College of Opticians of British Columbia

College of Opticians of British Columbia

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Court of Appeal Decision About the Safe Dispensing of Contact Lenses View Full Story Minimize

Posted: October 29, 2009 |

The College of Opticians of British Columbia (COBC) today welcomed the decision of the Court of Appeal on The College of Opticians of British Columbia v. Coastal Contacts Inc. and Clearly Contacts Ltd., which found that contact lenses should not be treated as ‘over the counter’ products and that a prescription is required in order to dispense contact lenses. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 29, 2009
College of Opticians of British Columbia

Court of Appeal Decision About the Safe Dispensing of Contact Lenses

Vancouver – The College of Opticians of British Columbia (COBC) today welcomed the decision of the Court of Appeal on The College of Opticians of British Columbia v. Coastal Contacts Inc. and Clearly Contacts Ltd., which found that contact lenses should not be treated as ‘over the counter’ products and that a prescription is required in order to dispense contact lenses.

“We are pleased with the Court’s decision that protects consumer safety and requires accurately dispensed contact lenses,” said COBC Chair Kent Ashby. “Protection of one’s eyesight and buying contact lenses should never be a ‘buyer beware’ proposition.”

The decision found that the respondents, both sellers of contact lens over the Internet, had failed to comply with the regulations governing the safe dispensing of contact lenses, but has also given the companies six months to establish a business model that does conform to the regulations.

“The goal of the COBC is to have the respondents operate within the law and the standards of practice. We regulate to ensure that individual practitioners and companies provide the highest standard of vision care and accountability, “said Ashby. “Our hope is that both companies come forward with a method of operation that meets the regulated standards for safe practice so that they may continue to serve customers”.

In BC contact lenses may be obtained, with a prescription, from a regulated health professional such as an optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist. The College of Opticians of British Columbia regulates and improves the practice of opticians in the public interest by ensuring that BC Opticians provide quality professional care to help people achieve better vision

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For more information, contact:
Nick Atkinson
Registrar, College of Opticians
(604) 278-7510

CONSUMER WARNING: PROTECT YOUR EYESIGHT WHEN CHOOSING YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME View Full Story Minimize

Posted: October 29, 2009 |

To help ensure a safe holiday, the College of Opticians of BC (COBC) is warning consumers of health concerns related to the use of non-corrective coloured contact lenses (cosmetic lenses), including blindness. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2009
College of Opticians of British Columbia

CONSUMER WARNING: PROTECT YOUR EYESIGHT WHEN CHOOSING YOUR HALLOWEEN COSTUME

Vancouver - Halloween is an exciting time as kids of all ages transform into ghosts, goblins and ghouls with eyes on tricks and treats. To help ensure a safe holiday, the College of Opticians of BC (COBC) is warning consumers of health concerns related to the use of non-corrective coloured contact lenses (cosmetic lenses), including blindness. Cosmetic contacts are lenses used to change eye colour or lenses that incorporate designs used to create an affect such as 'vampire eyes.'

Says COBC Chair Kent Ashby, “We urge people to choose Halloween costumes that don’t have the potential to harm their eyes. It really is a case of Halloween being fun until someone damages their eyes or loses their sight”.

The use of cosmetic lenses can lead to serious eye health issues. Improper types of lenses and improper use and care can lead to significant risks including allergic reaction, infection, swelling of the cornea and blindness, even with short term use. Cosmetic lenses are sold in a variety of retail outlets and are gaining in popularity for Halloween costume use.

The COBC is recommending that consumers ensure that they consult a registered optician whenever they choose an eye product, whether it be contact lenses, eyeglasses or low vision aids. Registered opticians are trained to recommend and safely fit a range of devices to improve eyesight. An optician can also provide training on contact lens use and instruction on hygiene.

To find a registered optician in your area please visit www.cobc.ca/

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

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For more information, contact:
Nick Atkinson
Registrar, College of Opticians
(604) 278-7510

To visit a dispensary, contact:
Lutz Sprecher
Whalley Optical Centre
Suite #103 - 10706 King George Hwy, Surrey
(604) 581-1055

The College of Opticians of British Columbia applauds British Columbia’s New Prescription Release Regulations View Full Story Minimize

Posted: March 26, 2009 |

Vancouver March 27, 2009 -- As of March 1, 2009 a new regulation ensures all eye health professionals in British Columbia must offer every patient a copy of his or her prescription at the end of an eye health exam or sight test.
Vancouver March 27, 2009 -- As of March 1, 2009 a new regulation ensures all eye health professionals in British Columbia must offer every patient a copy of his or her prescription at the end of an eye health exam or sight test.

