Fall 2012 - College of Opticians of Alberta

You and Your
Older Patient
Fall 2012 Issue 85
The Eighth Line
In This Issue:
Free Con-Ed Credit
- Communicating with your Older
Patient
Discipline Report
-Sumary of Decision
Member Survey
- Results
{ JOE’S VIEW }
Clinical insights from Joe Barr, OD, MS, FAAO, Bausch + Lomb
In our development and
research, we go right to
the source — the eye itself
— for our bio-inspiration.
Bio-Inspiration Leads to
Breakthrough Products
Product innovation can be an
as a focus of ongoing research.
unusual journey. Along the way
The ability to design a contact
you learn and improve. You know
lens that mimics the functions and
your destination and have firm
characteristics of the natural ocular
goals from where to start, to
surface, tear film, and cornea, while
where you desire to end, but are
incredibly complex even with
not as certain about the points
today’s technology and computer
in between. A precise road map
modeling abilities, could be of
would be helpful, unfortunately
benefit to patients.
that is not how the world works…or
does it? Maybe the answers we seek
Products inspired by biology are
are already around us, we just need
all around us. The best known
to know where and how to look. In
is probably Velcro, based on the
essence, that’s the thinking behind
miniscule hooks that enable
the science of bio-inspiration
certain kinds of seeds to hitch rides
— a discipline that studies and
on passing wildlife. Bio-inspiration
learns from nature’s best ideas to
can apply not just to products,
generate breakthrough products
but also to new ways of doing
and technologies.
things. For instance, to color an
Nature, including the human body,
is the result of millions of years of
biological change that has tossed
ineffective and unnecessary traits
aside and promoted the efficacious
ones. There are many types of
systems in nature that we can
emulate, such as energy storage,
cleanliness, and motion, but before
these systems can be harnessed
for our own needs, they must
first be understood. This is easier
said than done, as nature tends
to work at the micro- and nanostructure levels. After deciphering
the process comes the exciting task
of mimicking it. The magnitude of
what bio-inspired products can
do for us is limited only by our
understanding of how nature
works, and the eye is a reservoir of
incredible opportunities.
object, we apply a dye or paint,
In our development and research,
but in nature, color may be created
we go right to the source — the eye
using structure to diff ract light in
itself — for our bio-inspiration. What
a particular way. Some butterfly
can the eye teach us? It has already
wings utilize this property to create
revealed that hyaluronan is an
their vibrant colors, and now so can
excellent source of hydration and
we. Another favorite is the skin of
lubrication. For more inspiration,
the shark, which inspired swimsuits
our vision scientists are turning to
with lower resistance to make
the living human ocular surface
swimmers faster.
Joe Barr, OD, MS, FAAO
Vice President
Global Clinical & Medical Affairs
and Professional Services
Vision Care
Bausch + Lomb
ADVERTORIAL
© 2012 Bausch & Lomb Incorporated. ®/™ are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.
