Patient FAQs
Eye Exams & Vision Care
What happens at an eye exam depends a little on your age, abilities and general health. At most exams, the optometrist will note your health history, specifically related to eyes and vision, and will examine your eyes for any diseases or abnormalities. The optometrist will examine the way your eyes adjust to focus from near to far. The optometrist will also measure how sharp your vision is and if your eyes properly focus light – these things tell the optometrist if you are nearsighted or farsighted and how you measure up to 20/20 vision.
A prescription for both glasses and contact lenses must include:
- the prescriber’s name, practice address, telephone number and signature,
- your name,
- the date of the eye exam,
- the expiry date; and
- Information that is used by a regulated professional to dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses or a subnormal vision device that will provide the required vision correction for the patient.
A prescription will also include the power of each lens based on your specific condition: nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), blurred vision (astigmatism), or age-related need for reading glasses (presbyopia) – and may include additional information, such as magnifying power.
Contact lens prescriptions may also include information about a specific brand, material, size, or curvature of the lens depending on what you find most comfortable or is best suited to your condition.
Pupillary distance (PD) is the distance between your pupils. It is one of the many measurements taken when glasses are being made and helps make sure your lenses are properly centered in the frames. PD is not typically measured at the time of an eye exam and may not always be a part of a prescription.
An optometrist is a primary care provider who diagnoses, treats, and manages conditions related to your eyes and vision. An optometrist can prescribe glasses and contacts, as well as drugs and treatments for certain eye conditions.
An ophthalmologist is a physician who has received additional specialized training in surgery, as well as diagnosing and treating eye diseases. Patients are usually referred to an ophthalmologist by their optometrist.
An optician is a professional who fits and adjusts eyeglasses, contact lenses or subnormal vision devices based on a prescription provided by an optometrist or physician.
Eye exams are not covered by OHIP for most adults between 20-64 years old.
For some patients (19 years and younger, 65 years and older, or those with specific medical conditions) OHIP covers a standard eye exam.
If your optometrist recommends testing that is not covered by OHIP, they will:
- inform you of any test before it happens;
- explain why the test is needed in your situation;
- outline any additional fees and explain what they are for;
- discuss the benefits (or risks, if any) associated with the test; and
- obtain your consent to perform the test.
Yes. Additional testing and screening is not a condition of receiving the standard, OHIP-insured eye exam.
Drops are not always used but can be part of many eye exams. There are different kinds of eye drops that may be used depending on your needs.
The most common drops are used to dilate your pupils, which helps the optometrist better see the inside of your eye. These drops can leave your eyes a little blurry and sensitive to light for a few hours, so you may not be able to drive immediately after this procedure.
Other drops are used to relax the focus of your eyes, which helps the optometrist take certain measurements. These drops are generally used in children and young adults and can also make the eyes blurry and sensitive to light.
Some drops are used to numb the eye and are used when the optometrist needs to touch your eye with an instrument.
Finally, some drops contain a dye that helps the optometrist see abnormalities on the surface of the eye.
Although it’s unpleasant, the air-puff test is one of several tests that can be used to measure eye pressure - an important part of an eye exam that helps the optometrist determine your risk of developing glaucoma. If you cannot manage this test, talk to your optometrist about other ways to measure your eye pressure.
Sometimes the strength of your contact lens prescription may be different from your glasses prescription because contact lenses fit closer to the eye.
Optometrists must provide patients with a copy of their glasses prescription once it is ready and the patient has paid all the fees. Contact lens prescriptions are available following a contact lens fitting, and once the patient has paid all of the fees. If you have health conditions that affect your prescription, your optometrist may not be able to provide a prescription until your vision stabilizes.
You can fill your prescription with any licensed dispenser, which includes optometrists and opticians.
Buying glasses and contacts over the internet can be an efficient and cost-effective solution for some individuals. Whether it is the right choice for you will depend on your prescription, since prescription eyewear is highly individualized.
Before you buy online, talk to your optometrist about your individual needs. People with complex prescriptions or specific conditions may find it hard to get a good fit online, which can result in glasses that don’t work or, in some cases, vision problems. We strongly encourage you to work with a licensed dispenser (optometrist/optician) to be sure you’re getting the best fit.