The new regulation requires that a copy of a prescription for eyeglasses be given to a patient free of charge and that the prescription not state or imply that only an optometrist can dispense eyeglasses. If contact lenses are fitted by an optometrist using the prescription information, a copy of the contact lens specifications must also be given to the patient free of charge.

Nick Atkinson, Registrar of the College of Opticians of BC (COBC), said “By giving British Columbians free access to their prescriptions, the government is expanding the range of eye care service options available to consumers while ensuring patient safety. I congratulate Minister Abbott for moving forward with this new regulation.

Kent Ashby the COBC board chair said, “I am encouraged by the government’s throne speech commitment to ensure health-care providers have the opportunity to utilize their full scope of training and expertise.”

Atkinson points out that the COBC has a duty under the Health Professions Act to promote and enhance the ability of its registrants to respond and adapt to changes in practice environments, advances in technology and other emerging issues.

The COBC is working with opticians and the BC government to continue enhancing access to quality eye health care professionals. Opticians in BC design and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses for the health and safety of British Columbians. Opticians have the education and training to use automated refractors for sight testing, to determine the power of corrective lenses needed by their clients. Sight tests only measure the refractive error of the person’s eyes not eye health. Eye health exams assess the medical health of a patient’s eyes and can only be performed by an optometrist, or by a medical doctor such as an ophthalmologist.

The COBC was established in 1994 and has a duty to serve and protect the public, as well as to exercise its powers and fulfill its responsibilities in the public interest. One of the main roles of self-regulating health professions is ensuring that comprehensive ongoing competency regimes are in place to ensure that members of the profession practice safely. You can find out more about the COBC and services and duties of registered opticians at www.cobc.ca by clicking on “public information.”

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Media Contact:
Nick Atkinson
Registrar
(604) 278-7510
natkinson@cobc.ca

News From the Opticians Council of Canada View Full Story Minimize

Posted: January 08, 2009 |

The OCC is committed to inform and educate the public and legislators about the role, skills and services Opticians provide. News From the Opticians Council of Canada (OCC)

The Opticians Council of Canada (OCC) is dedicated to ensuring Canadians obtain the best possible professional care, service and outcomes in the vision care field by promoting collaborative care models as a best practice in vision care. Established in 2001, the OCC is a partnership between Canadian Opticianry Associations, Regulatory Bodies and Educational Institutions.

The OCC serves as a forum for member organizations to collaborate on Canadian vision care issues that benefit the public of Canada. The OCC researches and evaluates new technologies and is committed to communicating important advancements in vision care practice to the public through public service announcements, messages and advertising nationally, provincially and at the community level. The OCC is committed to inform and educate the public and legislators about the role, skills and services Opticians provide.

Find Out More

ATTENTION CONSUMERS: Halloween View Full Story Minimize

Posted: December 03, 2008 |

It's that time of year again....Halloween...and with it comes the temptation to use wild and colourful contact lenses to complete your costume.
It's that time of year again....Halloween...and with it comes the temptation to use wild and colourful contact lenses to complete your costume.

Don't let your fun turn into a disaster. Improper wear and care of contact lenses can put your eye health in danger. It is important to use contact lenses under the supervision of an eye care professional.

Click here for a consumer warning from the National Coalition for Vision Health

York Region District School Board Announces Success of Markham School Readiness Project View Full Story Minimize

Posted: October 06, 2008 |

The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) will be joined by Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham MPP MichaelChan on Tuesday, September 30 at 9:30 a.m. at Wilclay Public School in Markham to celebrate the completion of its first school readiness screening project and the preliminary results. Monday, September 29, 2008 – Markham, ON – The York Region District School Board (YRDSB) will be joined by Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Markham MPP Michael Chan on Tuesday, September 30 at 9:30 a.m. at Wilclay Public School in Markham to celebrate the completion of its first school readiness screening project and the preliminary results.

