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College of Opticians of Ontario

The College of Opticians of Ontario (COO) is the governing body for opticians in Ontario. The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) oversees the registration practices of the college to ensure that they are transparent, objective, impartial and fair for anyone who wants to practise as an optician in this province.

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2010

Applications to Practise Processed by the COO in 2010
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received331114160452
Applicants who became members7555020132

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2009

Information to Applicants: The time needed to process applications has shortened to three weeks from six-to-eight weeks. The COO intends to communicate the shorter timeline to its Ontario-based applicants and its applicants who are covered by Mutual Recognition Agreements. (A Mutual Recognition Agreement is an agreement between organizations in different jurisdictions. Each organization validates/accepts the licence/certificate granted by the other.)

For a description of all OFC-monitored developments for this profession for 2009, see the 2009-2010 Annual Report.

Applications to Practise Processed by the COO in 2009
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received25384080345
Applicants who became members20175050281

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2008

Applications to Practise Processed by the COO in 2008
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received9352030148
Applicants who became members8641030130

During the fall and winter of 2007-2008, the OFC undertook a study of the COO to understand its 2007 registration practices and establish baseline data and information. PDF

The COO uses the following outside organization/s to assess the qualifications of its applicants:

The College of Opticians of Ontario falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

COO The OFC does not assess credentials, handle complaints or intervene in particular cases. Our mandate is one of systemic change. Please contact the COO for further information about your ability to practise as an optician in Ontario.

Assessment Highlight

An excellent flow chart on the College of Opticians of Ontario website explains the registration process.