in opticinary are met
Successful inquiry committee members have a high level of interpersonal, conflict resolution, and mediation skills

INSPECTORS

Inspectors for COBC are appointed by the inquiry committee. Inspectors gather specific information on request of the committee. Successful inspectors must have a high level of integrity, neutrality, and the ability to use professional judgement and discretion. Successful inspectors can communicate effectively and objectively, both verbally and in writing. Inspectors must maintain a high level of confidentiality.

Record Review Inspectors

Attend the practice of an optician who is the subject of a complaint when the inquiry committee has requested an inspection of patient records
Review the patient records of an optician who is the subject of a complaint
Analyze the information gathered and present it to the committee in a written report
Will receive training

Eyeglass Evaluation Inspectors

Evaluate a pair of eyeglasses upon request of the inquiry committee
Determine lens and frame specifications
Compare and contrast work orders, prescriptions, and eyeglasses produced
Communicate findings to the committee in a written report

Right-to-Title Inspectors

Perform an annual right-to-title audit for COBC
Visit an opticianry practice to determine instances of unauthorized use of title
Gather and submit evidence of unauthorized use of title to COBC
Conduct online audit of opticianry stores in B.C. to determine instances of unauthorized use of title
Will receive training

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION

The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition program (PLAR) is a process of evaluating the credentials of registration applicants who have not successfully completed an accredited Canadian opticianry program.

Competency Gap Analysis (CGA) Supervisors

Attend COBC to invigilate a CGA for a registration applicant
Ensure the applicant completes the assessment within the allotted time frame
Have the ability to work with computers in order to assist the applicant with their assessment, if necessary
Are able to maintain a calming demeanor
Have the ability to sit for up to 5 hours

POTENTIAL FUTURE POSITIONS: (Apply now to join the pool)

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Quality Assurance Committee (no positions currently available; apply now to join the pool)

Develops and evaluates the quality assurance program of the COBC
Develops and recommends to the Board of Directors policies and programs to maintain safe and competent practices of opticians.

Patient Relations Committee (no positions currently available; apply now to join the pool)

Develops, implements, and evaluates the patient relations program of the COBC
Develops and recommends to the Board of Directors policies and programs that provide additional resources to opticians, such as tools and guidelines on vital topics including professional boundaries, communication and cultural sensitivity

EXAMINERS FOR National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) EXAMINATIONS

Examiners help to ensure fairness and high standards at the national entry-to-practice examinations. Models and examiners are remunerated on an hourly basis.

Profile of an Examiner:

An examiner must be registered as an optician for a minimum of three years
An examiner must be currently practicing and fluent in the subject they are examining
An examiner must not be currently teaching in an opticianry program
An examiner must not have been found to have committed an act of professional misconduct
An examiner must not have a finding of professional misconduct for sexual abuse against them
The examiner's certificate of registration must not have been revoked or suspended in the six years preceding the date of the exam
Examiners of the Optical Sciences 2 – Advanced Practice Contact Lens examination must be registered with their provincial regulatory board to dispense contact lenses
An examiner's certificate of registration must not be subject to a term, condition, or limitation other than one prescribed by regulation
An examiner must be current with respect to their provincial continuing education requirements

VOLUNTEER SUBMISSION FORM:

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