The new rules of conduct for Ontario optometrists will take effect April 15, 2014.
The new regulation will change the rules concerning conflict of interest, advertising, relationships between optometrists and opticians, and patient access to eye care and prescriptions. The changes are listed in a document released by the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO). (http://www.collegeoptom.on.ca/images/pdfs/PM__COI_Guidelines_FINAL.pdf)
The OAO is pleased with the implementation of these new changes, particularly the removal of restrictions that prevented optometrists from associating with opticians. Doctors of optometry will now be able to employ opticians and, further, practice with anyone including optical corporations, as long as the doctor of optometry practices as an independent contractor, said president Farooq Khan.
The College of Optometrists of Ontario also approves the changes. The public of Ontario will benefit from more options when seeking eye care now that several of the restrictions that prohibited optometrists from working in association with opticians, have been removed, said Paula Garshowitz, registrar at the College.
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