What constitutes a Complaint?

A written submission to the AOA regarding an act or omission of a specific member of the AOA with respect to their practice.

Can I make an anonymous Complaint?

The AOA is not able to act on anonymous complaints as the member who is the subject of the complaint must be in a position to respond fully to the allegation(s) contained in the compliant.

Can the AOA make a dispensary give me back my money?

The AOA regulates only Opticians, Contact Lens Practitioners, Non-Practicing Opticians, and Provisional Opticians (students or not yet licensed). The AOA has limited legal authority or jurisdiction over optical stores, dispensaries, corporations or their non-Optician owners or management. The AOA does not have the legal authority to deal with issues that are solely of a monetary nature, such as prices, warranties or refunds, which are not regulated. Should your concerns entail these issues only please consider contacting the Better Business Bureau or the Small Claims Court.

Can the AOA give me information about an ongoing investigation?

Unlike the results of the disciplinary hearing, which may become a matter of public record, all information relating to the investigation and resolution of complaints is held in confidence. The AOA is prohibited from making any information regarding ongoing and resolved complaint investigations public knowledge.

What is the difference between Unauthorized Practice and a Complaint?

A complaint must contain the name of a registered member of the AOA. If someone is practicing Opticinary in Alberta who is not licensed with the AOA, The Alberta College of Optometrists or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, they are dispensing illegally and should be reported.