Other product/brand names are trademarks of their respective owners . PNS06016
Council Meeting Dates
COLLEGE OF OPTICIANS OF ALBERTA
201, 2528 Ellwood Dr SW
Phone: (780) 429-2694
Fax: (780) 426-5576
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-263-6026
Toll Free Fax: 1-800-584-6896
November 26, 2012
January 21, 2013
March 25, 2013
May 4-5, 2013 (AGM)
June 10, 2013
e-mail: [email protected]
website: www.opticians.ab.ca
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
President
Nola Hornung
Vice President
Scott Smith
NACOR
Examination Schedule
Alberta
Feb 2-3, 2013
June 21-23, 2013
British Columbia
May 25-26, 2013
Sept 21-22, 2013
Reports
Prez Mez
Maureen’s Desk
Notepad
Page 4
Page 16
Page 18
Discipline Report
Page 6
Ontario
April 19-21, 2013
Oct 18-20, 2013
Improving Communication with
Your Older Patients
Page 8
Saskatchewan
June 1-2, 2013
LO Campaign
Page 14
Records Managment
Page 17
Member Survey
Page 20
Manitoba
June 8-9, 2013
New Brunswick
Nov 3-4, 2012
June 8-9, 2013
Nova Scotia
November 2-3, 2013
&ODVVL¿HGPage 22
eyeShare
Page 25
Director, Accreditation
Lyle Olsen
Director, Finance and Audit
Mel Findell
Director, Communications
Charlotte Kessler
Director, Education
Rick Miller
Director, Member Services
Mary-Lynne Wagener
Director, Education
Anthony Chan
Public Members
Judy Hierlihy
Dr. Sibylla Lane
Executive Director/Registrar
Maureen Hussey
Regulatory Standards Director
Belinda Swann
ADVERTISING
The Eighth Line is published four times a year. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. We
charge for the employment opportunities, or used equipment for sale. Exempt are
continuing education lectures that are hosted by the COA and articles from members
and associates as well as seeking employment ads. THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION
IS TWO WEEKS BEFORE PRINT and the rates are as follows:
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Quarter page $87.50
Inside Front Cover $375
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All submissions must be typed and accompanied by a cheque payable to the COA.
We use InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator as well as Microsoft Word 2010, Access
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The deadline for submission of Advertising for the next issue of the Eighth Line is
December 15, 2012
Executive Assistant
Kristie Murray
Registration Administrator
Lynda Willey
Administrative Assistant
Shawna Dyck
Accounting Administrator
Zaneta Ilievska
Hi everyone
I hope you all had a great
summer and were able
to spend time with your
families and friends.
After the councils summer
break we got back into
the swing of things by
having our annual retreat. For our new members, this
consists of 4 days of meetings. Part of our agenda is a
regular board meeting to clear up any business that has
come up over the summer. One of the most important
meetings we also have is our strategic planning for the
coming year. As a board we have to ensure that we have
clear goals with a start date and completion date. We
feel that we have been successful in this endeavor and
that we will be able to provide you the members with
the support that you are looking for. The board runs with 5 committees.
t Finance and Audit to monitor spending and
budgeting
t Executive for the emergencies between
meetings
t Communication/Member Services for any
association functions
t Competence Committee for college
functions
t Government Liaison
I would like to invite our new members as well as
established members to become involved in their
profession by sending us your suggestions and
comments or volunteering your time on a committee, all
are invaluable and appreciated.
As most of you are aware we have been working on the
Practice Review, which is now mandatory. I ask that you
remember we will all go through this process and it is
not in place to discipline the members. We had a 1/2
day “Train the Trainer” seminar and I as an optician
do not feel intimidated by the process, instead feel
confident that it will bring value to our profession, and
our offices. If used as a tool for bettering ourselves, as
it is intended, I believe it will be a good experience for us
all. Thanks goes out to Dr. Sibylla Lane for putting this on
for us and for all of her assistance in development.
I would like to thank all of the members that participated
in the member’s survey. Some of the comments that were
made were extremely well thought out and we definitely
hope to address all of your concerns in a reasonable time
frame. I would like to congratulate Jennifer Nordin on
winning the iPad 2 for completing the survey.
On a very sad note to those of you who may have not be
aware we lost a very caring Public Member this year.
Pamila Crosby passed away suddenly and will be missed
by all of us that got the chance to know her.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nola Hornung, RO, RCLP
COA President
Privacy Question
A member called and asked if it was allowable to release
information about a person’s purchase of eyeglasses to
an insurance company. The patient did not mention the
insurance company during the purchase process and
did not have the Optician sign a form. The concern arises
when personal information is released without consent of
the patient. During the discussion we decided that this is
a question that would come up more and more often with
internet submission of insurance claim forms becoming
more common. We called the privacy commissioner’s
office to get the goods from the source. They assured us
that this information could be released without special
consent to the insurance company. This is the quote of
the Health Information Act that they steered us to.
