O-7, r. 0.01 - Regulation respecting the acts that may be performed by optometric assistants

Updated to 12 December 2023

This document has official status.

chapter O-7, r. 0.01

Regulation respecting the acts that may be performed by optometric assistants

Optometry Act

(chapitre O-7, s.10, 1st par., subpar. a).

Professional Code

(chapter C-26, s. 95).

1. The purpose of this Regulation is to determine, among the acts that may be performed by optometrists under section 16 of the Optometry Act (chapter O-7), those which, pursuant to certain prescribed conditions, may be performed by optometric assistants.

O.C. 43-2015, s. 1.

2. For the purposes of this regulation, “optometric assistant” means any person who is entered before 26 February 2017 in a register kept by the Ordre des optométristes du Québec after satisfying the conditions of paragraphs (1) or (2):

(1)  successful completion of the following training no later than during the year preceding his entry in the register:

(a)  a training program in fitting ophthalmic eyeglasses for optometric assistants that includes a minimum of 72 hours divided up as follows:

i.  not less than 20 hours of introductory optometric science, particularly concerning the anatomy and the physiology of the eye, refractive errors and their correction methods;

ii.  not less than 52 hours of fitting techniques, particularly concerning the parameters necessary for the execution of an optical prescription, the taking of measurements, the adjustment and adaptation of frames, the effects of fitting on patient vision and comfort, as well as the general activities engaged in when delivering ophthalmic eyeglasses;

(b)  a comprehensive test, which comprises a theoretical component and a practical component, of the subjects taught in the training program contemplated by subparagraph a.

(2)  acquisition of the equivalent of 3 years of full-time work experience under the supervision of an optometrist or a dispensing optician during the 5 years preceding his entry in the register and the successful completion of the test contemplated by subparagraph b of paragraph (1) no later than during the year preceding his entry in the register.

The Board of Directors of the Order approves a training program that meets the requirements contemplated by subparagraph a of paragraph (1).

O.C. 43-2015, s. 2.

3. Optometric assistants may perform the following acts:

(1)  make the final selection of glass frames with a patient, following the instructions of an optometrist or a dispensing optician;

(2)  take the measurements required for the purposes of ordering eyeglass frames or the lenses that will be inserted in them, provided these measurements are verified by an optometrist or a dispensing optician;

(3)  fit eyeglass frames containing lenses, following the instructions of an optometrist or a dispensing optician;

(4)  perform a basic verification of the visual and physical comfort of patients after a lens is inserted in eyeglass frames.

Whenever they perform these acts, optometric assistants must act under the supervision of an optometrist or a dispensing optician who is responsible for them and available on site to intervene with patients within a short period of time. Patients must also be informed of the identity of the responsible optometrist or dispensing optician and the possibility of consulting this professional at their request. They must also be informed of the identity of the optometric assistant.

O.C. 43-2015, s. 3.

4. Any person enrolled in a training program for optometric assistants or admitted to the test contemplated by section 2 may perform, pursuant to section 3, the acts that may be performed by optometric assistants, provided they are required for the purposes of completing the program or the test.

O.C. 43-2015, s. 4.

5. (Omitted).

O.C. 43-2015, s. 5.

REFERENCES

O.C. 43-2015, 2015 G.O. 2, 93