Yes! Your prescription can change over time thanks to aging and medical conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, and cataracts, among others. If your eyesight is likely to change, your optometrist may recommend that your prescription not be filled after a certain date.
Contact lenses come in a wide variety of designs, materials and sizes. A contact lens exam, which measures the shape of your eye and how moist your eyes are, helps find the best lenses for your vision needs and comfort.
A contact lens exam usually happens after a routine eye exam, when the optometrist knows your overall eye health and prescription needs.
Contact lens exams may require additional tests and may include a fitting fee.
Although cosmetic lenses are sold over the counter and do not correct vision problems, they can still cause vision problems, including irritation and infection, if not properly used and cleaned. Talk to your optometrist before using cosmetic lenses – they will be able to guide you on best materials, fit and cleaning routines.
Roles & Responsibilities
You should expect that the care you receive meets the standards set by the College of Optometrists. Your optometrist must have the needed skills, knowledge and judgment to practice in Ontario. You should expect care that is professional, provides you with the information you need to make decisions about your health care, and respects the confidentiality of your health information.
If you receive glasses or contact lenses, you should be informed of the cost prior to the service being provided.
The first thing you should do is speak with your optometrist. If you’re unable to get an explanation or are not satisfied with the solution, contact the College. We can answer your questions and talk you through the formal complaints process.
Both you and your optometrist have a role to play in ensuring the best eye care. Learn more in our Partnership in Vision Care.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care pays up to 75% of the cost of low-vision aids through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Low-vision aids include handheld and glasses-mounted magnifying aids; high-power glasses or lenses; light filtering lenses; and technology such as large-print computers and text-to-voice technology.
Registered authorizers determine if you are eligible for coverage under this program. Some optometrists are both registered authorizers and approved vendors, meaning you can receive your ADP funding and vision services in one place.
Council Elections FAQs
Elected Council members are expected to attend all Council meetings, which are generally held four times per year (March, June, September and December) at the College office in Toronto or virtually, when in person is not possible. Additional teleconferences may be called in between Council meetings as needed.
Council members will also be appointed to one or more committees, which hold meetings and teleconferences throughout the year. Depending on the committee, members can expect 7-14 days per year.
In addition, Council and committee members are expected to:
Understand and fulfill their role:
- demonstrate accountability through decision-making in the public interest;
- understand the division of roles and responsibilities of the Council or committee and staff;
- identify and address conflict of interest situations;
- recognize and respect confidential information obtained in the course of College activities as required by Section 36 of the RHPA;
- maintain constructive, collaborative and mutually respectful relations with Councillors, committee members and staff; and
- maintain good relationships with members, healthcare organizations, educational groups and other stakeholders.
Possess the necessary knowledge:
- acquire and apply knowledge of Council and committee policies and procedures including relevant legislation, College values and strategic direction;
- maintain knowledge of College functions and issues facing Council or the committees on which they participate;
- review all material in advance of Council and committee meetings;
- identify information needed to enhance Council and committee discussions and decision-making;
- communicate concerns to Council or the committees on which they participate;
- communicate Council or committee decisions and rationale to individuals and groups as requested by the College.
Effectively participate in decision-making:
- arrange their personal schedule to allow attendance at meetings;
- contribute constructively to Council and committee discussions and decision-making;
- maintain positive working relationships with Councillors, committee members, and College staff;
- identify and attempt to resolve concerns with the committee chairpersons;
- if the committee chairperson is unable to resolve the concern, address the concern to the College President;
- contribute to decision-making by identifying to the Chair relevant expertise or contacts;
- respect the specialized knowledge and expertise of other Council members, committee members and staff; and
- identify issues to be added to the Council or committee’s agenda in a timely and appropriate manner.
Optometrists must submit the self-nomination form no later than 30 days before the election.
Optometrists must reside and/or practice optometry in the district in which they are seeking election.
Members must be in good standing with the College to run in the election.
Full eligibility criteria are outlined in section 6.04 and 6.05 of the College by-laws.
Elections are generally called in the fall, no later than the end of November each year.
A call for self-nominations is made at least 60 days before the election date.
Elections take place in different districts in different years, and only members who are eligible to run in a particular election will be invited to submit nominations.
Nominees cannot send out information directly to other optometrists.
Nominees are asked to provide the College with a short biography that outlines their academic, practice and volunteer experience (250-word maximum).
