Students in Ontario interested in obtaining a license in Opticianry can now do so by completing the NAIT/OAC Optical Sciences Eyeglass and Contact Lens Programs.These programs are offered in an online, distance delivery format so you can fit your studies into your busy schedule. Graduate with credentials that prepare you for licensing in Ontario and the rest of Canada. Enrol now.
Ontario Opticians Association
Now Available in Ontario
Fairness Commissioner Assessess The College Of Opticians Of Ontario Registration Policies
Inside Optics 2012 was held on April 1st at the leJardin Banquet and Convention Centre in Woodbridge. The day was quite the success as attendees were treated to a day of interesting presentations and the largest trade show in recent memory. The venue turned out to be fantastic as the lecture hall and the trade show hall were beautiful rooms in which to spend the day. The food was exceptional and stimulated grand reviews. The day's presentations were kicked off with a talk by Dr Bill Stell the Director of research for the Foundation Fighting Blindness. His talk was on the causes of myopia which are now believed to be connected to the retina and light as opposed to the traditional thinking that it was a product of the axial length of the eye and/or the crystaline lens. The rest of the day was filled with presentations focusing on topography, vitamins- namely omegas, the Licensed Optician campaign, practice management, a COO update on the proposed changes to the QA program, new lens coating technology, and the OOA 66th Annual General meeting. As part of the AGM the Optician of the Year award was presented to Keith Harrison for his contributions to our profession. The Honorary Lifetime Member Award went to Jack Snelgrove for his many years of contributions to our profession. In anticipation of the new Ontario Not for Profit Act expected to come into effect sometime this fall the members of the OOA voted almost 100% for the adoption of our new bylaws with only two abstentions. The members realized that these new by-laws will evolve and will be amended to conform with any changes to the proposed Act. It is a living document and the OOA by-law committee will continue to work on this.
All in all everyone seemed to have a great day and most vowed
that they would be back next year.
Fall 2012
For Passing-Off
9/28/2011 2:05:15 PM
Winnipeg (Manitoba), September 28, 2011 - The Opticians Association of Canada (OAC), has instituted action in the Federal Court of Canada against Breton Communications Inc. (Breton), which published, until April 2011, the OAC's VISION and LA REVUE magazines. The OAC's action alleges passing-off, trade-mark and copyright infringement by Breton and claims damages .
CLICK HERE to view full press release, released by Morin Public Relations
In 2005, the Ontario Government passed the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, known by the acronym "AODA". The legislation is administered by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. The Act and regulations establish rigorous requirements for accommodating disabled persons by every person or organization that provides goods or services to members of the public or to other third parties and that employs at least one person in Ontario. Those requirements are the most extensive and exhaustive in Canada, by a substantial margin. "Disabled persons" includes not only patients, but also patients' agents and companions, employees, contractors and suppliers.
Private sector businesses have had a grace period to comply with the legislation. That grace period ends on January 1, 2012. Opticianry outlets will be expected to comply.
The financial penalties for noncompliance, not to mention the adverse publicity, are onerous. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to acquaint our members with the requirements of the AODA and to counsel full compliance. Circumstances and requirements will vary from clinic to clinic, so individual members must investigate the compliance requirements on a case to case basis.
By January 2012 Opticianry outlets must:
Have in place and implement policies, practices and procedures as to how the clinic provides services to disabled persons consistent with the following principles:
" Respect the dignity and independence of disabled persons;
" Integrate the provision of services to disabled persons into the routine operations of the clinic; and
" Ensure treatment of disabled persons that is at least equal to anyone else.
Such policies, practices and procedures must include dealing with use of assistive devices and communicating with disabled persons that takes their disability into account (e.g. hearing, oral, vision); accommodating service animals (e.g. seeing eye dogs) and special training for staff who have, or are reasonably likely to have, direct contact with disabled persons.
For Opticianry outlets that employ at least 20 people, the policies, practices and procedures have to be available and be provided to anyone who requests a copy.
OOA members are urged to consult the MCSS web site at http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accaessibilityOntario.
Telus Goes On-Line For Vision Claims
Metropolitan Life On-Line Billing
availailable to Opticians
with OOA President Lorne Kashin
Student Optician
Placement Positions
Needed
When you hire a student Optician for your dispensary it is a win win situation for all. The student aquires the experience that can only be attained by the mentorship of an experienced Optician and the Optician is exposed to the fresh ideas and energy that a student brings. It is the responsibility of all Registered Opticians to make sure that student Opticians are given the opportunity to advance their skills in order to ensure that our profession flourishes and grows with well educated experienced professionals.
Please contact Dorina Reiz at the OOA office if you are able to provide an opportunity. 905-709-4141
What's Possible Tour Event
June 5
Details