Over 1,200 junior kindergarten and senior kindergarten children at 11 Markham area schools participated in a month-long screening of vision, oral health and nutrition to identify deficiencies or need for referrals to appropriate health professionals. A healthy start is part of school readiness affecting a child’s growth, development and self-esteem.

“Good health is vital to enable all children to learn to their full potential. On behalf of our school communities, we thank all the health professionals, regulatory colleges, local sponsors and Town of Markham officials who contributed to this program’s success,” said YRDSB Bill Hogarth, Director of Education.

“Vision is one of the most important of the five senses,” stated Caroline MacIsaac-Power, Registrar of the College of Opticians of Ontario. “Sight plays a crucial role throughout childhood and beyond. When a child’s vision suffers chances are schoolwork does too and with up to 25% of children tested demonstrating vision challenges, screening becomes a critical tool,” added MacIsaac-Power.

“Good oral health can affect a child’s eating and sleeping habits as well as impact social interaction,” stated Fran Richardson, Registrar of the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario. “We were delighted to have dental hygienists participating in this project and being able to identify children at need of referral to local dentists to deal with any signs of cavities and gum disease,” added Richardson.

Nutri-Step is a new and simple way to assess eating habits and identify nutrition problems. It is a parentadministered 17-item questionnaire identifying nutrition risk among children aged 3 to 5 years. “Childhood nutrition affects early childhood development, school readiness, academic performance and social wellbeing,” stated Mary Turfryer, lead nutritionist involved in the YRDSB project.

The YRDSB screening project is modeled on a successful and on-going program in the United Kingdom that has had a profound impact on improving academic performance, reducing smoking and bullying and a range of other behaviours. Wilclay Public School is located at 60 Wilclay Ave., east of Brimley Road, south of Denison St.

For more information contact: Ross Virgo, Public Affairs York Region District School Board, 905-727-0022 ext. 2380

Sponsors include:
York Region District School Board
Town of Markham
College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario
College of Opticians of Ontario
NutriSTEP
Kids Can Press
Magna International Inc.
Business Depot
Pine Valley Orchards
Transitions
The CG Group

ABDO's Qualification Recognized by Regulatory Authorities View Full Story Minimize

Posted: August 06, 2008 |

The regulatory authorities (QCA in England, DELLS in Wales and CEA in Northern Ireland) have accredited the ABDO Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing at level 6 on the National Qualifications Framework.
Released July 11, 2006

England- The regulatory authorities (QCA in England, DELLS in Wales and CEA in Northern Ireland) have accredited the ABDO Diploma in Ophthalmic Dispensing at level 6 on the National Qualifications Framework. This is equivalent to a Bachelors Degree with Honours or graduate certificates and graduate diplomas.

The decision announced on Tuesday 11th July comes after ABDO was recognised as an awarding body by QCA by the regulatory authorities just one year ago.

Commenting on the news ABDO's General Secretary Tony Garrett said "This is tremendous news for all ABDO members. At last they have official recognition of the value of their qualification. This has been a lengthy but well worth while wait and the Association is deeply grateful to both Mark Chandler, Head of Examinations at ABDO and Gordon Jones who has acted as our advisor, for so successfully overseeing this process."

For further enquiries please call Tony Garrett on 020 7298 5100.

Premier Campbell Applauds Labour Mobility View Full Story Minimize

Posted: August 06, 2008 |

A national agreement on labour mobility announced today by Canada’s premiers is an important step forward in ensuring all Canadians have the right to live and work anywhere in the country
QUÉBEC – A national agreement on labour mobility announced today by Canada’s premiers is an important step forward in ensuring all Canadians have the right to live and work anywhere in the country, said Premier Gordon Campbell. “I’m very pleased with the commitment of all premiers to move forward and work towards achieving full labour mobility across Canada,” said Premier Campbell. “British Columbia and Alberta have long been advocating for Canadians and their families to have the right of free movement across the country as an integral part of citizenship. Currently, B.C. and Alberta are the only jurisdictions where this right exists, and this agreement is a critical step in extending this right to all Canadians in all parts of Canada.”

At the Council of Federation meeting in Québec City, Québec, the premiers agreed to amend the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) by Jan. 1, 2009. These amendments will provide that any worker certified for an occupation by a regulatory authority of one province or territory shall be recognized as qualified to practice that occupation by all other provinces and territories. The premiers also directed that any exceptions to full labour-market mobility will have to be clearly identified and justified as necessary to meet a legitimate objective such as the protection of public health or safety. By the 2009 summer meeting of the Council of the Federation, these amendments will result in mutual recognition of occupational credentials between all provinces and territories.