The College will also ask each nominee to provide a statement (100 words or less) that sets out how they propose to ensure public protection if elected. These statements:
- should reflect an understanding of the College’s public-interest mandate and should not be an effort at advocacy or self-promotion;
- should not suggest that Council members represent optometrists in their district, as they actually represent the members of the public of their district; and
- will be reviewed. Nominees will be asked to revise any statement that is inappropriate.
Biographies and statements will be publicly available on the College website in advance of voting.
If you are interested in participating on a statutory committee, you can apply as a non-Council Committee member rather than running for a seat on Council.
Learn more about volunteering for a committee.
Member FAQs
Incorporation
No. The College does not provide legal or accounting advice. The College recommends that members consult a lawyer or accountant for advice regarding incorporation.
Only optometrists who are registered in Ontario and members of the College may be shareholders in an Optometry Professional Corporation (OPC). This applies both to voting and non-voting shares. Holding/numbered companies may not own or be shareholders in an OPC. Family members cannot be shareholders in an OPC, unless they are also optometrists and licensed in Ontario (NB: currently only dentists and physicians are allowed to have family members as shareholders in their professional corporations).
No. The corporation profile report does not need to be certified and may be obtained from the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. For additional assistance, contact the MGCS's Companies Branch Help Line at 416-314-8880 or toll-free at 1-800-361-3223 or online at www.mgs.gov.on.ca.
If all application requirements have been met, the processing time for both new and renewal certificates of authorization is approximately one to three weeks.
No. The effective date of the certificate will be the date a completed application is reviewed and approved by the College.
Yes. This is in accordance with Section 23(2)3. of the Health Professions Procedural Code. Accordingly, members are recommended to use their practice address as their Registered Corporate Address.
Submit your renewal application immediately with the appropriate payment, including late payment fee. If the College has not received a renewal application by the renewal date, it will issue a notice of revocation to the Optometry Professional Corporation, which gives the corporation 60 days to submit a completed renewal application. If the renewal application is not received or is incomplete by the imposed revocation date, the certificate of authorization will be revoked. No further extensions will be provided.
Upon amalgamation with another corporation, an optometry professional corporation ceases to exist as an entity separate from the newly amalgamated corporation, and its certificate of authorization becomes invalid on the date of amalgamation.
The amalgamated corporation must apply for and obtain a new certificate of authorization before it may practise as a professional corporation. The amalgamated corporation must meet all of the eligibility conditions and requirements for issuance of a certificate of authorization.
If changes, such as a name change, have been made to the corporation since incorporation or the last renewal and articles of amendment were filed with the Ministry, then a copy of the articles of amendment must be submitted with the renewal application. For renewal applications, do not submit the original articles of incorporation copies or originals of certificate of authorization originally sent by the College.
Yes. While the Business Corporation Act specifies how OPCs must be named, the choice of practice name is comparatively more flexible. Practice names must comply with advertising standards and may differ from the name of your OPC.
Yes, you can.
Yes, however optometrists must not provide optometric services (either diagnostic or dispensing) under an optical business with non-optometrist partners. Under the Optometry Act, optometrists are prohibited from sharing fees related to the practice of optometry with non-members (the only exception being physicians), therefore practising optometry within this type of arrangement is not allowed.
Optometrists wishing to practise with such a corporation must do so as independent contractors.
Reminder: The College does not provide legal or accounting advice to members. Questions such as this one should be directed to the appropriate professional for advice.
Independent Contractor
Optometrists are permitted to practise in a variety of settings, many of which require them to have a written Independent Contractor Agreement (“Agreement”) in place.
The circumstances in which members do NOT need to have an Agreement are the easiest to determine. You do not need an Agreement if you practise:
- on your own
- with another member of the College who is engaged in the practice of the profession
- with an Ontario-registered physician who is engaged in the practice of medicine
Ontario Regulation 119/94 also creates an exception so that optometrists who work in hospitals, government, or universities with others are NOT required to have Agreements.