Disclosure of diagnostic, treatment and care
information
35(1) A custodian may disclose individually identifying
diagnostic, treatment and care information without
the consent of the individual who is the subject of the
information
(r) for the purpose of obtaining or processing payment
for health services provided to the individual by a person
that is required under a contract to pay for those services
for that individual, or
Did you know that the insurance companies are now
calling the College to find out if a member is in good
standing?
In Memoriam
Pamila Faith Crobsy
Public Member, COA Council
April 12, 1953-September 4, 2012
Pamila Faith Crosby (nee Waldo) passed away on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at the age
of 59 years. Pam had a zest for life and a passion for work, family and friends. She certainly
left her mark on this world and on all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. Pam
worked hard her entire life, and continued to grow and develop in her professional life.
As a Consultant for many different agencies and businesses, she supported those agencies to improve policy,
collaboration and overall organizational health. Pam also obtained her Masters as an adult. Although Pam
was extremely passionate about her work, perhaps her greatest joy was to travel and to spend time with her
children, her family and her many great friends.
Pam played a pivotal role here at the College and made it her mission for change at the board level. Pam came
on Council at just the right time as we were going under the HPA in 2011. She was only with us for a short time
but her impact on Council was apparent and the changes she had hoped to bring about with the College and
its members will be her lasting legacy with the COA staff and Council. We will make it our mission to adopt
these changes that Pam felt were so important to Alberta Opticians.
With deepest respect,
COA Staff and Council
Denice Marcia Vaughn, RO, RCLP
COA License #273
It is with great sadness that I write this article for a colleague and a friend. Denice
Marcia Vaughn passed away on Monday August 20th, 2012 at the Edmonton General
Hospice after her courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved wife of Jim
Vaughn, who she was happily married to for 37 years. She leaves behind her two
children Christopher (32) and Lisa (29). Denice also leaves behind her six brothers,
two sisters, and 17 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her nephew Kelly Shivak and her father and
mother Joe and Theresa Shivak.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Denice Vaughn RO, RCLP. Denice joined the
Alberta Guild of Ophthalmic Dispensers on September 22, 1981 where she was employed by Belland and
Dunkin Optical. She then went on to Family Vision Care in 1991 where she worked for Family Vision Care for
15 years then Denice’s career came full circle to Costco in November of 2006 to present. I know that she was a
true Health Care Provider, she had an excellent client care and a level of compassion that will surely be missed
by client’s and colleague’s alike. The College of Opticians of Alberta and all fellow members send our sincere
condolences to the family at this time. I truly will miss her laugh the most.
For those members who want to pay it forward we have included one of Denice’s favorite charities. I will
always remember my friend and her demeanor as it is the same as the end of her name NICE. Memorial
donations be made to the Hope Mission Brightwood Ranch Camps (Box 953, Edmonton, AB, T5J 2L8); a camp
for underprivileged kids Denice was active in donating to.
Discipline Report
This was started three years ago
At the end of 2009, an administrative error at the office
led to a Contact Lens Practitioner’s practice permit
being sent to a member even though not qualified
to receive it. This member, while an Optician, had not
completed the NAIT program and had not successfully
completed the National practical licensing Exam to
become a contact lens practitioner. This member did
not contact the College of Opticians of Alberta, to
inform us of the mistake, instead the member accepted
the practice permit sent in error and held themselves
out to be a fully qualified contact lens practitioner.
For the year of 2010, the member practiced as a
contact lens practitioner. For part of that year, there
was another contact lens practitioner on the premise.
This person had acted as the supervisor of the member
during training and under the impression that training
was complete, left part way through the year. The
employer was under the same impression.
