THE OPTICIANS EYE VIEW
Report
FOUR THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW IF
YOU’RE AN OPTICIAN IN CANADA
I. STANDARDS OF
PRACTICE FOR OPTICIANS
ARE CHANGING
The College of Opticians of Ontario
has proposed new standards of practice for Opticians in that jurisdiction.
Right now they are requesting input
from stakeholders regarding possible amendments.
Opticians from Ontario need to
understand that this could be one
of the biggest single events to affect
opticians and their profession since
regulation began. Opticians from all
across Canada should also be aware
of these standards as there is always
a likelihood that they could act as a
standard for other jurisdictions.
The proposed standards are posted
to the COO website and there is a
process for your direct comments.
The OAC will be meeting with the
COO to discuss the standards and
their possible effects on the profession. Members of the OAC are
encouraged to call or email either
the OAC or COO office to have ‘your
say’ or to get further information.
II. INTERNET BUSINESS
MODELS WILL BE
CHANGING
It is the opinion of the OAC that, in
part, due to eye care provider influence, Internet eyewear companies
36 www.spineoptics.com
are beginning to see the light when
it comes to compliance and delivery
of vision care in Canada. We are
suggesting that 2015 will see the
emergence of regulatory compliant
internet models, inclusive of the
ECP, that have guaranteed positive
patient outcomes. Like online pharmaceutical companies, soon, online
eyewear companies will have certification made available to them.
This certification will be dependent
on regulatory compliance. Best in
class models will become more
prevalent and supported by vision
care consumers interested in the
guaranteed outcomes provided by
Optician’s services. All that to say,
Opticians will have the opportunity
to become more active in the online
delivery of vision care and we will
do it the right way.
III. MAXIMIZE YOUR
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
OPPORTUNITIES
The Opticians Association of Canada is a leading provider of
continued education for Opticians.
In our efforts to provide our members with easy to access online education we are launching a video/
webinar portal. Members will soon
have access 24/7 to video presentations designed to complement their
learning objectives. Whether its
portfolio development for our
Ontario members or specialty
training for other jurisdictions,
the OAC is committed to providing
education the way you want it. No
exams and no leaving your house
The portal is designed to intelligently log your session to ensure our
Opticians are engaged in the learning. From the comfort of your living
room or at the office, tune in to
watch a seminar and get credits.
IV. THE OPTICIANS
ASSOCIATION WILL
CONTINUE TO SUPPORT
OPTICIANS IN CANADA
The OAC has been integrally involved
in the affairs of the profession for 25
years. We have seen many changes
and have been in the forefront of
promoting Opticians and their
businesses. Our board of directors
consists of all Opticians. They come
from across the country and work in
many business models. The main
thing that brings them together is
their passion for the delivery of
vision care. Opticians representing
Opticians. The OAC will always
place the Licensed Opticians interest above all else …after all that’s our
mandate. Please join your fellow
professionals. Call us at
1-800-847-3155 or join online,
www.opticians.ca.