Members practising in almost every other setting MUST have an Agreement in place, including but not limited to the following situations:
- Members who practise at an optical store, even if it is only once a week
- Members engaged in practice with corporations that coordinate mobile eye clinics
- Members engaged in practice with an optometrist, group of optometrists, or corporation owned by optometrists, where some or all of the optometrists are not licensed to practise in Ontario
- Members engaged in practice with an optometrist or a physician who is strictly acting as a manager and not seeing patients
- Members who are practising in association with a surgical centre (and are not employed by an ophthalmologist performing the surgeries)
The College recommends that members entering into Agreements include the following wording (taken from (O. Reg. 119/94 under the Optometry Act, subsection 4(5) in their contracts):
The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that the optometrist, ___________ (enter name):
a. shall control the professional services provided to a patient;
b. shall control who he or she may accept as a patient;
c. shall provide every patient or his or her authorized representative with a copy of his or her prescription;
d. shall set the fee charged or collected in respect of any professional service;
e. shall control the maintenance, custody and access to the records required to be kept in respect of the practice of the profession;
f. shall have access, along with his or her staff, to the premises where the member practises and to the books and records related to his or her practice, at any time of the day or night; and
g. shall ensure that any advertising relating to the professional services provided by the member meets the requirements set out in regulations made under the Act. O. Reg. 24/14, s. 1.
Agreements must include:
- Terms for reasonable rent for office space and equipment that is paid regularly and is not based on volume of business or fees generated by the optometrist
Agreements cannot include the following:
- Terms requiring the transfer of patient records to non-optometrists (i.e., opticians/corporations) upon termination of any agreement
- Terms that require sharing of fees (as fee sharing is expressly prohibited by the regulation)
- Terms whereby the optical/corporation controls the following:
- fees
- schedule/types of appointments
- vacation/days off
- attire
- how patients receive the copy of their prescriptions
- a requirement to disclose revenues/volume of business
The College does not have the capacity to approve members’ Agreements. The independent contractor provisions under the Optometry Act are not necessarily consistent with Canada Revenue Agency’s definition of “independent contractor,” nor were they intended to be. You should consult an accountant for advice on compliance with the CRA in that regard. This document is not intended to provide legal advice; members are encouraged to ask their own lawyers to review any Agreement prior to signing to ensure it is in compliance with the regulation.
Advertising & Receipts
Yes. Informational advertising respects patient choice and is permitted. However, advertised promotions must be truthful and verifiable and must not be misleading or presented in such a manner as to demean the integrity of the profession.
Yes and no. Because travel reward points (e.g., Air Miles) confer only a nominal benefit, they would represent an acceptable incentive that may be offered to patients. Conversely, an incentive involving a trip to Miami would surpass this threshold, constituting a benefit under the conflict-of-interest regulation, and may not be offered to patients.
No. Optometrists may not offer or confer benefits for the referral of patients. This does not apply to “benefits of a nominal value,” which means small items or rebates that are not worth more than a few dollars.
Receipts for spectacles should be itemized to include separate values for frames and lenses, for patient information and as a third-party payor (insurance company) would require. However, optometrists may charge retail pricing for spectacles and are free to set their own prices for frames and lenses.
Mandatory Prescription Release
A prescription for both glasses and contact lenses must include:
- the prescriber’s name, practice address, telephone number and signature,
- your name,
- the date of the eye exam,
- the expiry date; and
- Information that is used by a regulated professional to dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses or a subnormal vision device that will provide the required vision correction for the patient.
A prescription will also include the power of each lens based on your specific condition: nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), blurred vision (astigmatism), or age-related need for reading glasses (presbyopia) – and may include additional information, such as magnifying power.
Contact lens prescriptions may also include information about a specific brand, material, size, or curvature of the lens depending on what you find most comfortable or is best suited to your condition.
Pupillary distance (PD) is the distance between your pupils. It is one of the many measurements taken when glasses are being made and helps make sure your lenses are properly centered in the frames. PD is not typically measured at the time of an eye exam and may not always be a part of a prescription.
No. Because the patient visit didn’t involve refractive considerations, no prescription is indicated.
The patient should be given a copy of the prescription after a major (or comprehensive) eye exam and at interim visits whenever a refraction result suggests the prescription needs changing.
Appliance-specific information, including the specifications of contact lenses (or “contact lens prescription”), need only be given upon patient request. Once you’ve established that, in your clinical judgment, the contact lens fitting is complete and the fees related to it have been paid in full, you must release the specifications if the patient requests.
