May 1, 2010
New BC Opticians Regulation came into force on May 1, 2010. CLICK HERE to view the new Regulations.
April 22, 2010
Frequently Asked Questions - Click here for answers to the questions we have received on the new Opticians Regulation.
April 22, 2010
Update on OAC/OBC activity re: B.C. Opticians Regulation. Since the announcement by the B.C. Minister of Health about the opticians' regulation that is poised to be implemented on May 1st, the OAC and the OBC have spent considerable time listening to the concerns of our members. READ MORE
March 31, 2010
Hear B.C. Minister Kevin Falcon’s Radio Interview on the New B.C. Opticians’ Regulation. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
March 27, 2010
Vancouver Sun, Letter to the Editor, 3-Apr-2010
The BC Association of Optometrists has mischaracterized the announced regulation of sight testing Opticians. Under the new regime, regulated Opticians who have received specialized training will be allowed to conduct automated refractions. When the Competition Bureau of Canada examined optometry and the overlapping scope of practice of eye care professionals, it singled out the BC proposed regime, noting it included a detailed screening process that carefully distinguishes between individuals with high and low risks for significant eye problems and establishes strict guidelines for eligibility. Regulating sight testing by Opticians means our clients can be assured of more opportunities to access the highest standard of service in vision care.
Sara Moshurchak
President
Opticians of British Columbia
Vancouver Sun, Page A05, 27-Mar-2010
Deregulation puts patients at risk for undetected eye diseases: optometrists
March 25, 2010
This past week British Columbia health Minister Kevin Falcon announced new regulations that increase the scope of practice of licensed opticians and at the same time broaden the choice available to consumers wishing to buy eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Opticians continue to be regulated under the reserved titles of “optician”, “dispensing optician”, and “contact lens fitter”. Others cannot use these designations. These titles assure the public that licensed opticians as regulated vision care professionals, work to exact standards and precision, and are trained in the latest technologies. Licensed opticians provide the highest standard of care and most importantly accountability.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
October 23, 2009
Reasons Why Only Regulated Professionals Should Provide Cosmetic Contact Lenses... CLICK HERE to read more.
January 22, 2009
OBC: Opticians of British Columbia Submits Comments to Ministry of Health on Proposed Regulations to Govern Optometry Under the Health Professions Act. Click here to read more
January 5, 2009
Breaking News: The College of Opticians of British Columbia (COBC) announces that Raheem Savja and Dieter Saxer have been elected to the COBC Board both representing District 1.
Both Raheem Savja and Dieter Saxer's terms of office are January 5, 2009 to December 31, 2011.
The OBC congratulates both new Board members.
December 4, 2008
OBC Mailer - VOTE NOW! This is the one time of the year when you have an opportunity to influence your profession. VOTE NOW for candidates who see the future and want to do something to make things happen.
December 3, 2008
OBC Flyer - OBC: Opticians of British Columbia working for YOU!
The OBC was started by a group of passionate opticians who just wanted to give opticians the leadership and education they deserved. It's time to start thinking about renewal of membership in your provincial association.... CLICK HERE for more information.
October 29, 2008
Disciplinary hearing for optician - Great Glasses founder faces allegations of professional misconduct
Hamilton Spectator - Hamilton,ON,Canada
A Dundas optician's cross-examination of a former customer during a disciplinary hearing yesterday inadvertently raised the possibility that at least one Great Glasses store was engaged in questionable insurance claim practices.... READ MORE
October 29, 2008
Company sets sights on total eye care
London Free Press - Canada
In a blink, London has become part of the latest eye- care trend.
Iris, the Visual Group -- the largest eye-care provider in Canada -- has opened a clinic in southwest London that employs optometrists, opticians and opthalmologists.... READ MORE
October 14, 2008Court rejects Great Glasses appeal bid.
Panel upholds contempt fine of at least $34m.
http://www.thespec.com/News/Local/article/448936
October 2, 2008
York Region District School Board Announces Success of Markham School Readiness Project
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.... For more information, CLICK HERE
July 16th, 2008
NEWS ALERT - New findings on contact lens-related microbial keratitis - For more information, CLICK HERE
March 18th, 2008
Regulation of Non-Correction, Cosmetic Contact Lenses Approved in Parliament - The Opticians Association of Canada announces the following motion to regulate, which was passed in the House of Commons in Ottawa on March 10, 2008. This motion affects the sale of non-corrective cosmetic contact lenses. For more information, CLICK HERE.
CLICK HERE to view the Cosmetic Contact Lens Fact Sheet.
January 14th, 2008
Lucentis - A Treatment That Is Sight-Saving For Many People With Wet AMD
CNIB has launched a campaign regarding access to a new treatment for Age Related Macular Degeneration.
For more information, CLICK HERE
December 11, 2007
The Competition Bureau Study of the Regulated Professions was released on December 11, 2007. Of particular interest to Opticians is its review of Optometry and of restrictions that prevent Opticians from providing refraction services. The British Columbia Opticians Regulation is noted prominently in this report.
To read the full report CLICK HERE.
November 30, 2007 - What We Heard: British Columbians on Health
Ministry of Health, For Immediate Release
VICTORIA - The Province has released a summary of the input received from thousands of British Columbians during the year-long Conversation on Health. These comments, ideas and suggestions will assist government in making decisions about the next steps towards renewal and sustainability of the public health system. CLICK HERE to read more
Sight Testing: Why Are Optometrists Upset Over the Proposed Amendment to the Opticians Regulation? The issue of sight testing by Opticians is part of a long line of "scope of practice" issues that occur among a wide variety of health care practitioners.... CLICK HERE to read more
September 04, 2007-- News Release-- 'College of Opticians of BC Seeks Injunction to Prevent Illegal Contact Lens Sales'- CLICK HERE to read release issued by the COBC
March 6, 2007 - Recall of ReNu MultiPlus Contact Lens Solution
Health Canada is warning consumers to avoid using certain lots of ReNu MultiPlus contact lens solution, saying the product that was recalled internationally last week could cause serious eye injury.
Bausch and Lomb on March 6 issued a recall of the solution, which is used to store and clean soft contact lenses. The recall involved ReNu MultiPlus Club Packs and ReNu MultiPlus Vision Packs, in lots GC6038 and GC6052.
Click here to see the full article on cbc.ca
When should adults see an eye doctor?
Taken from the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, Appendix 1 - Patient Information Sheet.
Optometrists recommend that adults have an eye exam every 2 years. However, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society recommends that "Healthy adults who do not notice anything wrong with their eyes should see an eye doctor according to this schedule:
Age 19 - 40: at least every 10 years
Age 41 - 55: at least every 5 years
Age 56 - 65: at least every 3 years
Over age 65: at least every 2 years"
Copy of Canadian Ophthalmological Society, Appendix 1 - Patient Information Sheet.
Summary of the COS position paper.
Incumbent re-elected COBC Board Member
The OBC: Opticians of British Columbia would like to congratulate OBC Member John Kerns as the District 3 (Okanagan/Kootenays) representative.
January 23, 2007 - New Zealand: a man loses his sight after using cosmetic contact lenses, the Minister of Health reacts
In New Zealand, a 24 year-old man lost his eyesight after having worn cosmetic contact lenses for three consecutive days... CLICK HERE to read more