Opticians from Out of Province
Mutual Recognition
Opticianry regulators across Canada have worked together to establish a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) in order to allow opticians who meet specific criteria to move more easily across the country.
Thanks to this cooperation, we know that all opticians from the participating provinces meet the same standards.
Nine of the ten provincial authorities have now signed the MRA: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The COA strives to follow the regulations outlined in the Fair Registration Practices Act and the Labor Mobility Act.
Registration Requirements
If you meet the general registration requirements for practice in Alberta and you have a license to dispense either contact lenses or eyeglasses, you can transfer your registration to Alberta. The COA accepts Registered Opticians from Quebec and Ontario as registrants in both eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Create an account and complete the online Application Form.
Applicants are required to provide the following with their application form:
- Applicant information
- Contact information
- Registration information
- Criminal record check
- Declaration of good character
- Application fee
- Letter of good standing from the regulatory college in the province where you are currently registered.
Appeal Process
The COA Registrar approves applications for registration in accordance with the requirements set out in the Health Professions Act of Alberta and the Optician Profession Regulation. If your registration application is not approved, you may appeal the decision to the COA Registration and Competence Committee by emailing info@albertaopticians.ca.
Contact Information
Please contact info@albertaopticians.ca if you have any questions about practicing in Alberta or require assistance with your application.