Opticians – Practice Resources

CHCPBC is pleased to share the new Standards of Practice for BC opticians!

These standards are enforced as of June 1, 2022.

What has changed? The standards have been completely re-written. This process has taken place over a period of close to two years, with consultation from opticians and other stakeholders across BC and Canada. The new standards are designed to be more accessible, more applicable, more measurable, and more inclusive.

What are they? A “standard” is the minimum level of performance and professional practice required of an optician to ensure service that is ethical and safe for the public. Standards exist to promote, guide, and direct professional practice. As an optician, you are required to know and adhere to the standards of your profession.

Starting in June, 2022, we will be showcasing a standard each month in our newsletter and in the Blog section of our website. We will provide case studies and scenarios to demonstrate how that standard might be operationalized in a real-life practice environment, and how grey areas might be addressed.

The standards will be highlighted out of order, prioritizing those areas where COBC registrants have indicated they need more education. However, remember that all of the new standards are enforceable starting June 1.

The full standards document can be accessed by clicking the image above, or at the link below. You may also access each individual standard at the corresponding link below – if a case study has been created for a particular standard, it will also be linked below:

• Standards of Practice (full document)

• Standard 1: Client-Centred Practice
• Case Studies
• Standard 2: Evidence-Informed Practice
• Case Studies
• Standard 3: Collaborative Care
• Standard 4: Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti-Racism
• Standard 5: Competence
• Standard 6: Professionalism
• Standard 7: Safety and Infection Control
• Standard 8: Dispensing of Vision Appliances
• Standard 9: Independent Automated Refraction
• Case Studies
• Standard 10: Remote Practice and Technology
• Standard 11: Delegation and Supervision
• Case Studies
• Standard 12: Privacy and Confidentiality
• Case Studies
• Standard 13: Conflict of Interest
• Standard 14: Record Keeping and Billing
• Case Studies
• Record Keeping Checklist: Eyeglasses
• Record Keeping Checklist: Contact Lenses
• Record Keeping Checklist: Automated Refraction
• Standard 15: Communication and Marketing
• Standard 16: Risk Management and Quality Improvement

Contact our team if you require clarification on any of the standards. We are excited to have them in effect, and look forward to any feedback!

• Code of Ethics

• Patient Boundaries Decision Tool
• Patient Relations Communications Toolkit
• Professional Boundaries

Entry to practice competencies for Canadian opticians outline skills and standards that opticians should acquire before entering the profession. The National Competencies for Canadian Opticians (PDF) provides an understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for competent practice of opticianry in Canada.

Effective July 1, 2025, health professionals regulated by CHCPBC do not have to report legacy Quality Assurance Program (QAP) requirements to the College. This is to facilitate the design and development of a new QAP to improve client/patient outcomes, and support health professionals’ learning and performance. In 2026, registrants will participate in transitional activities that will introduce the new approach. The College appreciates registrants’ patience as we update website content to reflect the new QAP.

Effective July 1, 2025, health professionals regulated by CHCPBC do not have to report legacy Quality Assurance Program (QAP) requirements to the College. This is to facilitate the design and development of a new QAP to improve client/patient outcomes, and support health professionals’ learning and performance. In 2026, registrants will participate in transitional activities that will introduce the new approach. The College appreciates registrants’ patience as we update website content to reflect the new QAP.

Registrants may continue to participate in their legacy Continuing Competency Program (CCP). Participating in the CCP is for your benefit only. The College will not monitor or assess this reporting for compliance. The CCP is available to all CHCPBC opticianry registrants through their Registrant Portal. Registrants will be notified in advance of any potential changes to accessing their portal.

Standard 7 – Infection Control

COBC-Automated Refracting Toolkit-2023

COBC-Assessment Record Fillable-2023

COBC-Automated Refraction Checklist-2023

COBC-Client Flow Chart-2023

COBC-Client Information Sheet-2023

COBC-Eligibility Checklist Fillable-2023

COBC-Form 1A-2023

COBC-Form 1B Fillable-2023

COBC-Provider Flow Chart-2023

Filing a complaint, or responding to a complaint can be difficult. CHCPBC has compiled mental health and legal resources for you, in case you need. 

MENTAL HEALTH WEBSITES

• Health Link BC
  A website with a mental health learning centre and mental health resource options.
• BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions Wellbeing Navigation Site
  A website to assist in selecting supports for mental health and substance use.
• Kids Help Phone
  A website with mental health resources and supports including a navigation tool, for youth.
• Here to Help BC
  A website with information you need to manage mental health and substance use problems, and learn how you can support a loved one.
• Trans Lifeline
  A trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.
• QMUNITY
  BC’s Queer, Trans and Two-Spirit resource centre

PHONE NUMBERS

• Emergency Services: 911
• Health Information and Advice: 811
• Crisis Line B.C: 1-800-784-2433
• Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-330-6366

ONLINE CHATS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

• BC Crisis Centre Chat Line Adults
• BC Crisis Centre Chat Line Youth
• The LifeLine App
  Direct access to phone, online chat, text, and email crisis support
  E-counselling, self-management tools, access to crisis centres across Canada
  Available for iPhone and Android users

CULTURALLY RELEVANT SUPPORTS

• The KUU-US Crisis Line Society
  A non-profit registered charity that provides 24 hour crisis services through education, prevention and intervention programs. BC-wide culturally relevant crisis support for Indigenous peoples.
  ADULTS: 250-723-4050
  YOUTH: 250-723-2040
  TOLL FREE: 1-800-588-8717
• Hope for Wellness Helpline
  Immediate help to all Indigenous peoples across what is now commonly called Canada. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer counselling and crisis intervention. Call the toll-free Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or connect to the online chat
• Talk4Healing
  A free and culturally safe help line for Indigenous women, based in northern Ontario, and accessible across what is now commonly called Canada. 1 855 554 HEAL (4325)
• Healing In Colour
  For Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), finding a therapist who understands their lived experiences can be challenging. Healing in Colour strives to make that search easier.
• The National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
  Provides 24-hour crisis support to “Indian Residential School” survivors and their families. Call toll-free: 1-866-925-4419

LEGAL SUPPORT

• Legal aid
  Provides free legal legal aid for BC residence. Call toll free: 1-866-577-2525
• Lawyer Referral Service
  Helps British Columbians of any income find a suitable lawyer to serve their legal needs. Any member of the public may call the Lawyer Referral Service to obtain the contact information of a lawyer who will meet for a free half-hour legal consultation. Call toll free: 1-800-663-1919