No. Although there might be a refractive result (either small or absent), you must write a prescription only where one is clinically indicated.
Yes, but not exclusively. Patients should leave your clinic in possession of their prescriptions. A prescription may be written or printed, and handed to the patient on paper. Alternatively, the prescription may be delivered electronically in PDF format to the patient’s smartphone or connected device, if receipt can be verified in office. Optical prescriptions should only be delivered electronically at the request or preference of patients.
Yes. A prescription must be given to the patient when two requirements are met:
- you have assessed the patient’s eyes; AND
- a prescription is clinically indicated for the patient
In this case you would have met both requirements because you conducted the exam and a prescription is clinically indicated for the patient, even if nothing has changed. Therefore, you must give the patient a copy of the prescription at the conclusion of the eye exam.
You should insist that the patient take the prescription. If they refuse to accept it, then keep the written, signed, and dated copy of the prescription in the patient’s record and let the patient know they can pick it up at any time. You should note in the record that the patient declined the prescription. You should explain to patients that you’re required to give them a copy of their prescription and that it’s in their interests to keep a copy for their records should they need it to replace broken, stolen, or lost glasses.
Practice Locations Reporting FAQs
1. Go to the Member Login on the College website.
2. Select ‘Membership Record’ from the main menu.
3. Select the ‘Practice Location’ tab.
4. Select ‘Add New Location’ at the bottom of the page.
5. Input the practice location details; click the save button once completed.
6. Complete for each practice location being reported.
You must report any practice location to the College within 14 days of the change.
Yes. All practice locations must be reported to the College, no matter how many days you practised there. This includes filling in for one day.
When inputting the location details, specify the start and end date for that practice.
The name and address of any active practice in which you are an owner, associate, employee, or independent contractor will be published on the public register.
An active practice is one for which no “End Date” has been provided.
Yes. The practice locations must be reported to the College; however, these locations will not be posted on the public register if an end date was specified. These will simply be noted on the College’s internal database for reference.
Please choose the appropriate field under “What is your primary practice setting at this practice site?” depending on where you practised.
You must notify the College that you provide home visits. However, specific home addresses are not to be reported to the College.
Yes. All practice locations, bricks-and-mortar and virtual, must be reported to the College. You must include the appropriate website and email address associated with your virtual clinic.
Mandatory Self-Reporting FAQs
Since January 17, 2015, the College by-laws have required optometrists to self-report and since May 1, 2018, it is now a requirement under provincial law. The information provided can alert the College to situations where an optometrist may not be practising safely. It also allows the College to take steps to protect the public and use innovative approaches to help rehabilitate the optometrist when necessary.
No. Since January 17, 2015, optometrists have been required to report such information. This obligation was part of changes made to College by-laws.
- Current registration with:
- another optometric regulatory body outside of Ontario;
- any other regulatory body in any jurisdiction.
- A finding of professional misconduct or incompetence from any other regulatory body in any jurisdiction.
- A finding of professional negligence or malpractice.
- Being charged with OR found guilty of any offence in any jurisdiction.
- Any bail conditions or release restrictions currently in place.
No. If you have previously reported a charge, or any of the other information required by the College, there is no need to resubmit it.
No. Optometrists are not required to report ticketable offences. A ticketable offence is any offence prosecuted under Parts I or II of the Provincial Offences Act, 1990. This includes speeding and parking tickets or failure to stop at a red light under the Highway Traffic Act, 1991, or consuming alcohol in a public place under the Liquor Licence Act, 1990.
Yes. Any charge between January 17, 2015 and May 1, 2018 must be reported. Though the legislation only introduced these self-reporting requirements as of May 1, 2018, the College by-laws have required optometrists to report this information to the College since January 17, 2015.
Yes. Optometrists are required to report all charges as well as findings of guilt.
Optometrists must report this information as soon as possible, but no longer than 30 days after the occurrence.
Failing to self-report or falsifying information is a serious matter. It could result in a referral to Discipline and a finding of professional misconduct, with a variety of penalties possible.
The College must post any charge for an offence under the Criminal Code or the Controlled Drug and Substances Act. For all other charges, only those that are deemed relevant to an optometrist’s suitability to practise will be posted on the College register. The College’s guidelines to determine relevance to suitability to practise can be found here.
