Opticianry
Last updated on July 26, 2024The College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC) is the regulatory body established to regulate dietetics, occupational therapy, opticianry, optometry, physical therapy, psychology, and speech and hearing health professions. The CHCPBC was established on June 28, 2024. The CHCPBC resulted from the amalgamation of the College of Dietitians of BC, the College of Occupational Therapists of BC, the College of Opticians of BC, the College of Optometrists of BC, the College of Physical Therapists of BC, the College of Psychologists of BC, and the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC.
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.
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 Amendments
| Proposed Regulation Amendments | Notice Date |
|---|---|
Approved Regulation Amendments
| Approved Regulation Amendments | Date |
|---|---|
| Amends the Opticians Regulation to reflect the name of the amalgamated college: College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia, effective June 28, 2024. | February 27, 2024 MO 49/2024 BC Reg 32/2024 |
| 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
604-742-6715
1-888-742-6715
604-608-9863