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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.

Registration Practices Assessment Report, 2016

This summary of the assessment includes recommendations for improvement.

Reports / Applications

2017

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2017

Applications to Practise Processed by the COO in 2017
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received24668030317
Applicants who became members10446000150

2016

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2016

Applications to Practise Processed by the COO in 2016
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received24947070303
Applicants who became members13017030150

2015

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2015

Applications to Practise Processed by the COO in 2015
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received22122080251
Applicants who became members12110030134

2014

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2014

Registration Practices Assessment Report, 2014

Applications to Practise Processed by the COO in 2014
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received16427071199
Applicants who became members1078020117

2013


Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2013

Applications to Practise Processed by the COO in 2013
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received316250160357
Applicants who became members10116000117

2012


Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2012

Applications to Practise Processed by the COO in 2012
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received504150194542
Applicants who became members12011013135

2011


Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2011

Registration Practices Assessment Report — Summary (Opticians)

Applications to Practise Processed by the COO in 2011
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received41051060467
Applicants who became members9620010117

2010

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

2009

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

2008

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

2007


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

Exemplary Practices

The OFC gathers regulatory bodies' exemplary licensing practices so that they may learn from one another. Practices for the College of Opticians of Ontario are listed below.

  1. Clearly presenting registration information

    This practice makes a wide range of registration information...

  2. Communicating acceptable alternatives for applicants with non-accredited education

    This practice offers a visual map of pathways to registration...


Quick Facts

Number of Opticians2,953
Number of Internationally Trained Opticians43

You may find information about exam requirements and Canadian work experience requirements elsewhere on this site.

Location of Training, 2017

Ontario2,574
Other Canadian Provinces330
USA6
Other International37
Unknown6
Total2,953
Proportion of Internationally Trained Members (includes USA)1%

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