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. Classes started in September 2010.
Ontario Opticians Association
Now Available in Ontario
Inside Optics 2011 HostsOver 500!
Elections were held and two new board members were elected to the OOA board. The Board welcomed Mike Stoker and Alex Haddad. With the addition of these two new board members comes both experience and youth. We welcome Mike and Alex.
Stay tuned for more reports and pictures from Inside Optics 2011.
Fairness Commissioner Assessess The College Of Opticians Of Ontario Registration Policies
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
Toronto- The Ontario Opticians Association held Contact Lens Symposium 2011 on November 27 at the Rembrandt Banquet Hall in Scarborough. Three hundred and seventy-five opticians attended and were treated to a great day of learning and networking with fellow opticians. The theme of the day was of course contact lenses but also the importance of raising the bar of their skills in order to provide their patients the highest level of service and care while realizing that this is the best vehicle in order to stay competitive in the fast changing eye care market. Lectures included on-stage fitting of Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses using topography by Mike Stoker. This was demonstrated with live topography and actual fitting of an RGP on newly elected COO council member Sheila Moloo. A follow up lecture by Kieth Harrison provided invaluable information on how to interpret topographical images. Kieth also provided attendees with a lecture on the basics of fitting soft contact lenses as a reminder to use our basic fitting principals as the foundation of all fittings. Geoff Briede demonstrated the use of the phoroptor and shared his refraction skills with the attendees. Dr. Michael Mills, retinal specialist, provided insights about retinal conditions which will give Opticians a better understanding of the retinal conditions clients are dealing with. A presentation by Dr. Laksham Subbaraman gave insights as to the many benefits of silicone hydrogel lenses. As the population ages the ever increasing need for providing low vision services was emphasized in a lecture delivered by Dr. Kieth Gordon and Lisa Ham from the CNIB. The day's lectures were capped by a panel discussion on interent sales of prescription eye wear and contact lenses. The Foundation Fighting Blindness was in attendance with volunteers promoting the envolvement of opticians in their upcoming Cycle For Sight and Comic Vision Events which raise funds for retinal research in Canada. All in all it was a great day for Optician education and once again demonstrated the importance of a strong Ontario Opticians Association providing quality professional education to Ontario Opticians.
Optician of the Year Award
This award is presented to an Optician who is a member of the OOA and who has performed an outstanding deed or service, either in the optical field or in the community to advance the profession of opticianry. The winner will be announced at the OOA Annual General Meeting on Sunday April 1, 2012 at Inside Optics 2012 Conference and Trade Show at the Château Le Jardin, 8440 Hwy 27 in Woodbridge, Ontario. Please email, fax, or mail this form to 416-226-6879 no later than March 2, 2012.
Honour a Fellow Optician
It’s that time of year again and the Annual General Meeting at Inside Optics 2012 being held at the Château Le Jardin, 8440 Hwy 27, in Woodbridge, ON, is fast approaching. With the anticipated passing of the new Ontario Not for Profit Act your Ontario Opticians Association (OOA) is being pro-active and will be asking members to ratify our new bylaws during the 64th Annual General Meeting. In compliance with the Act the current Board of Directors will be dissolved and a new Board will be elected. If you have the desire to contribute your time and input to help guide your profession into the future, or know a fellow optician that does, run for an elected position or nominate a colleague. Follow the link below to the Nomination Form. Please fax this form to 416-226-6879 or email to info@ontario-opticians.com, no later than Feb 24, 2012.
OOA Director Nominations