Just before December 01, 2010, when Opticians must
re-register for the next year, it was discovered that
the contact lens practitioners practice permit was
sent in error the year before and a new Opticians
practice permit was issued. The member received a
letter pointing out the error and requiring that the
mistakenly issued permit be returned. A permit for the
balance of the year saying Optician was sent with the
demand for the return. The member objected to being
told he was going to receive an Opticians certificate
for the upcoming year. The reasoning was that the
previous year an Optician and contact lenses certificate
had been issued and the Alberta Opticians Association
had made an error. The member argued strenuously
with the College in an attempt to retain the certificate.
It is the stance of the College that a key stroke error
does not limit the responsibility of a member to
comply with the Code of Ethics the Standards of
Practice and the Act. This member practiced outside of
their professional competencies and when informed
that they were in the wrong, photocopied the
erroneous practice permit even after a demand order
was issued and the original was returned. They then
hung the false permit in their business office in a frame
feigning authenticity. The actions of this member put
the public, the employer, the student being signed for
and the profession at risk in various ways.
The details of the administrative error were provided
to the council and an internal investigation took place.
Eventually a hearing into multiple issues concerning
the activities of the member was held. The hearing
tribunal considered all of the pertinent information at
the hearing.
Some of the results of changes that were implemented
you are seeing now.
x Each member must register themselves and
are responsible for paying their own fees.
This allows a closer control at the office and
the member can still submit their receipts for
reimbursement.
x In order to register for the National exam it is
now required that transcripts be sent directly
to NACOR.
x Student registration is now being done in the
office which allows us to track the progress of
a person from school to provisional to exam to
license.
We are publishing results as a teaching exercise. Please
be aware that this Hearing was held under the Optician
Act. It was open to the public and attended by several
interested members. You may request more detail from
the office.
We are now under the Health Professions Act and any
future hearings will be held under that act.
In most complaint situations, the College favours an
educational and remedial approach and focuses on
quality improvement. There are however instances
where informal resolution is not possible. These
include:
Discipline Report
x Serious ethical violations
x Fraud
x Those who do not respond to informal
resolution
x Those who refuse to participate in regulatory
process
Many things are taken into consideration when
applying sanctions (deciding penalties)
Some of these are:
x Years of experience as a licensed professional
x The nature and gravity of the proven
allegations
x The age and experience of the offending
optician
x The previous character of the optician and in
particular the presence or absence of any prior
complaints or convictions
x The age and mental condition of the offended
patient.
x The number of times the offence was proven to
have occurred
x Whether the offending optician had
already suffered other serious financial
or other penalties as a result of the
allegations having been made.
x The range of sentence in other similar
cases.
x The impact of the incident on the
offended patient
The Health Professions Act allows the hearing tribunal
to make orders based upon the information presented
in the hearing. These decisions are rendered by a group
of peers of the accused This is one of the ways the
profession regulates itself. A public member sits on the
panel. This is one of the ways the government/public
monitors the profession’s self-regulation.
These are possible orders of tribunal from the Health
Professions Act
82(1) If the hearing tribunal decides that
the conduct of an investigated person
constitutes unprofessional conduct, the
hearing tribunal may make one or more of
the following orders:
(a) caution the investigated person;
(b) reprimand the investigated person;
(c) impose conditions on the
investigated person’s practice permit
generally or in any area of the practice
of the regulated profession, including
conditions that the investigated person
(i) practice under supervision
(ii) practice with one or more other
regulated members,
x The presence or absence of any mitigating
circumstances.
(iii) not practise in an area of the practice
of the regulated profession until the
investigated person has successfully
completed a specific course of studies or
obtained supervised practical experience of
a type described in the order,
x The need to promote specific and
general deterrence and, thereby, to
protect the public and ensure the safe
and proper practice of medicine.
(iv) not practise in an area of the regulated
profession, or
(v) report on specific matters to the hearing
tribunal, council, committee or individual
specified in the order;
x The role of the optician in acknowledging what
had occurred
x the need to maintain the public’s
confidence and integrity of the opticians profession.
x The degree to which the offensive
conduct that was found to have
occurred was clearly regarded, by
consensus, as being the type of conduct
that would fall outside the range of
permitted conduct.
