Employer Information
Opticians in Alberta must be registered with the College of Opticians of Alberta in order to provide opticianry services to patients in Alberta. An optician’s license number can only be used for the opticianry services provided by that optician.
This page is to provide information that may assist employers of opticians. It also includes requirements of opticians and helpful information on the roles and responsibilities of opticians in Alberta.
Professional Liability Insurance
All regulated members under the HPA are required to have professional liability insurance (PLI). This includes all regulated members who use protected titles (including, but not limited to Provisional Optician, Contact Lens Practitioner, Registered Optician).
Supervision Requirements
Opticians may be asked to supervise students or other opticians. They must consent to being a supervisor, and their responsibilities are outlined in the Standards of Practice.
HPA Handbook
The Government of Alberta has developed a Health Professions Act Handbook to simplify and summarize the Act for the benefit of the public and regulated health professionals.
Opticians Opening a Business
While there are no specific requirements for opticians looking to start their own business, it is essential to comply with relevant legislative requirements and the COA standards of practice when hiring licensed professionals.
Mandatory Registration
As an employer in Alberta, it is crucial to ensure that all opticians in your organization are properly registered under the Health Professions Act. This legislation is in place to protect the public by ensuring that all practicing opticians are qualified, competent, and accountable.
How do you know if your Employee is Registered?
Any optician who is regulated in Alberta can be found on the Find and Optician section of our website found here.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
A Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR) program is designed to formally recognize the knowledge, skills, and competencies that individuals have acquired through non-formal learning experiences such as industry experience. PLAR is assessed through the National Alliance of Canadian Opticianry Regulators (NACOR).
Students Becoming Registered Opticians
When an opticianry student completes an accredited opticianry program, they are no longer considered a student, and therefore can no longer use the title student optician, or can they provide opticianry services without registration with the COA.
Mandatory Reporting for Employers
The Health Professions Act (HPA) provides essential requirements aimed at protecting public safety and ensuring that health care professionals adhere to high standards of practice.