Pathway 1

Applying as a Graduate of a Canadian Accredited Opticianry School

You are considered an accredited applicant if you completed your Opticianry education at one of the following institutions:

• Georgian College
• Seneca College
• Collège La Cité
• Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)
• Douglas College
• Stenberg College
• Oulton College
• College Communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick

Writing the National Exams

The national examinations are offered by the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR).  The College of Opticians of Ontario (COO) recognizes the following examinations:

• Optical Sciences 1 - Eyeglass Examination
• Optical Sciences 2 – Advanced Practice Contact Lens Examination

In order to qualify for registration as an optician in Ontario, individuals must:

• Successfully complete both examinations
• Hold an active and current Certificate of Registration as an intern optician

Please Note:  A registered intern optician can perform the Controlled Act of Dispensing only under the supervision of a registered optician, optometrist or physician. Further, if you have not completed 1000 hours of verified dispensing experience  during the course of your program, you must complete the hours while registered as an intern optician.

To apply for a Certificate of Registration as an intern optician, please complete the Application Form, and submit it along with the following:

• A passport photo taken within 6 months of the application date. The photo may be sent as a hard copy or a high resolution electronic copy.
• A letter of graduation from your Opticianry program.
• Notarized copies of your proof of identity and employment eligibility documents.
• If applicable, a Certificate of Standing Form and letters of standing from any governing body with which you are registered in any jurisdiction.
• If applicable, proof of graduation from any post-secondary program you may have completed outside of Opticianry.
• Credit Card Authorization Form - authorizing the College to charge your credit card for intern application and registration fees.

Appeals

Registration department or Committee decisions can be appealed to the College’s Registration Appeal Panel (RAP), and further to the Health Professions Review and Appeal Board (HPARB). Applicants are provided with information about the review process when they are issued a decision letter.

Applicants choosing to appeal will not be subject to any repercussions from the College.