Insight

Haven’t Renewed in 3+ Years? Here’s What to Do Before July 1, 2025

Are you an Ontario optician who hasn’t renewed your registration in three years or more?  

You may have retired without formally resigning, taken a leave of absence, and are now considering a return to practice, or you might be looking to maintain non-practising status by joining the College’s new Inactive Class. 

No matter your situation, if your registration has been inactive for more than three years due to administrative suspension (non-payment of fees), now is the time to explore your options.  

Your registration will be revoked on July 1, 2025, unless you take action. 

What does this mean? 

It means that if you don’t take action by July 1, 2025, your registration with the College will be revoked. That means you’ll no longer be registered in any capacity. 

Thinking about returning to practice someday? Revocation may make that much harder as you’d need to apply as a new applicant, meet all current registration requirements. 

You’d also lose access to any transitional options, like joining the Inactive Class, after the deadline passes.  

Taking steps now can help you avoid potential hurdles in the future.  

What are my options? 

Whether you’re planning a return to practice and maintain your registration or want to resign, you still have time to make a decision that works for you before July 1^st.  

Join the Inactive Class 
The Inactive Class option will allow you to maintain your registration without practising opticianry. You may be on parental leave, working outside Ontario, or temporarily working in another field. 

Important reminder if you’re transitioning to the Inactive Class: Inactive opticians cannot practise opticianry in any capacity. This includes providing services under the supervision or delegation of a registered optician, optometrist, or physician. Even if you’re working in a clinic or optical setting, you cannot perform restricted activities, assist with fittings, or provide advice related to opticianry while registered in the Inactive Class. Inactive opticians also cannot supervise opticianry students in any setting. 

Here’s what else you need to know: 

• You'll pay reduced annual fees (1/3 of the Registered Optician fee). 

• You’re not required to carry professional liability insurance or participate in the Quality Assurance program. 

• You must still renew annually and declare that you won’t practise while inactive. 

FYI: If you plan to return to practice later, you’ll need to apply for a class change and meet the requirements outlined in the Reinstatement and Changing from Inactive to Active Practice Policy.  

Apply for the Inactive Class today by completing the College’s online Inactive Class Request form.  

Reinstate your registration as a Registered Optician  

Planning to practise again soon? You have the option to apply to reinstate your registration as a Registered Optician up until the July 1^st deadline.  

What you need to know about reinstatement: 

• You’ll be required to complete a Competency Gap Analysis (CGA) to assess the currency of your knowledge and skills 

• You must pay the applicable fees, including the annual registration fee 

• You must provide proof of professional liability insurance 

• You’ll resume participation in the College’s Quality Assurance program 

Apply to reinstate your registration by completing the College’s Reinstatement Form. Please email your completed form to registration@collegeofopticians.ca.   

Voluntarily resign  

If you're ready to step away from the profession, you may choose to resign your certificate of registration. This formally ends your registration with the College. 

What you need to know about resigning: 

• Your registration status on the public register will show as “resigned” 

• If you're retired, you can also choose to display “retired” as your reason for resignation 

• If you ever wish to return to practice, you’ll need to apply as a new applicant and meet all registration requirements at that time 

To resign, complete and submit the College’s online Resignation Form. 

What if I’m practising opticianry outside of Ontario? 

If you haven’t renewed your Ontario registration in three years or more but are currently practising as an optician in another Canadian province, you still have options.  

• Stay registered in Ontario by joining the Inactive Class: This lets you keep your existing registration number and makes it easier to return to practice in Ontario later. When you're ready, you can request a class change and start practising again under the same number. 

• Resign: If you don’t plan to practise in Ontario again, you can choose to resign your registration. If you decide to return in the future, you can still apply as a Labour Mobility Applicant, as long as you’re registered and in good standing with another Canadian opticianry regulator. In that case, you would be issued a new registration number. 

What if I don’t take action before July 1st? 

You can choose to take no action. If you do, your registration will be revoked on July 1, 2025. That means you’ll need to reapply as a new applicant if you want to return in the future. 

Contact us to discuss your options 

We’re here to help. 

Whether you're returning to practice soon, retiring, or just need help deciding your next step, our team is available to walk you through your options. 

Contact us today at certificate@collegeofopticians.ca or (416) 368-3616, ext. 200.