This applies to you if you have completed education related to opticianry in Canada or internationally at an institution that has not been accredited by the College of Opticians of Ontario.
You may be eligible for the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) if, as a result of work experience, you possess the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully pass the national examinations.
To determine whether your knowledge and skill level meet the requirements of the core competencies of the profession, your application and supporting documents will be directed to the Registration Committee for assessment. The Registration Committee will apply the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process to assess the application. PLAR is a process used by the College in order to ensure fair credential and qualification assessment.
To apply to the College for a review of your qualifications, please complete the PLAR Application Form, and submit the following:
If you are unable to provide any of the documents outlined above, please explain why in writing. The Committee will review your reasons and may request additional information or documentation. Incomplete applications without a written explanation will not be put before the Committee.
After the initial assessment of the documents you have submitted, you will be asked to undergo an assessment process called a Competency Gap Analysis (CGA). The CGA is a multiple-choice assessment that is based on the National Competencies for Canadian Opticians. The CGA consists of two sections: Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses. For more information on the CGA, visit the website for the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators.
When the assessment process is complete, NACOR will provide the College with your CGA results, and your application and results will be reviewed by the Registration Committee. You will be directed to do one of the following:
Regardless of the decision, you will be provided with a letter explaining how the Committee reached its decision about your individual case.
PLAR was developed in order to ensure that all applications from unaccredited institutions are treated fairly. The following are the PLAR process objectives:
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 choosing to appeal will not be subject to any repercussions from the College.