(d) direct the investigated person to satisfy
the hearing tribunal, committee or individual
specified in the order that the investigated
person is not incapacitated and suspend the
investigated person’s practice permit until
the hearing tribunal, committee or individual
is so satisfied;
(e) require the investigated person to
undertake counselling or a treatment
program that in its opinion is appropriate;
(f ) direct that within the time set by the
Continued on pg 12
Improving Communication with the your Older Patients
FREE CON-ED CREDIT 1 RF: www.opticians.ab.ca/CE_Courses.aspx
Improving Communication with Your Older Patients
The term “elderly” is characterised by many negative
stereotypes. Of course, a person can stay young at heart
even at the age of eighty or older, but age eventually
takes its toll on the body.
Communication Tips
x Allow extra time for older patients
As much as possible in a busy dispensary,
plan to give your older patients extra time.
Never appear rushed or uninterested. They
will sense it and shut down, making effective
communication almost impossible
Figure 1 Wrinkles on the faces of older people are
signs of wisdom gained over an entire lifetime.
The definition of the word “elderly” as described in
several resource dictionaries is: a: rather old; especially
being past middle age - b: old-fashioned
Hmmm, that should give all of us something to think
about. How soon will we be considered elderly? Sooner
than we would like to think for many of us, I suspect.
As baby boomers increase in age, the population of
Canada will radically change. By 2031, the approximate
number of people aged 65 and over will be more than
9 million. In light of these statistics, it is prudent that
you prepare for an escalation in the number of older
patients with whom you will be dealing. The best way
to prepare yourself for the influx of elderly patients is
to improve communication skills and develop a greater
understanding of this age group.
Communicating with elderly patients is complicated
simply by the normal aging process. Seniors may
experience a decline in memory, slower processing of
information and/or loss of hearing, in conjunction with
their visual problems.
Let’s face it, you work in busy environments; there is
always something to do: call the lab, order contact lenses,
assist patients who are waiting, clean frames and frame
bars and the ubiquitous task of completing paperwork.
The list is endless; however, the time you take with the
elderly and the manner in which you communicate
with them is as important, if not more so, than any of
your other responsibilities. Poor communication with
this vulnerable and growing population can undermine
your efforts to provide quality care.
Figure 2 Make a conscious effort to keep
wait time as sort as possible.
You’re busy; that’s a fact, but older people tire
easily. That, too, is a fact, so whenever possible
attend to them as quickly as your schedule
allows. A trip to your office may be the high point
of the person’s day, but it may be exhausting, as
well.
x Sit face to face at eye level.
If an older patient doesn’t hear well, reading
your lips may be essential for them to receive
the information you want to convey. Even if a
patient is accompanied by a family member,
always address the patient unless they are
totally blind. By sitting directly in front of
someone you send the message that what
you have to say to them, and what they (or the
person accompanying them) has to say to you,
is important.
Figure 3 Serve the Patient at Eye-level
It is particularly important to be face to face
June Smith Jeffries
with patients who are wheelchair bound.
If you don’t get on their level they have to
constantly bend their necks backwards in
order to see you.
x Always maintain eye contact. Eye contact is a direct and powerful form of
nonverbal communication. It lets the patient
patients know that you are interested in them
and that they can trust you.
x Allow patients to ask questions
and discuss concerns.
Once you have listened carefully, if you
don’t have the all of the information you
need to best serve the patient, ask direct
questions. This type of question usually
requires only a word or two to answer.
This will help you to assist the patient in a
timely manner.
Figure 4 Always Maintain Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact creates a more
positive atmosphere which may help
your patients open up and provide the
information you require in order to best
accommodate their needs.
x Give your full attention and listen Good listening skills are the foundation for all
effective communication. Be certain that you
really listen to what patients tell you. Older
people, especially those who live alone, are
often lonely. Listen to what they have to say and
don’t interrupt them.
