NACOR Licensing Exam
Continuing Education
Students
How long do I keep patient records?
- At this point the Standards of Practice currently state that patient records should be kept for 10 years. However, this will eventually change, as our Standards of Practice are currently under review.
A patient wants to get new glasses with a prescription that is over two years old at one optical store, and another optical store has the prescription and won't release it. What is the policy on this?
- It doesn't matter how old the prescription is, it belongs to the patient. If the one optical store chooses to make the glasses from that prescription it is their decision. The other optical store has no say in the matter.
Can Opticians sign off for passports?
- Any member of the public can sign off for a passport as long they follow current government guidelines. Please visit the Government of Canada website for further information.
If I do not want to take part in any of the third party contracts including: Indian Affairs, Social Services etc. can I just choose not to or is there other paper work involved?
- An Optician can choose to not take part in the third party contracts however, one should notify the third party in writing. This shows that the Optical is not picking and choosing whom they service but rather, is choosing not to take part on any level of servicing the contract. By the same token, on should notify their intention of taking part if they have cancelled in the past, by way of written notification.
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What is the AGM?
- The general meeting is held annually. It is a public forum to air grievances and to discuss and vote on important issues.
How is this meeting run?
- In order to introduce a special motion to the agenda any twenty members in good standing may deliver written notice to the registrar thirty days before the meeting. This meeting is conducted much like a board of directors meeting. Old business is dealt with first, and then directors give a report, written in advance of the meeting, on their particular area. These reports include updated decisions made over the year and any progress in projects. Questions may be asked and are welcomed. The financial statement is reviewed and questions are answered. Any new business is discussed and voted on. The voting then takes place for new directors. Proxy and mail in ballots are accepted to allow more members to be a part in such important decisions. With the introduction of the Health Professions Act we are hoping that on line voting by computer will be available to further make this vote accessible.
What are the requirements to be able to attend the AGM?
- In order to attend the general meeting you must be a member in good standing of the association. Only practicing members may vote.
How are Directors chosen?
- How long a term are they elected for? Director's terms are two years and three consecutive terms are permitted. A council member may be removed by a three quarters vote of council for conflict of interest or failing to attend to duties as a director. A council member may resign at any time with written notice. The council decides from amongst their ranks, who will hold the position of president and vice president for one year of their terms on the board. It is permissible for these positions to be held consecutively.
What are the Nomination and Voting Procedures?
- Names are requested in advance. All nominations must be submitted in writing at least ninety days before elections and be signed by the nominee and five other members in good standing. Ballots will be mailed out to each member at least thirty days before elections. To vote by proxy the ballot must be placed in a sealed envelope, signed on the outside and received before the close of the voting.
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What does the Alberta Opticians Association do for me?
The Alberta Opticians Association has been designated by the government to protect the public. They do this by regulating Opticians, by making sure that opticians:
Are trained and educated enough to serve the public without endangering the health and wellness of Albertans'.
Keep up to new technical innovations and the newest ideas of healthy practice.
Maintain high levels of professionalism and ethical behavior.
Who pays for this regulation?
I am an Optician in Alberta but will be working in Saskatchewan , do I need licenses in both Provinces?
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What is the National Examination?
- The National Examination Committee (NEC) is a subcommittee of NACOR. The purpose of the National Examination Committee is to develop and maintain an examination, which will facilitate mobility. This examination is used in all provinces but has been assessed by other provinces as being equivalent to other exams. This process is ongoing. The National Association of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) now used or accepted by 9 of the 10 provinces.
What is The National Accreditation of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR)?
- NACOR is an association of regulatory bodies with the goal of developing ways to make the mobility of Optician licenses from province to province in Canada a reality. Each province's Regulatory Body has one seat and one vote in NACOR.
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How many credits do I need for my continuing education requirements to be fulfilled?
What do EG, CL, EC and RF stand for?
EG stands for eyeglass. That is any credit that relates to the manufacturing, fitting or dispensing of eyeglasses. It may also include pathology or anatomy / physiology areas especially related to eyeglasses.
CL stands for Contact lenses. That is any credit that relates to the manufacturing, modifying, fitting, cleaning or dispensing of contact lenses.
EC stands for any course that can be used as either Eyeglass or Contact Lens. These are generally in the areas of Ocular Pathology, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology or Refraction.
RF stands for Related Field. That is any credit that is involving a field related to opticianry. That is optometry, ophthalmology or medical i.e. CPR. It can also be any credit that is sales, motivation, or business related.
Can I carry over any of my excess credits to the next three-year term?
Do I still need credits if I am Non-Practicing status?
Why would credits be necessary if I am not practicing?
How can I be sure that I am credited for courses that I have taken?
How can I have a course approved before I attend it?
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What is Field Supervision?
How many students may one supervisor have under them?
I took my first year Contact Lens course at NAIT a few years ago, what is the time line between the first year and the second year to be taken?
I am a second year student, who has all my fitting hours, but I have not completed my final or practical exam, can I fit without supervision?