Members can access the self-reporting form via the Member Login on the College website. The Member Login now features a main menu with options such as Membership Record, eLearning Module, and the new Self-Reporting Form.
Complaints FAQs
The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) tries to dispose of a complaint within 150 days of its receipt by the College.
The College strives to resolve all complaints within the 150-day period. However, certain cases brought before the ICRC are more complicated than others and may require a longer period of time to thoroughly investigate the concerns raised and resolve it in a manner that best protects the public interest.
The ICRC panel may be able to come to a decision at its first meeting or may need further information from the complainant or from the optometrist. More than one ICRC panel meeting may be needed to reach a decision.
The complainant and the optometrist involved will be notified of any delay, the reasons for the delay and the expected date of the panel’s decision.
Should that delay exceed 210 days, the College is required to provide the parties to the complaint and the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB) with notice of the delay and the reasons for it. HPARB can then: (i) direct the panel of the ICRC to continue to investigate the complaint; (ii) make recommendations to the ICRC or (iii) initiate its own investigation into the matter.
The complainant and the optometrist are not charged for the costs associated with processing and disposing of the complaint. Similarly, the College does not reimburse the complainant or the optometrist for costs they incur while responding to the complaint.
No. As part of our public protection mandate, the College is committed to enhancing transparency.
The objective of transparency is to ensure that Ontarians have access to relevant, timely, useful, and accurate information about their health care providers, which will enhance their ability to make informed decisions about their health care. Therefore, more information about optometrists is now available to the public. This includes the outcomes of the investigations that the ICRC assesses as moderate to high risk to the public (such as cautions, specified continuing education and remedial programs, and undertakings) for all complaints received by the College on or after January 1, 2017.
The ICRC is required to consider all available prior complaint and report decisions involving the optometrist who receives a new complaint or report. The optometrist is given an opportunity to comment on these prior decisions (if there are any). Information about prior decisions is not disclosed to the complainant.
The ICRC does not initiate a complaints investigation in cases where the complainant is anonymous. However, if the Registrar becomes aware of information involving an optometrist that gives the Registrar reasonable and probable grounds to believe that the optometrist has committed professional misconduct or is incompetent, the Registrar may initiate an investigation, with the ICRC’s approval.
No. In accordance with Section 36(3) of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, no report or decision of a proceeding under that act or any other health professions act or the Drug and Pharmacies Regulations Act is admissible in a civil proceeding.
If a complainant or the optometrist believes that the ICRC panel’s investigation was inadequate or the decision was unreasonable, they may request a review by the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB), an independent government agency. Appeals are available except in cases where the ICRC panel referred the matter to the Discipline Committee or Fitness to Practice Committee.
General Registration FAQs
Applications for registration are open for a maximum of two years from the date they are received by the College. Most applicants are able to complete the application process and become registered with the College in less than one year.
Applications for registration are valid for a maximum of two years (24 months) from the date the application is received by the College. The two-year application period automatically ends when you have successfully completed the requirements for registration. The two-year timeline is provided only to give applicants adequate time to complete the registration requirements, not to allow successful applicants to delay the date they register. It is important to note that, regardless of the two-year application period, the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence Examination must be successfully completed within 12 months of applying for registration.
A notarized copy of a document or photograph is one that has been reviewed by a Notary Public who has stamped the copy or photograph with his/her seal and then signed and dated it. A notarized copy is a legal copy of your original document.
Applicants who are registered to practise in another Canadian jurisdiction must submit a Certificate of Standing/Letter of Good Standing. It may be submitted at any time during the application process, unless the applicant is applying under labour mobility provisions, in which case it must be submitted either with the application or shortly thereafter. However, it must be dated within six months of the applicant becoming registered. If you take more than six months to become registered after submitting a Certificate of Standing/Letter of Good Standing, an updated Certificate of Standing/Letter of Good Standing will be required to complete your application.
No. A Certificate of Standing/Letter of Good Standing must be sent to the College directly from the issuing body (the regulator) and must be dated no more than six months before your Certificate of Registration is issued and activated
You may apply for your billing number after your Certificate of Registration is issued and activated.
For applicants who graduated from optometry programs accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), the onus is on the applicant to ensure that the ACOE program is a fully accredited optometry program by contacting ACOE directly. Programs with a preliminary or conditional accreditation are not acceptable for registration with the College.