Figure 5
Listen Carefully
These people are living histories. Let them
share that history for a few minutes. You never
know, you very well may learn something new.
Figure 6 Be Very Specific When Asking
For Information and When Making
Explanations
Patients, especially the elderly, don’t
necessarily know what to tell you. Older
people don’t expect anything from you
except your time so try to give them the
respect and time they deserve. After all, at
some point we will be in their position.
x Enunciate clearly and slowly.
Often the aged require a longer time to
comprehend what you are saying. Don’t
rush. Speak clearly and loudly enough for
them to hear you, but don’t ever shout.
Older people are very much offended by
someone shouting at them, even if they
don’t hear well. When a patient doesn’t
hear what you have said, you can almost
always see this in their facial expression. In
that case, repeat what you have said slightly
more loudly and be sure to pronounce each
word distinctly. Even if the person doesn’t
actually hear every word you say, your
expression and attention will often convey
the meaning to them.
Improving Communication with the your Older Patients
FREE CON-ED CREDIT 1 RF: www.opticians.ab.ca/CE_Courses.aspx
x Stick to one topic at a time. Information overload can confuse any
patient, but particularly the elderly. If the
patient asks several questions pertaining
to their glasses or their eye health, address
each question separately and try to
summarize the most important points.
x Educate Your Patients.
Older patients may feel more comfortable
approaching you with questions regarding
their eye health, rather than asking their
doctors. Visual aids, such as models and
charts are wonderful tools in helping
patients have a better understanding
of ocular conditions. Using a model of
the eye will help explain conditions,
such as cataracts, glaucoma and AMD.
Obtain brochures on eye health concerns
particular to the elderly so that your
patients can take them home for future
reference. Various brochures are available
through the CNIB. The website for this
organization is: cnib.ca
They hey may be reached at 1-800-5632642. Various other organizations provide
tools to aide you in helping your patients
understand certain ocular conditions.
Brochures provide explanations in
language that can easily be understood by
patients.
room. This will reduce background noise and
visual distractions.
x Use humour when it is
appropriate.
Most elderly people have endured many
losses: perhaps the death of a spouse, or
other family members, or friends. Many
of them have had to leave their homes in
order to live where the care they need is
provided. They may worry about being
alone, being physically incapacitated or
have concerns about lack of money or dying. Obviously, they can use a hefty dose
of cheerfulness.
Figure 8 Laughter is the Best Medicine.
Just like our physical bodies need food, human souls are also in need of nourishment.
Laughter is a form of soul nourishment, so
laugh with elderly patient’s whenever possible.
x Don’t take things too personally.
While you may think a patient is being rude,
what comes across as criticism could be caused
by conditions of which are not necessarily
evident to you. Dementia, stroke, certain
medications, even difficulty hearing may cause
a person to say things or behave in ways they
ordinarily would not.
Figure 7 Brochure Image for Cataract
x Avoid distractions Patients want to feel that they are important
to you and that you have spent a sufficient
amount of time with them. If an elderly patient
has a difficult time hearing, whenever possible,
take them to a quiet place such as an exam
June Smith Jeffries
don’t just sit there – do something! We may have
also heard stop and smell the roses, but we seldom
slow down enough to do so. As people age, they
tend to do just that. They slow down, sometimes
to the point of being maddening to those of us
who are in a hurry.
Figure 9 Even if you feel a patient is
being crotchety, treat him with same
respect you would treat the Premier of
Alberta if she came into your office.
x Treat the elderly with the utmost
respect.
Never “talk down” to or treat an elderly
patient like a child; they will be resentful,
and rightfully so. Older people need
and want to maintain their dignity. It
is appropriate to simplify information
and speak in a manner that is easily
understood. Don’t use optical jargon or
medical terminology. Use words that
are familiar to the general public, but
remember that being elderly doesn’t mean
that a person is unable to understand
what you are telling them. Don’t call an
elderly person “dear” or other terms of
endearment. Use their sir names, unless
the person is a long-time patient, in which
case it may be appropriate to use a first
name.
