Registration Requirements

The practice of opticianry in Ontario is governed under the Regulated Health Professions Act, the Opticianry Act and the College of Opticians Regulations, By-Laws, Standards and Policies. Every individual practicing opticianry in Ontario (as an optician or student optician or intern optician) must be registered with the College of Opticians of Ontario (College). Failure to register is a significant offence and can result in prosecution and fines.

Certificates of Registration

Certificates of registration are issued for the following registration classes:

• Opticians
• Intern Opticians
• Student Opticians

Registered opticians may dispense, fit and adjust eyeglasses, contact lenses or subnormal vision devices based on the prescription of an optometrist, ophthalmologist or medical doctor. Ontario does not have separate licensing for eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Registered student opticians and registered intern opticians may dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses or sub-normal vision devices only under the supervision or direction of a registered optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist who is physically present in the place in which and at the time the dispensing occurs.

Registration Regulation under the Opticianry Act, 1991

General Registration Requirements for All Classes

• The applicant must have Canadian citizenship, permanent resident status, or authorization under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).
• The applicant must be able to speak and write English or French.
• The applicant must pay the required registration fee.
• The applicant must provide details of any conviction for a criminal offence or an offence related to the practice of opticianry, a finding or a current proceeding for professional misconduct, incompetency or incapacity in Ontario or any other jurisdiction.

Non-Exemptible Registration Requirements

By Class of Registration

Registered Opticians

Registered Intern Opticians

Registered Student Opticians

Exemptible Registration Requirements

For Registered Opticians

Accredited education programs

The National Accreditation Committee of Opticianry Regulators (NACOR) issued program accreditation to the Opticianry programs offered at the following educational institutions:

Georgian College (expires May 30, 2015)
Douglas College (expires December 31, 2015)
Seneca College (expires December 31, 2015)
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology - NAIT (expires December 31, 2015)

Non-Accredited education program

Any opticianry program outside of the programs listed above.

Who can apply?

How do I apply?

Applicant 1:
Graduated from / enrolled in an Accredited Education Program
If you have graduated from or you are currently enrolled in an accredited education program please click here for detailed registration instructions.

Applicant 2:
Graduated from a Non-Accredited Education Program
If you have graduated from a non-accredited education program and you do not currently hold a certificate of registration with a Canadian opticianry regulator outside of Ontario please click here for detailed registration instructions.

Applicant 3:
Nationally Registered Applicant
If you currently hold a certificate of registration with a Canadian opticianry regulator outside of Ontario please click here for detailed registration instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions?