The 2026 Optician Renewal season is here, and the renewal portal is now open. The College’s team can help guide you through the process so you can keep your registration active, avoid late fees, and ensure a smooth renewal experience.
For those who joined our newly created Inactive class in the last year or so, this is your reminder that you have to renew to keep your Inactive status. Have a look at our key actions below as some will apply to you (e.g. renewing) and some will not (e.g. submitting or maintaining professional liability insurance).
To make the renewal process as straightforward as possible, we’ve outlined 10 key actions to help you prepare for and complete your renewal successfully.
Renew your Certificate of Registration before January 15, 2026, to avoid late fees and to stay eligible to hold your certificate in Ontario.
Head to the Registrant Portal on our website, log in, and click on Renew Your Registration to get started.
Additional renewal resources:
For Registered Opticians, your professional portfolio must also be completed online by January 15, 2026. If you were in the Inactive class in 2025, you are not required to complete a portfolio.
If you changed your status at any time in 2025 (e.g. moved to/from the Inactive class), you must complete a professional portfolio by January 15, 2026. Your continuing education hour requirements may be prorated depending on when the change occurred.
If you are planning to go Inactive during this renewal, please note that you will still have to submit a portfolio for 2025. Visit the Quality Assurance section in your portal and reach out to qa@collegeofopticians.ca with any questions.
Additional professional portfolio resources:
To demonstrate current practice, Registered Opticians are required to have completed 500 practice hours in the past three years. Everyone renewing as a Registered Optician will be asked to report their 2025 practice hours as part of the renewal. A reminder that you do not have to complete 500 practice hours in one year, but over the past three years. 2025 will be the first of the three years to be counted toward the currency of practice requirement.
Additional currency requirement resources:
Everyone renewing as a Registered Optician has to demonstrate that they will be covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Ensure your insurance certificate is ready for upload and valid through December 31, 2026. For those currently in the Inactive class and renewing in the Inactive class, you do not have to submit professional liability insurance.
Select Personal Liability Insurance if your insurance doesn't specify an employer. This covers you regardless of where you’re working.
Select Business Liability Insurance if your employer has provided professional liability insurance. Are you employed by multiple employers who provide your insurance? You’ll need to submit proof of insurance for each employer.
If you are, or were previously, registered with another governing body, update this information in the Professional Licenses section during your renewal. This ensures the public register reflects your full professional background, as required by Ontario’s Regulated Health Professions Act.
If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and your work status has changed, be prepared to upload notarized proof of eligibility to practice in Canada. Otherwise, no changes are needed. For those currently in the Inactive class and renewing in the Inactive class, you do not have to submit proof of employment eligibility until you apply to rejoin the Registered Optician class.
Additional information:
Not planning to practice in 2026? You may opt to join the Inactive Class at a reduced fee to keep your registration. This new registration class is ideal for those in non-practising roles, or those on parental or educational leave, and this option is available directly in the renewal process.
Still have questions? Consult these additional resources for the inactive class:
If it’s time for a new photo, you’ll see a prompt in your portal. Follow the instructions to upload an updated image that meets College requirements. For those currently in the Inactive class and renewing in the Inactive class, you do not have to submit a photo.
Check out our video for step-by-step instructions:
After completing your renewal, your payment receipt will be available in the Documents tab under the year you made payment within 48 hours. Look out for an email confirming approval or any outstanding requirements.
Connect with us for support
We’re here to help. For additional support or if you have specific questions, please reach out to us:
The College of Opticians of Ontario
90 Adelaide Street W., Suite 300, Toronto, ON M5H 3V9
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© 2025 College of Opticians of Ontario
The College of Opticians of Ontario
90 Adelaide Street W., Suite 300, Toronto, ON M5H 3V9
Find an Optician Make a Complaint
Site Map | Privacy Policy | Accessibility |
En Français
© 2025 College of Opticians of Ontario