B.C. and Alberta were the first jurisdictions in Canada to introduce full labour mobility under the Trade and Labour Mobility Agreement. TILMA creates a market of more than 7.7 million people and the nation’s second-largest economy. “Under the new amendments, individuals will be able to take full advantage of their talents and education by having the freedom to seek the best opportunities for themselves and their families where they exist,” said Premier Campbell. The premiers also announced an enhanced and effective dispute resolution mechanism to enforce AIT dispute panel recommendations for government-to-government disputes. Effective Jan. 1, 2009, the strengthened mechanism includes the use of monetary penalties to a maximum of $5 million. “The dispute resolution mechanism is an important part of ensuring full mobility, and gives weight to the shared commitment to labour mobility,” said Premier Campbell.

During the Council of Federation meeting, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced the province’s decision to join the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), which is creating a regional cap-and-trade system. The addition of Ontario means WCI partners now account for over 82 million people with a collective GDP of $3.6 trillion CAD. “The WCI now represents 73 per cent of Canada’s economy, and 20 per cent of the U.S. economy. Ontario’s engagement in this partnership demonstrates their commitment to combating climate change and their recognition of the role regional partnerships will play in that,” said Premier Campbell.

Premiers push trade issues, sign off on labour mobility deal View Full Story Minimize

Posted: August 06, 2008 |

As premiers and territorial leaders reached a deal on trade and labour mobility across Canada Thursday, they also expressed worries about the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
QUEBEC - As premiers and territorial leaders reached a deal on trade and labour mobility across Canada Thursday, they also expressed worries about the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement. "We feel it's very important as provinces and territories to do our share to nurture this relationship (NAFTA) and defend what is the most important trade relationship in the world," Quebec Premier Jean Charest said on the behalf of his counterparts. "There is a shared concern about the future of NAFTA and we feel the federal government needs to be very vigilant in defending NAFTA and making it very clear that if Americans choose to question this trade agreement everything will be on the table," he added.

Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama has said he might want to renegotiate NAFTA if he is elected to the White House. Premiers spent the day talking about trade and labour at the Council of the Federation meeting in Quebec City Thursday. They inked a deal to remove labour mobility barriers across Canada, beginning next year.

The agreement means workers trained in one province will be able to do that same job in any other province. "We believe working people and their families want to have a situation where they do not have to go through 13 separate accreditation processes, but rather one accreditation process," Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said at a news conference. "We believe that a nurse is a nurse, a teacher is a teacher, a welder is a welder," he added.

Charest said it is important for professional qualifications to be recognized across the country as provinces face worker shortages. "There are serious mobility constraints in about 25 per cent of jobs in Canada, so our task is to smooth away those last difficulties to create the most stimulating market," said Charest, who hosted the meeting. The provinces expect full labour mobility to be effective on April 1, 2009, but will still have to work out how to harmonize professional credentials between provinces at a future meeting. Certain professions will be exempted and provincial labour ministers are to meet at a later date to develop a list of the exempted professions. It could, for instance, include pharmacists, who are allowed to write prescriptions in Alberta -- but not in other provinces. "We're very pleased with the significant progress we made this morning on labour mobility," said Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach. "This is a bold step forward." Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said the agreement makes the country more competitive. "I'm not worried about Alberta and B.C., I'm worried about China, India, the U.S. and Europe," he said. "Also I've got 100,000 jobs in Ontario that I can't fill."

But labour officials from Canada, who are also meeting in Quebec City this week, don't see any silver lining in this deal. "This is not the most pressing issue facing Canadians," said Jim Sinclair of the B.C. Federation of Labour. "They are worried about the fact they can't afford to put gas in their car and where is the premiers' response to that problem?" he added. The provinces will amend the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) by Jan. 1, 2009. The premiers will harmonize the different provincial requirements for job credentials at their next meeting, in August, 2009. Also on the trade front, Charest stressed that the premiers fully support the conclusion of a Canada-European Transatlantic Accord, to be discussed between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and French president Nicolas Sarkozy this fall.

