• Please click here to download a Registration Package. Criminal Record Checks are only required for BC registrants.
• For a complete detailed explanation and background of registration requirements, please check the page on Registration Information 

Registration Designations

The AOA registers Opticians in following registration classes:

• Registered Optician (RO) - Eyeglass Dispensing
• Registered Contact Lens Practitioner (RCLP)- Contact Lens/ Eyeglasses Dispensing
• Provisional Optician - Eyeglass Student
• Provisional Contact Lens Practitioner - RO / Contact Lens Student
• Non Practicing Registration

Registered Optician (RO)- Eyeglass Dispensing:   may dispense, fit and adjust eyeglasses,or subnormal vision devices based on the prescription of an Optometrist, Ophthalmologist or medical doctor.

Registered Contact Lens Practitioner (RCLP)- Contact Lens and Eyeglass Dispensing:   may dispense, fit and adjust contact lenses, eyeglasses,or subnormal vision devices based on the prescription of an Optometrist, Ophthalmologist or medical doctor.

Provisional Optician - may dispense eyeglasses or sub-normal vision devices only under supervision or direction of a Registered Optician, Registered Contact Lens Practitioner, Optometrist or Ophthalmologist who is physically present in the place in which the dispensing takes place at the time it takes place.

Provisional Contact Lens Practitioner - RO/Contact Lens Student  - may dispense contact lenses or sub-normal vision devices only under supervision or direction of a Registered Optician, Registered Contact Lens Practitioner, Optometrist or Ophthalmologist who is physically present in the place in which the dispensing takes place at the time it takes place.

Registered Optician - Non Practicing: This is a Registered OPtician that has signed an undertaking stating they will not practice in the Province of Alberta.

Seven Steps to Registration Flow-Chart

Seven Steps to Registration

1. Applicant Applies for Registration with AOA

2. Preliminary Assessment of Application
   2.1 Resume of work experience
   2.2 Transcripts of formal education
   2.3 Letter of personal reference
   2.4 Letters of professional competence
   2.5 Letters of good standing
   2.6 ICES or IQAS
   2.7 Language proficiency
   2.8 Interview

3. Competency Gap Analysis

4. Registration Committee Assess Information

5. Bridging

6. Examination

7. Proceed to AOA Registration
   7.1 Proof of insurance
   7.2 Solemn declaration
   7.3 Criminal records check
   7.4 Payment of fees

The Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) allows for some applicants to be exempted from certain steps in the process. 

There are generally three types of applicants for registration:

Applicant 1.
Graduates from Accredited Institutions
Successfully completed a recognized education training and examination for applicants in Alberta. Applicants for registration as an RO or RCLP in Alberta must be a graduate from an educational program that is approved by the Alberta Opticians Association (AOA). The AOA approve programs accredited by the National Accreditation Committee of Opticians (NACO). Accreditation of opticianry programs is reviewed annually and completely reassessed every 6 years. An application for registration must have completed an approved education program or one deemed equivalent by the Council and must successfully challenge that National Optical Sciences Examinations. Applicants must successfully complete steps 1, 6 and 7

Applicant 2.
Nationally Registered Candidates
Canadian and international applicants who have not graduated from an accredited and approved program and are not registered in good standing with another Canadian optician regulator may be accepted for admission where they have a combination of knowledge, skills, experience and abilities which are, in the opinion of the registration committee, substantially equivalent to the requirements set out in the Bylaws for new applicants.  Such applicants, after they have completed a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, may be admitted with or without further examinations, education, training, experience and other upgrading and/or assessments as determined by the registration committee. Applicants may be required to successfully complete all steps in the process.

Applicant 3.
Non Accredited Education Applicants

An applicant for a certificate of registration as an Optician who, at the time he/she applies, is licensed or registered, and in good standing, in another province or territory of Canada to dispense either eye glasses or contact lenses, will be accepted for registration without further examination in the similar category provided that he/she meets the general registration requirements. A registered Optician from Quebec or Ontario will be accepted as a registrant in both eyeglasses and contact lenses. Applicants must successfully complete steps 1, 2.5 and 7.

Requirements for All Applicants for Registration

1. The applicant may be required to provide details of any conviction for a criminal offence or an offence related to the practice of opticianry, a finding or a current proceeding for professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in Alberta or any other jurisdiction.
2. The applicant must pay the required registration fee.

Policy on Routine Registrations

The policy on routine registrations creates an efficient internal process for approving applications for registrations, while providing necessary oversight by the Registrar or Registration Committee.

Assessment of Application of Non-Accredited Education

Type	Annual Fee	GST	Total
Document Assessment Fee	165.00	8.25	173.25
Competency Gap Analysis	600.00	30.00	630.00

AOA Fees

• Initial Registration

Type	Annual Fee	Application Fee	GST	Total
Registereed Optician	620.00	115.00	36.75	771.75
Registered Contact Lens Practitioner (in addition to Registered Optican Fee)	150..00	115.00	13.25	278.25
Registered Non-Practicing Optician	250.00	115.00	18.25	383.25
Provisional Optician	620.00	115.00	36.75	771.75

Transfer Fee:

A $50.00 transfer fee will be applied for past members of the AOA that are returning their license to Alberta from another province.