Optometry

The 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.

Optometry has been a designated health profession under the Health Professions Act since March 1, 2009, and is regulated by the College in accordance with the Act, the Optometrists Regulation and the bylaws of the College.

Optometry has been a regulated profession under British Columbia legislation since 1921. Before designation under the Health Professions Act, the profession was regulated under the former Optometrists Act.

Transition of Optometry to the Health Professions Act

Repeal of the Optometrists Act was provided for in the Health Professions Amendment Act, 2003.

As required by the Health Professions Act, the Ministry gave initial notice of the proposed Optometrists Regulation on April 6, 2004. Notice of the proposed regulation to make Part 4 of the Health Professions Act apply to optometry was given on August 26, 2004. In early 2006, the Board of Examiners in Optometry submitted proposed bylaws for the new College of Optometrists of British Columbia under the Health Professions Act, and the Ministry gave notice of those proposed bylaws on March 22, 2006.

On December 12, 2008, the government announced that, effective March 1, 2009, the repeal of the Optometrists Act would be brought into force and the profession of optometry would be designated under the Health Professions Act.

The Ministry gave notice of the final draft of the proposed Optometrists Regulation on December 12, 2008. Comments on the final draft were requested to be submitted to the Ministry by January 12, 2009.

On December 12, 2008, the Board of Examiners in Optometry gave notice of the final draft of proposed bylaws for the new College under the Health Professions Act. Comments on the final draft of the proposed bylaws were requested to be submitted to the Board of Examiners and the Ministry by January 12, 2009.

On January 30, 2009, the Minister appointed the first board of the new College, and ordered that the first election of professional members to the board must be held by June 1, 2010.

On March 1, 2009, the government announced completion of the transition. The new College assumed full responsibilty for regulating the profession, replacing the Board of Examiners in Optometry which was dissolved as of that date.

The first election of professional members to the board was completed on April 16, 2010.

Amendments to the Optometrists Regulation

Amendments to the Optometrists 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

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