The premiers also pressed the federal government to commit more financial resources to reduce the visa backlog at the Immigration Department in Ottawa. There are currently more than 900,000 pending requests and the provinces want to bring the figure down to 200,000 by 2011. Also on Thursday, the premiers approved a new mechanism to resolve internal trade disputes that will include an enforcement tool. The old dispute system is based on the consensus of the parties and contains no binding settlement mechanism or penalties. "The former mechanism was weak, anemic and without effects," said Charest. The new formula also provides for penalties of up to $5 million for failure to comply with the terms of the agreement. The dispute mechanism will be implemented as of Jan. 1, 2009. Labour federations voiced their own concerns about the new mechanism and said they fear it could open the door for corporations that might want to challenge a province's laws if they are deemed a barrier to trade. But the premiers stressed this new mechanism isn't a tribunal but a panel made of a representative of the province complaining and of the default province, as well as a third party member chosen by both parties.

Japan Is Preparing To Legislate the Sale of Cosmetic Contact Lenses as a Result in Many Cases of Eye Infections View Full Story Minimize

Posted: August 06, 2008 |

In Japan, as in France and in other European countries, the cosmetic contact lenses are not considered medical devices. Their distribution are not regulated, they are particularly sold in cosmetic stores and on the internet.
Released July 22, 2008

JAPAN - In Japan, as in France and in other European countries, the cosmetic contact lenses are not considered medical devices. Their distribution are not regulated, they are particularly sold in cosmetic stores and on the internet.

Following a series of eye damage observed among the young users, many in Japan, Tokyo has decided to legislate the sale of these products before the end of this year.

A study carried out by the Japanese Ministry of Industry reported 170 cases of eye infections contracted these last two years, some had generated hospitalizations, or even loss of vision. "The current laws assume that the cosmetic lenses are manufactured by the same companies that manufacture the corrective lenses, whose sale is regulated. But this is not the case. Many of them, cheap, come from South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, and are not subject to any control. More than 30 of 170 cases of injuries have been caused by flaws on the quality; including a leak '' of the color of lenses" the report says.

To address this phenomenon, which in Japan a true public health problem, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Industry have decided to integrate, this year, the cosmetic contact lenses cosmetics in the class of medical devices.

In the West, the European Union could also change its laws. The European Commission proposes extending the scope of the guidelines relating to medical devices, and to include, among others, the lenses of contact cosmetics. The European Commission organized in this sense a wide public consultation, asking the stakeholders concerned if such a regulation would be "necessary to ensure full and complete protection of public health.

The South Australia crossed the threshold last year. Following an incident occurred in New-Zealand (a young man has lost sight by wearing lenses plan during three consecutive days), the country decided to ban the sale of lentils cosmetics by traders not professionals of the vision.

New findings on contact lens-related microbial keratitis View Full Story Minimize

Posted: August 06, 2008 |

Two papers available online ahead of publication in the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s journal Ophthalmology report new findings on the incidence of microbial keratitis (MK) in contact lens wearers and risk factors for the disease.
Released July 10, 2008

Two papers available online ahead of publication in the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s journal Ophthalmology report new findings on the incidence of microbial keratitis (MK) in contact lens wearers and risk factors for the disease.

Dart and co-workers describe a 2-year prospective case-control study to assess the relative risks of microbial keratitis for contemporary contact lens types and wearing schedules. Cases were 367 contact lens wearers attending Moorfields Eye Hospital with proven or presumed MK.

Compared with planned replacement soft lenses, the relative risk of MK was significantly increased with daily disposable lenses and differed between different brands of daily disposable lens, was reduced for rigid lenses and no different for silicone hydrogel or other types of soft lens. Although the risk of MK was higher overall among daily disposable lens users, the risk of vision loss was less than for planned replacement soft contact lens users. The relative risk for overnight wear, for any lens type, was 5.4 times higher.

In a companion paper to be published in the same issue, Stapleton and co-workers describe a prospective population-based surveillance study to establish the absolute risk of contact lens-related MK, the incidence of vision loss and risk factors for the disease. They identified 285 new cases presenting in Australia over a 12-month period.

