Optician Reinstatement

Under the new Registration Regulation that came into force on July 1, 2024, opticians whose certificates of registration have been suspended for non-payment of fees have a three-year window to apply for reinstatement. After the three-year period elapses, their certificate will be automatically revoked, and their only option will be to re-apply to the College and meet the registration requirements in place at that time. 

Requirement to demonstrate currency of practice

Effective July 1, 2024, Registered Opticians must demonstrate, on an ongoing basis, that their skills and knowledge are “current”, e.g. up to date, based on recent practice experience. You will be required to declare your practice hours every year at annual renewal. Those who have engaged in at least 500 practice hours within the previous three-year period will be considered current. While you are eligible to reinstate now, you must demonstrate going forward that you engaged in at least 500 practice hours within the previous three years, or you will not be eligible to continue to hold a Registered Optician certificate. Opticians who have not practised for at least 500 hours within the previous three years will have the option of completing a refresher program.

Detailed information about the currency requirements may be found here.

Registered Optician certificate suspended for under three years

If your certificate of registration was suspended within the last three years, you may reinstate your registration with the College by completing the reinstatement form below, and submitting the following:

• A passport-style photo taken within 6 months of the application date. The photo may be sent as a hard copy or in a high-resolution digital format.
• Notarized copies of your employment eligibility documents (if the information you previously provided is no longer current).
• Professional Liability Insurance certificate if you are currently employed or intend to be employed in any setting where you will be performing the controlled act of dispensing.
• If applicable, a Certificate of Standing Form and letters of standing from any governing body with which you are registered in any jurisdiction.
• If applicable, proof of graduation from any post-secondary program you may have completed outside of opticianry that you have not previously reported to the College.

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Registered Optician certificate suspended for over three years - transition in effect until July 1, 2025

The College is introducing a transitional period for opticians whose certificate of registration was suspended more than three years ago. You will have until July 1, 2025, to decide what you intend to do with your license. 

If you do not plan to return to practice in the future, you can select one of the following options:

• Take no action: If you decide to take no action, your certificate of registration will be revoked on July 1, 2025.
• Resign your certificate of registration: Resigning will end your registration with the College. The public register will display your registration status as “resigned”. If you resign your registration due to retirement, you will also have the option to also display “retired” as the reason for your resignation.

If you plan to return to practice in the future, or you are unsure but wish to ensure you are keeping your options open, you can select one of the following options:

• Apply to reinstate into the Inactive Class of registration: Reinstating into the Inactive Class will allow you to maintain your registration with the College. To maintain registration in the Inactive Class, you will be required to renew your registration every year and pay the annual fee. You can remain in the Inactive Class as long as you wish. If you decide to return to practice, you will have to meet the requirements in place at the time, which may include completing a competency assessment and/or refresher program.
• Apply to reinstate your certificate of registration as a Registered Optician: To reinstate as a Registered Optician, you will be required to undergo a Competency Gap Analysis (CGA) to assess currency of your knowledge and skills, pay the applicable fees, including the annual registration fee, and provide proof of professional liability insurance.

To assist you with the transition, we ask that you complete the Certificate Intent Declaration Form to indicate your choice of action and to update your contact information. Once we receive your form, we will contact you to explain the next steps.

If you have any questions about the reinstatement process, please contact the Registration Team at certificate@collegeofopticians.ca or by phone at (416) 368-3616, ext. 200.