Volunteer with the College

The College 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:

  • BOARD MEMBERS
The College of Opticians of BC (COBC) is looking for leaders to be nominated to the Board of Directors. The COBC is seeking nominations for licensed opticians (with any designation) in the Vancouver Island and Cariboo areas. The COBC is responsible for setting and enforcing the standards of opticianry. As a self-regulating profession, the Board of the COBC has the important duty of overseeing the COBC's regulatory activities and is accountable for how the COBC operates.

See the call for nominees for further information on how to become a COBC Board member.


  • 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 the COBC. The COBC has four committees: registration, inquiry, quality assurance, and patient relations. Apply now to join the pool, or apply to open Committee positions. 
    • Quality Assurance Committee (1 position available for term of Jan.2020 - Dec.2022)
      • 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 (1 position available for term of Jan.2020 - Dec.2022)
      • 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

  • INSPECTORS
Inspectors for the 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 the COBC
      • Visit an opticianry practice to determine instances of unauthorized use of title
      • Gather and submit evidence of unauthorized use of title to the 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. 
    • PLAR Interviewers
      • Attend the COBC for a full day to conduct an in-person interview and assess PLAR applicants
      • Analyze and evaluate if an applicant meets competencies
      • Have the ability to follow a script and communicate case scenarios to applicants
      • Have the ability to use discretion and professional judgement
      • Have a high level of confidentiality
      • Will receive training
    • Competency Gap Analysis (CGA) Supervisors
      • Attend the 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
    • Registration Committee (no positions currently available; apply now to join the pool)
      • 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 (no positions currently available; apply now to join the pool)
      • 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

  • EXAMINERS FOR 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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