In this study, incidence estimates for soft lens use were similar to those previously reported. New lens types had not reduced the incidence of disease. The annualized incidence per 10,000 wearers was 1.9 in daily wear soft lens wearers, 2.0 in daily disposable lens wearers and 11.9 in daily wear silicone hydrogel wearers. Among daily wearers, after controlling for other risk factors, use of silicone hydrogel contact lenses had a higher but not statistically higher risk of infection than use of hydrogel contact lenses. Overnight use of any lens was associated with a higher risk than daily use. Loss of vision occurred in 0.6 per 10,000 wearers. Risk factors included overnight use, poor storage case hygiene, smoking, internet purchase of lenses, <6 months’ wear experience, and higher socioeconomic class.

The risk associated with internet/mail order purchase of lenses was 4.76 times higher than when lenses were bought from an optometrist.

These authors point out that the risk of developing severe MK is greater for planned replacement soft lenses than with daily disposables. An unexpected finding in both studies was that, for a majority of MK cases (moderate and mild), there was either no difference between daily disposable and planned replacement soft lenses (Australian study) or a greater risk (UK study).

Click here to access the abstract and full text of the Dart et al paper and click here for the Stapleton et al paper.

The College of Optometrists of Ontario and Iris The Visual Group Agree to End Legal and Disciplinary Actions View Full Story Minimize

Posted: August 06, 2008 |

The College of Optometrists of Ontario and IRIS The Visual Group announced they have agreed to withdraw their respective legal and disciplinary actions against one another over issues related to alleged professional misconduct and unfair restrictions on rights to freedom of association and expression.
Released May 26, 2008)

TORONTO – Today, the College of Optometrists of Ontario and IRIS The Visual Group announced they have agreed to withdraw their respective legal and disciplinary actions against one another over issues related to alleged professional misconduct and unfair restrictions on rights to freedom of association and expression. In coming to this agreement, both parties acknowledge little would be gained by further litigation, and efforts should be focused on developing new appropriate regulations.

The College first filed disciplinary and court proceedings against IRIS in July 2007 over concerns that the company’s business practices violated College regulations as they relate to signage, advertising and alliances with non-optometrists. In response, IRIS, which actively uses trade names across Canada and encourages an open model of collaboration between optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists, filed a legal challenge against the College under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms over issues of freedom of expression and association.

“The College recognizes the need to update certain regulations, as many of them were made at a time when the eye care industry was vastly different than what it is today,” said Dr. Murray Turnour, Registrar of the College. “The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care is currently considering amendments proposed by the College to some of the provisions that were the subject of the various legal actions. We see no reason to invest resources litigating regulations that we want changed. The College intends to ensure that the Charter rights of optometrists are respected while providing for appropriate public protection.”

“We are pleased to see this litigation come to an end, as we stand to win much more by working collaboratively” said Dr. Francis Jean, president and CEO of IRIS The Visual Group. “In our view, the current proposed amendments, while a step in the right direction, still contravene the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are in need of further revision. IRIS aims to re-focus our efforts towards modernizing the current regulations so optometrists in Ontario can practice in a competitive marketplace, all while continuing to deliver the highest standard of patient care.”

The College agreed to ask a panel of the Discipline Committee to dismiss allegations of professional misconduct against four IRIS doctors and to withdraw a court action that it had initiated against Iris. IRIS agreed to withdraw its legal challenge to certain regulations under the Optometry Act that the College was attempting to enforce.

About the College of Optometrists of Ontario

The College registers and governs optometrists practicing in Ontario. It has legislated responsibility to administer the Optometry Act and the Regulated Health Professions Act as it relates to the practice of optometry.

About Iris the Visual Group

From its early beginnings in 1986 as a small optometric practice in Baie-Comeau on Quebec’s remote North Shore, Iris The Visual Group has become Canada’s largest eye care provider with a network of more than 500 opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists working together to provide the highest quality products and professional services within the eye care industry.

A privately-owned corporation with more than 150 eye care centres across Canada, Iris offers options for optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists to become partners, owners, and franchisees within its network. For more information, please visit www.iris.ca.

For more information please contact:

College of Optometrists of Ontario
(416) 962-4071 Toll Free: 1-888-825-2554

IRIS The Visual Group
Dr. Daryan Angle
Vice President of Professional Relations
519.888.1785
daryan.angle@iris.ca

Internet Supply of Contact Lenses View Full Story Minimize

Posted: August 06, 2008 |

The College of Opticians of British Columbia (COBC) is disappointed in the court’s decision by Judge Madame Justice Griffin, which denied the injunction to prevent the online sale of prescription contact lenses by unqualified persons.
Released May 17, 2008

VANCOUVER - The College of Opticians of British Columbia (COBC) is disappointed in the court’s decision by Judge Madame Justice Griffin, which denied the injunction to prevent the online sale of prescription contact lenses by unqualified persons.

