Optometrists – Practice Resources

All registrants are required to comply with the Standards of Practice. The standards are written in plain language and span the full scope of optometric practice. Every registrant must determine – and accept accountability for – how each standard is implemented. The College provided Statements of Guidance to assist this process. The College views compliance with all standards as fundamental in the delivery of current, high quality optometric services that are safe, effective, and ethical. This in the joint interest of the public and the profession.

• Standards of Practice – General (PDF)
• Standards of Practice – Patient Activities (PDF)
• Standards of Practice – Quality Assurance (PDF) – 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.
• Standards of Practice – Indigenous Cultural Safety, Humility, and Anti-racism (PDF)

The Criminal Records Review Act (the “CRRA”) imposes an obligation on the College to ensure that every registrant consents to a criminal record check in accordance with Part 4 of the CRRA. This also includes non-practising registrants. Section 15(1)(a) of the CRRA imposes a duty on the registrant to undergo a criminal record check at least once every five years.

For more details please visit the BC Government page: Criminal Records Review Program – Applicants.

The College is a resource for registrants to become informed and educated for the purpose of enhancing standards of practice.

The overwhelming majority of complaints received by the College are the result of a failure or breakdown in communications between the patient and the optometrist or the clinic staff. Resolving complaints before they escalate is often a matter of employing “best practices” in communicating with the patient who has a concern or complaint. Concerns and complaints often present indicators which may be useful, to the optometrist, for evaluating a clinic’s overall communication skills. The following is a complaint resolution method, employing four basic steps, which should be followed in order:

Listen

Ask the complainant to present their concerns in detail. Start with the facts. When all the facts have been recounted, encourage the complainant to present their perspective on the issue. Avoid interrupting or taking issue with anything the complainant says at this point; simply allow the story to be told.

Acknowledge

Acknowledge the complainant’s perspective. “So, you feel that…” Build agreement at each step. When both the optometrist and the complainant agree on the complainant’s perspective, that is, why the complainant feels that they have a concern, consider validating the complainant’s perspective. “I understand why you feel the way you do about this matter. In similar circumstances I would feel the same.” This is not an acknowledgement of fact, it is an acknowledgement of perspective – the way the complainant feels about the issue as they understand it.

Review

Build agreement on the verifiable facts with the complainant. “My record indicates that… Is that your understanding?” Be mindful that what one person says or thinks they say to another person may not be what that other person understands they said. As a professional, it is your responsibility to ensure that your patient understands what you, or your staff, say to them.

Fair Resolution

If errors were made, admit them and apologize. Ask the right question. “How can we fairly resolve this matter to your satisfaction?“

The College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) has designed a comprehensive approach to quality practice that includes continuing professional development, practice support, and quality assurance assessments. The Professional & Quality Practice Program (PQPP) replaces previous Quality Assurance Program requirements, applies to all of the more than 16,000 licensees across nine professions, and is consistent with the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) that will be in force on April 1, 2026.

Please visit the PQPP page for the most up-to-date information about the new program.

Artificial Intelligence Resource (PDF)

Resources

• Open a New Place of Practice (PDF)
• Change a Place of Practice Name (PDF)
• Relocate a Place of Practice (PDF)
• Cease to Practice at a Place of Practice
  • A Registrant who ceases to practice/closes a place of practice must:
    • Complete a Transfer of Records Containing Personal Information Form (PDF) or complete a Declaration of Ownership of Records Form (PDF)
    • Update online profile
    • Complete a Declaration of Transferring Controlling Interest Form (PDF), if applicable.
    • Assuming Responsibilities (PDF)

• MSP Where Do I Begin (PDF)
• MSP – Information for Optometrists
• MSP Practitioner Registration Form (PDF)
• Request To Bill MSP For Low Vision Visual Fields Services (PDF)

• Before a student internship can begin, send a Notice of Student Internship form (PDF) to CHCPBC at registration@chcpbc.org.