Figure 10
Hold doors for older patients when the
opportunity arises and always have a
big smile on your face.
In North America, society as a whole is
encouraged to be productive. Always! Many of us
grew up hearing from our parents and teachers,
Recently, I observed an elderly woman in a grocery store. She was quiet frail and was using a
walker. She stopped in the middle of the floral
aisle, looked wistfully at a bouquet of yellow roses
and bent to smell them. The couple behind her,
impatiently, rushed around her rolling their eyes
with looks of disgust on their faces. What if they
had stopped and looked into the woman’s wizened face? What if they had smiled and spoken to
her? The encounter would have taken the harried
couple less than a minute, yet it may have greatly
impacted them and it could have been the highpoint of the elderly woman’s day. Is there a lesson
to be found in this anecdote? Taking the time to
listen and to offer words of kindness to people,
particularly the elderly is a habit we need to cultivate. Our older citizens deserve our compassion
and respect. When we give of our time and our attention respect is shown.
Figure 10 Remember, if we live long enough
we too, will inhabit the realm of elderliness.
If we are fortunate, perhaps a kindly optician will
listen to us and show us that we are important
and still have value, in spite of the fact that we are
elderly.
Discipline Report
order the investigated person must pass a
specific course of study, obtain supervised
practical experience of a type described
in the order or satisfy the hearing tribunal,
committee or individual specified in the order
as to the investigated person’s competence
generally or in an area of the practice of the
regulated profession;
improper or inappropriate or the professional services
that the investigated person provided were improperly
rendered or required the complainant to undergo
remedial treatment, the hearing tribunal may direct the
investigated person to waive, reduce or repay the fee
for professional services provided by the investigated
person;
(g) suspend the practice permit of the
investigated person for a stated period or
until
(j) direct, subject to any regulations under
section 134(a), that the investigated person
pay within the time set in the order all or
part of the expenses of, costs of and fees
related to the investigation or hearing or
both, including but not restricted to
(i) the investigated person has
successfully completed a specific
course of studies or obtained
supervised practical experience of a
type described in the order, or
(ii) the hearing tribunal or
a committee or individual
specified in the order is satisfied
as to the competence of the
investigated person generally or
in a specified area of the practice
of the regulated profession;
(h) cancel the registration and practice permit of the
cancel the registration of the investigated person;
(i) if, in the opinion of the hearing tribunal, the
investigated person’s fees for professional services were
(i) the expenses of an expert who
assessed and provided a written
report on the subject-matter of the
complaint,
(ii) legal expenses and
legal fees for legal services
provided to the college,
complaints director and
hearing tribunal,
(iii) travelling expenses
and a daily allowance, as
determined by the council, for
the complaints director, the
investigator and the members
of the hearing tribunal who are
Discipline Report
not public members,
(iv) witness fees, expert
witness fees and expenses of
witnesses and expert witnesses,
(v) the costs of creating a record of
the proceedings and transcripts and
of serving notices and documents,
and
(vi) any other expenses of the
college directly attributable to the
investigation or hearing or both;
that his license had been issued in error in that he had
not satisfactorily completed the contact lens dispensing
course at NAIT and had not taken or completed the
NACOR exams.
2. In December of 2010 after returning his license as
an Optician or Contact Lens Dispenser which had been
issued in error, Member X framed and or displayed or
allowed to be framed and or displayed at his place of
employment a photocopy of the erroneously issued
license thus misrepresenting that he had a validly issued
permit to dispense contact lenses in Alberta.
