Under Alberta law, the fitting and dispensing of eyeglasses, contact lenses and subnormal vision devices to the public are restricted activities. Only registered members of these three regulatory bodies are authorized to practice the fitting and dispensing of corrective lenses:

• Alberta Opticians Association
• College of Optometrists of Alberta
• College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta

Unauthorized Practice happens when unregistered or unregulated persons are engaged in the fitting and dispensing of corrective lenses to the public, thus risking the safety and health of the Alberta public.

Those persons who are engaged in or who condone Unauthorized Practice place the public in harm's way: it is the duty and responsibility of this Association/College and its Members to do everything possible to protect the public.

Report Unauthorized Practice

The Association/College encourages the public and its Members to report Unauthorized Practice.

To report unauthorized practice, please contact the Association/College by phone, fax, mail or email:

• Tel:780.429.2694 or toll-free at 1.800.263.6026
• Fax: 780.426.5576
• Mail: Suite # 201, 2528 Ellwood Dr SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0A9
• Email: aoa@opticians.ab.ca