If the Registration Committee implements a new policy that affects applicants for registration, an individual who has already submitted an application for registration will be informed of the change and would generally be permitted to complete their application under the policies that were in effect at the time their application was submitted, or under the new policies, whichever is least onerous. However, if there is a change to the Registration Regulation that affects applicants for registration, it will apply to all applicants regardless when they submitted their application form.
No. After completing the registration requirements, you will need to complete various administrative tasks such as filling out College forms and sourcing professional liability insurance, which is a requirement of our by-laws. A variety of insurance companies sell this insurance. The OAO also offers a professional liability insurance plan to its members. Accordingly, you need to build in enough time before you can start working as an optometrist in Ontario.
An applicant for registration is referred for a practice assessment or practice evaluation if it has been more than three years since they successfully completed the entry-to-practice examination. In some cases, an applicant may have to undergo both processes to ensure they are competent to practise optometry in Ontario in accordance with the standards of practice.
The College receives many applications from optometrists working in jurisdictions outside of Canada. In the case of international applicants:
- Applicants from jurisdictions with similar standards of practice as Ontario undergo a practice assessment.
- Applicants from jurisdictions where standards of practice are not similar to those in Ontario undergo a practice evaluation.
The Registration Committee is often unable to determine an applicant’s competence using the results of a practice assessment alone. Therefore, to avoid having an applicant incur the costs and additional time associated with two processes, it is recommended that the applicant undergo a practice evaluation at the onset.
If the applicant is found to have deficiencies, the Registration Committee may make recommendations for the applicant to meet the standards of practice set in Ontario.
Jurisprudence Exam FAQs
Submit a completed Application for a Certificate of Registration, all required documents and a cheque for the application fee made payable to the College of Optometrists of Ontario. You will be registered for the immediate next administration of the Jurisprudence Exam unless you contact the College and let us know that you would like to challenge the exam at a later administration.
Successful completion of the online seminar is required before you can be confirmed to challenge the online exam.
The exam is now being offered online only. Exam dates are listed here.
Jurisprudence results are reported within 4 weeks of each exam administration. Results are reported on a pass/fail basis.
If you fail the exam, you must arrange to take it again at another administration and pay the applicable fee. It is a requirement of registration that an applicant successfully complete the Jurisprudence examination within one year (12 months) of applying for registration. If you do not pass the exam within this timeframe you may submit a new application for registration and pay the applicable fee.
The College will accept an application before you graduate from an approved program provided you include a letter from the institution confirming your expected graduation date. Once you have graduated, you must provide the College with a notarized copy of your degree certificate.
Yes. An applicant must successfully complete the Ontario Optometric Jurisprudence exam within one year (12 months) of applying for registration.
Vulnerable Sector Check FAQs
The VS check is a process that verifies whether an individual has a criminal record, as well as any record suspensions (formerly pardons) for sexual offences and local police records for information relevant to the VS check. The information that can be legally disclosed is provided to the applicant.
Contact your local police department or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding the process and fees involved in obtaining a VS check.
As part of the registration process, applicants must submit a Vulnerable Sector (VS) check to ensure they have not been found guilty of any criminal offence in any jurisdiction, or an offence under the Criminal Code, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the Food and Drugs Act. A police record check with VS screening is required as registered optometrists may work with vulnerable person(s) such as minors or elderly patients (i.e., those who are dependent on others, or may be at greater risk than the general population of being harmed by a person in a position of authority.)
Applicants must provide a VS check from:
- their current jurisdiction
- any past jurisdiction(s) where they have practised.
Please check with your local police department or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding the submission of fingerprints.
Yes. The VS check must be requested under your current name as well as any former or maiden names.
The results of the VS check must be dated no earlier than six months before the date you become registered. For example, if you complete all of the requirements for registration on September 1, the results of your VS check must be dated on or after March 1 of that same year. If you provide a VS check and then take longer than six months to complete the other requirements for registration, you will be required to submit an updated VS check to complete your application for registration.
The results of the VS check must be submitted to the College directly from the police or in an envelope provided to you by the police. Keep a scanned copy for your records and provide the original copy to the College for verification. If you obtain an electronic VSC, please contact the College for an alternative submission option.