Opticianry

Last updated on December 1, 2023

The College of Opticians of British Columbia is the regulatory body established for the health profession of opticianry.

Opticianry has been a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act since December 16, 1994, and is regulated by the College in accordance with the Act, the Opticians Regulation and the bylaws of the College (PDF, 429KB).

Before designation under the Health Professions Act, the profession was unregulated in British Columbia.

Amendments to the Opticians Regulation

Amendments to the Opticians Regulation and to most College bylaws are subject to a three-month notice period, unless the Minister specifies a shorter period.

The College is responsible for giving notice of proposed bylaw amendments, including posting them on the College website, and all bylaw amendments must be filed with the Minister to be effective. Filed bylaws come into force 60 days after the date of filing, unless the Minister either disallows the change or specifies an earlier date, or the College withdraws the change.

The full text of the current bylaws and information about any proposed bylaw amendments may be obtained by contacting the College. Comments on proposed bylaw amendments should be submitted to both the College and the Ministry

 

Proposed Regulation Amendment

Proposed Regulation Amendments Notice Date

Propose amendments to the Opticians Regulation (PDF, 808KB) to reflect the proposed name of the amalgamated college: College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia

December 1, 2023
 

Approved Regulation Amendments

Approved Regulation Amendments Date
Repeals and replaces the Opticians Regulation, effective May 1, 2010, with revisions regarding the profession's scope of practice and restricted activities, including conduct of automated refractions. April 30, 2010
MO 125/2010
BC Reg 118/2010
Makes the Opticians Regulation, effective October 17, 2008. October 15, 2008
MO 247/2008
BC Reg 287/2008
Repeals the Opticians Regulation (BC Reg 487/94), effective October 17, 2008.

Continues the designation of opticianry under the Health Professions Designation Regulation, effective October 17, 2008.
October 10, 2008
OIC 737/2008
BC Reg 270/2008
Amends the Opticians Regulation to allow non-registrants to perform certain tasks under the supervision of a registrant. January 25, 2002
OIC 40/2002
BC Reg 8/2002
Enacts the Opticians Regulation (Sections 3 and 5 not effective until July 1, 1996). December 16, 1994
OIC 1565/94
BC Reg 487/94  
 

Filed Bylaw Amendments

Filed Bylaw Amendments Date
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule C: Fee Schedule. Filed December 15, 2020
In force February 15, 2021
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule C: Fee Schedule. Filed December 11, 2019
In force February 10, 2020
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule C: Fee Schedule. Filed February 27, 2019
In force April 29, 2019
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule C: Fee Schedule. Filed December 18, 2018
In force February 16, 2019
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule C: Fee Schedule. Filed December 18, 2017
In force February 16, 2018
Amends the bylaws by amending Schedule A (recognized optician and contact lens programs). Filed April 4, 2017
In force June 3, 2017
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule A (recognized education programs). Filed March 30, 2016
In force May 29, 2016
Amends the bylaws to allow for electronic voting and the conduct of college business by electronic means by adding a definition of "delivery", and repealing and replacing sections 6(1) and 7 related to nomination and election procedures. Filed September 3, 2015
In force November 2, 2015
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule C (fees). Filed December 18, 2012
In force February 16, 2013
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing section 44 and adding a new Schedule C (fees). Filed February 27, 2012
In force February 28, 2012
MO 057/2012
Amends section 23 of the bylaws regarding powers and duties of the registrar, and section 53 of the bylaws regarding standards of practice and ethics. Filed February 27, 2012
In force February 28, 2012
MO 056/2012
Amends section 49 of the bylaws and adds a new Schedule B (costs). Filed July 14, 2010
In force September 12, 2010
Amends the bylaws by repealing and replacing Schedule A (recognized education programs). Filed January 28, 2010
In force February 1, 2010
MO 021/2010
MO 026/2010
Amends the bylaws regarding fees for document assessment and prior learning assessment. Filed December 11, 2009
In force February 9, 2010
Amends the bylaws regarding registration requirements, recognized education programs and labour mobility. Filed December 3, 2009
In force December 31, 2009
MO 272/2009
Amends the bylaws regarding examination fees and delivery of board election ballots. Filed June 25, 2009
In force August  24, 2009
Amends the bylaws regarding registration and reinstatement fees. February 13, 2008
Deposited
Amends the bylaws regarding availability of audited financial statements for the College. June 8, 2007
Deposited
Amends Form 3 of the bylaws. August 28, 2006
Deposited
Amends the bylaws regarding the standards of practice applicable to use of automated refraction equipment. July 24, 2006
Deposited
Amends the bylaws regarding forms that must be used by registrants who use automated refraction equipment. July 24, 2006
Deposited
Amends the bylaws regarding the timing of board elections. December 19, 2005
Deposited
Amends the bylaws regarding examination fees. November 10, 2004
Deposited
Amends the bylaws regarding a registration fee. January 24, 2002
OIC 42/2002
Amends the bylaws to combine Electoral District 3 (Okanagan) and 4 (Kootenays). June 29, 2000
OIC 948/2000
Amends the bylaws regarding a registration fee. February 3, 1999
OIC 160/99
Amends the bylaws with respect to various cross-section references, and the registration requirements for contact lens fitters and non-practising registrants. July 25, 1996
OIC 888/96
Approves the bylaws of the College. September 28, 1995
OIC 1204/95
 

Other

Other Date
Orders that the date by which the first election must be held is changed to December 31, 1996. November 22, 1995
MO 563/95
Appoints the first board of the College and orders that the first election of professional members to the board must be held on or before December 1, 1995. January 11, 1995
MO 030/95

 

 

Contact information

College of Opticians of British Columbia

Website: http://www.cobc.ca/

Toll Free
1 866 949-6472
Fax
604 742-6473
Street
900-200 Granville St
Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4