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August 26, 2010 - Canadian scientists envision synthetic corneas
Canadian researchers may have made a breakthrough in the treatment of blindness caused by damaged corneas. They've developed a biosynthetic cornea that can actually help the eye repair its own damaged eye tissue and restore vision.... READ MORE
August 6, 2010 - Vision Canada Optical Services is pleased to announce the appointment of Sherrill Nettleton to Vice-President, Business Development... READ MORE
May 3, 2010 - Pacific Blue Cross will accept prescriptions written by Opticians... READ MORE
May 1, 2010 - New BC Opticians Regulations came into force on May 1, 2010. CLICK HERE to view the new Regulations.
FAQs : Click on FAQs for answers to the questions we receive on the new Opticians Regulation.
April 12, 2010 - College of Opticians of Ontario (COO) deems NAIT/OAC Optical Sciences programs equivalent. Ontarians may now take online course and register as students with COO.
CLICK HERE for details.
April 22, 2010 - Update on OAC/OBC activity re: B.C. Opticians Regulation. Since the announcement by the B.C. Minister of Health about the opticians' regulation that is poised to be implemented on May 1st, the OAC and the OBC have spent considerable time listening to the concerns of our members. READ MORE
May 6, 2010 - Incident Report - The OAC’s Internet Committee is gathering statistics on consumer problems evolving from the purchase of eyeglasses and contact lenses via the Internet. Download this form to report problems you have resolved. Photocopy the form for multiple reports.
May 1, 2010 - New BC Opticians Regulations came into force on May 1, 2010. CLICK HERE to view the new Regulations.
March 31, 2010 - Hear B.C. Minister Kevin Falcon’s Radio Interview on the New B.C. Opticians’ Regulation. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
March 25, 2010 - This past week British Columbia health Minister Kevin Falcon announced new regulations that increase the scope of practice of licensed opticians and at the same time broaden the choice available to consumers wishing to buy eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Opticians continue to be regulated under the reserved titles of “optician”, “dispensing optician”, and “contact lens fitter”. Others cannot use these designations. These titles assure the public that licensed opticians as regulated vision care professionals, work to exact standards and precision, and are trained in the latest technologies. Licensed opticians provide the highest standard of care and most importantly accountability.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
April 22, 2010 - Update on OAC/OBC activity re: B.C. Opticians Regulation. Since the announcement by the B.C. Minister of Health about the opticians' regulation that is poised to be implemented on May 1st, the OAC and the OBC have spent considerable time listening to the concerns of our members. READ MORE
March 19, 2010 - B.C. Modernizes Regulations For Sale of Eyewear VICTORIA - The Province introduced a series of changes today that will modernize the way in which British Columbians get their glasses and contact lenses.... READ MORE.
March 1, 2010 - Opticians Council of Canada looking for volunteer writers to assist with the Communications Committee project - CLICK HERE for details.
February 24, 2010 - HELP HAITI SEE
Laurier Optical is asking all communities to become involved in the Haiti relief effort by donating old eyeglasses. CLICK here for details
February 2, 2010 - Volunteers Needed to Help the Victims of Haiti
Laurier Optical will be sending a team of eye care professionals to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Laurier Optical has committed one million dollars in eye care and eyewear for this project.
Laurier Optical is looking for volunteers to be part of this endeavour and would like to know if any of our members would like to join?
Laurier Optical will be paying for all expenses incurred and making the travel arrangements etc. The commitment from our members would be their time and hard work once the group arrives in Haiti. If you are interested in this opportunity, please email Marlies@laurier-optical.com
January 26, 2010 - Congratulations to Manitoba Optician, Jeff Kerr, who was awarded the opportunity to carry the Olympic Torch as it was carried through Winnipeg. CLICK HERE to view a picture.
January 10, 2010 - It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing of Malcolm Lategan - Master Optician and Optical educator - passed away Monday, January 4, 2010.
October 23, 2009 - Press Release - Opticians Council of Canada Warns Against Purchasing Cosmetic Contact Lenses From A Non-Regulated Provider - When it comes to Halloween safety, parents may consider their kids' costumes and whether to attach reflectors, checking candy is appropriately wrapped and safe to eat, but what about their eyes?
October 23, 2009 - Reasons Why Only Regulated Professionals Should Provide Cosmetic Contact Lenses - Opticians should refer to a contact lens registrant for evaluation, remediation or referral, persons in difficulty with any contact lens not provided by a regulated professional.
October 23, 2009 - October Is Eye Health Month - Did you know that 1 in 6 children have a vision problem that could lead to learning disabilities?
October 23, 2009 - Opticians Council of Canada Warns Against Purchasing Cosmetic Contact Lenses From A Non-Licensed Professional - When it comes to Halloween safety, parents may consider their kids' costumes and whether to attach reflectors, checking candy is appropriately wrapped and safe to eat, but what about their eyes?
October 13, 2009
Canadian takes over Presidency of International Council of Regulators
Canada NewsWire (press release) - Toronto,Ontario,Canada
Caroline MacIsaac-Power, the Registrar of the College of Opticians of Ontario, was inaugurated as CLEAR's President at the end of its annual convention in ... READ MORE
June 12, 2009
Supreme Court Denies Bergez Leave to Appeal
April 30, 2009
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - Swine Influenza Reports
April 29, 2009 - Important Health Notice
April 30, 2009 - Important Health Notice
February 6, 2009
We are looking for Opticians who are interested in participating in a Study Group on the issue of Internet Sale of Contact Lenses & Glasses. This is an opportunity to connect with Opticians in different parts of the country to develop information and tools that may be used to meet this growing phenomenon head on. If you're interested in this project contact mfield@opticians.ca . Deadline for registration is March 15, 2009.
January 5, 2009 - The College of Opticians of British Columbia (COBC) announces that Raheem Savja and Dieter Saxer have been elected to the COBC Board both representing District 1. Both Raheem Savja and Dieter Saxer's terms of office are January 5, 2009 to December 31, 2011. The OAC congratulates both new Board members.
November 13, 2008 - The Opticians Association of Canada is proud to announce the election of it's new President and Vice President. CLICK HERE to view the Press Release.
January 2008 - Opticians Survey - CLICK HERE to view the results of our online survey
November 2007 - To view recent statistics on frequency of visits to an eye specialist by Canadians and the number whose eyeglass and contact lens purchases are covered by vision care insurance, CLICK HERE
September 2007 - An unofficial survey of Opticians revealed the following regarding salaries based on years of service:
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Years of Service
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Optician (EG)
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Optician (CL)
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1 - 5
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$34,500
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$50,000
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6-10
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$39,000
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$52,000
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11-15
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$40,000
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$57,000
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16-20
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$46,000
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$61,000
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21+
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$57,000
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$65,000
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The following are the results of our Poll regarding Opticians' salaries to date. Notice that the majority of votes cast indicated they earned a salary greater than $60,000 per annum. The dividing line seems to be $40,000 per annum. Close to 50% of Opticians earn less than that while the same number earn over $40,000.
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Total 515 votes cast.
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1. more
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15.34%
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2. $26,000 - $30,000
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13.59%
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3. $20,000 - $25,000
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13.20%
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4. $31,000 - $35,000
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12.43%
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5. $36,000 - $40,000
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10.87%
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6. $56,000 - $60,000
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9.90%
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7. $41,000 - $45,000
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9.51%
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8. $51,000 - $55,000
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7.96%
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9. $46,000 - $50,000
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7.18%
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