Recent News

COVID-19 Update #25

The Ontario Government has again declared a provincial state of emergency. Effective Thursday, January 14, 2021, certain businesses and service providers in Ontario will be subject to additional public health restrictions. These measures will remain in place until at least February 11, 2021.  

In person opticianry services may continue by appointment only between 7 am and 8 pm

We confirm that as regulated health professionals, opticians may continue to offer in-person services to the public by appointment during this period. In addition, the Ontario Government has now directed that optical stores may only operate between the hours of 7 am and 8 pm.

Dispensaries may continue to offer curbside pickup between 7 am and 8 pm and may offer delivery. For more information, see page 17 of the updated Provincewide Shutdown Information Sheet issued by the Ontario Government.

Opticians may determine the appointment system that best suits their practice environment

As noted in our previous correspondence, we recognize that every practice setting is unique. Opticians may therefore exercise professional judgment to put in place measures to control capacity and establish an appointment system that best suits their individual practice environment.

The appointment system must permit the optician to limit store capacity in accordance with government guidelines (see page 6 of the Provincewide Shutdown Information Sheet, but it may use different strategies for achieving this.  Stores are not required to lock their doors provided other strategies are implemented to manage the flow of persons in and out of the store, and to ensure that proper disinfection takes place between patients. 

Opticians may continue to offer services via remote practice where appropriate

Opticians may continue to offer services via remote practice where possible and appropriate, including for consultations and delivery of ophthalmic appliances. Please refer to the Standards of Practice for more information and guidance on the use of remote practice by opticians.

Opticians must continue to take health and safety precautions and follow relevant guidelines

As always, and no matter how services are delivered, the College reminds opticians that they must continue to adhere to all relevant health and safety guidelines, including:

• Standards of Practice
• Return to Work Guidelines
• COVID-19 Operational Requirements: Health Sector Restart Document

The College will continue to provide updates in the event that further information becomes available. If you have questions, please contact us at practiceadvice@collegeofopticians.ca