Madam Justice Griffin’s ruling found simply selling prescription contact lenses is permissible by anyone (even in the absence of a written prescription). She found only when the seller intended to fit the lenses was it necessary that, in that circumstance only, they be fitted and dispensed by a contact lens fitter.

The Court also held that for refills of prescriptions, no fitting was necessary. This standard would appear to differ from that applicable to in-person sales in British Columbia. The COBC believes the same rules and standards should apply for the purchase of new or refill contacts lenses whether purchased in person or over the internet.

While the COBC respects the Court’s ruling, we believe that it reflects a misinterpretation of the Opticians Regulation. The COBC believes that the purchase of prescription contact lens online, whether for replacement lenses or otherwise, without the appropriate involvement, either directly or by way of supervision, of a qualified contact lens fitter, poses the potential for a risk of harm. This was demonstrated in the case, where, two online orders were entered wrong by the client but the contact lenses were still dispensed.

In fulfilling its mandate, as set out in the Health Professions Act, to serve and protect the public, the COBC feels it has an obligation to warn the public of dangers it perceives from filling or refilling their contact lens prescription over the internet.

The purchase of contact lenses does carry risks such as permanent harm to a clients eyes, which is why their sale is regulated in British Columbia and is not available over-the-counter anywhere in Canada.

The COBC will take time to review the ruling to understand its wider implications and an appeal is likely. Further, the COBC may recommend to the government a change to the Opticians Regulation, if it believes such to be in the public’s interest.

For more information, contact:
Nick Atkinson
Registrar, College of Opticians of BC
604-278-7510 ext. 22

College of Opticians Seeks Injunction to Prevent Illegal Contact Lens Sales View Full Story Minimize

Posted: August 06, 2008 |

The College of Opticians of British Columbia has petitioned the Supreme Court of British Columbia for an injunction to prevent the internet sale of contact lenses by two affiliated companies, operating in British Columbia as Coastal Contacts Inc. and Clearly Contacts Ltd.
Released September 4, 2007

VANCOUVER – The College of Opticians of British Columbia has petitioned the Supreme Court of British Columbia for an injunction to prevent the internet sale of contact lenses by two affiliated companies, operating in British Columbia as Coastal Contacts Inc. and Clearly Contacts Ltd.

Under the laws of British Columbia, prescription contact lenses may only be fitted, dispensed and otherwise furnished to members of the public by a qualified eye care professional. By requiring a contact lens prescription and the involvement of an optician who is also a certified contact lens fitter, and who must perform in accordance with the Professional Standards of Practice of the College, the public is assured that a professional will determine a person’s suitability for the particular contact lenses by fitting them and then dispensing them and providing any necessary advice and follow-up. Prescription contact lenses are under no circumstances to be supplied to members of the public as if they were merely equivalent to an “over the counter” device.

Coastal Contacts Inc. and Clearly Contacts Ltd. are in the business of selling, dispensing or otherwise furnishing prescription contact lenses to members of the public in British Columbia by placing or taking orders for prescription contact lenses by or from members of the public via telephone, fax or internet communication and by delivery of the prescription contact lenses directly to members of the public in British Columbia, usually by mail. Contrary to the legal requirements, no contact lens prescription, either original or copy, is required to be provided, and no optician, or other eye care professional, and no certified contact lens fitter directs, controls, fills prescriptions, fits, dispenses or is otherwise engaged in the selling, dispensing or furnishing of the prescription contact lenses delivered by these companies.

The College is seeking an injunction to restrain Coastal Contacts Inc. and Clearly Contacts Ltd. from continuing contravention of the laws of British Columbia.

The College again takes this opportunity to caution the public about purchasing contact lenses over the internet in general. Contact lenses, which are placed directly on the tissue of the eye, must be properly fitted by a qualified and registered professional. Poorly fitted and maintained contact lenses can cause abrasions, ulcerations, infections and potential loss of eye sight.

For more information, contact:
Nick Atkinson
Registrar, College of Opticians of BC
604-278-7510 ext. 22