(k) direct that the investigated person pay
to the college within the time set in the
order a fine not exceeding the amount set
out in the column of the unprofessional
conduct fines table that is specified for the
college in a schedule to this Act for each
finding of unprofessional conduct or the
aggregate amount set out in that column
for all of the findings arising out of the
hearing;
3. In the months of July of 2011 and August 2011 after
undertaking to not dispense contact lenses and with
full knowledge that he did not have permit to dispense
contact lenses Member X did on at least four separate
occasions, to four separate patients dispense to them
contact lenses. The patients were:
(l) any order that the hearing tribunal considers
appropriate any order that the hearing tribunal
for the protection of
the public.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
The Health Professions Act allows for many more orders
than the Opticians Act did. In the following decision the
Hearing Tribunal gave out the maximum fines allowed
for under the Opticians Act. The ability to collect costs for
the proceedings, from the guilty party, was not allowed
for under the Opticians Act.
Summary of Decision
A Hearing Tribunal of the College of Opticians of Alberta
held a hearing, November 16 to 18, 2011 and June 18,
2012 in relation to complaints against Member X, an
optician. The transitional rules in the Health Professions
Act, required that the hearing be held under the terms
of the (now repealed) Opticians Act.
Decision
The Hearing Tribunal determined that the following
allegations were well founded and that Member X’s
conduct constituted professional misconduct:
1. From December 2009 to December 2010 Member X
held himself out to the public as a duly qualified contact
lens dispenser when he knew or ought to have known
Patient A (August 9, 2011,)
Patient B (July 25, 2011),
Patient C (July 31, 2011),
Patient D (July 30, 2011), and
a patient unknown (July or August 2011).
4. On or about August 12, 2011 Member X dispensed
trial contact lenses to a
customer at Name Optical specifically Patient E when
he was not licensed or permitted to do so contrary
to the Standards of Practice of the Alberta Opticians
Association.
5. On or about December 6, 2010 Member X dispensed
contact lenses to a customer at Name Optical specifically
Patient F when he was not licensed or permitted to do
so contrary to the Standards of Practice of the Alberta
Opticians Association.
OAC Insurance
The Opticians Association of Canada is pleased to
offer $1,000,000.00 Professional Liability Insurance
to all Alberta Opticians for the unbelievable price
of $30.00. Insurance companies and Legal has
confirmed that Employer policies are insufficient
coverage for health care professionals. The OAC has
responded with this new member benefit to ensure
that all our Opticians are protected. Don’t be over
exposed. Protect yourself with the OAC Love Your EyesTM Campaign Produces
Long Line-Ups and Great Discussion Across the Nation!
In April 2012, the Opticians Council of Canada agreed to embark on the Love Your
EyesTM campaign, facilitated by agency partner My Loud Speaker, as Phase 4 of the
Licensed OpticianOM public awareness effort.
The initial launch in Vancouver on Saturday, August 18th was a huge success, with
participant line-ups of over an hour in length. Similar success was experienced at
Toronto’s Yorkdale Shopping Centre on August 24th and at the Halifax Shopping
Centre on September 7th, where hundreds of people were asking questions and
learning about the Licensed Optician experience while securing their chance at
a Love Your EyesTM care package. Throughout the day at each location, crowds of
people formed to learn about what was going on and what a Licensed Optician
could do for them. Care packages were distributed to video display participants and
those who stood in line to wait for their chance to participate.
Licensed Opticians on site at each interactive video display location were kept busy
answering questions by participants and onlookers regarding the campaign and
the role of a Licensed OpticianOM. Armed with iPads and small button giveaways,
Licensed Optician representatives were able to relay the importance of their service
to hundreds of people.
Licensed Opticians in each of the three launch cities were given the opportunity to
sponsor care packages by providing a $100 Gift Certificate for redemption by the
participant. Each care package recipient has until October 31st to redeem their gift
certificate, which will serve to increase the traffic into the stores of the sponsoring
Licensed Optician and introduce them to new vision care consumers.
A national public awareness online contest was launched simultaneous to the
interactive event. Within the first few hours of the contest launch, hundreds of
people, from every province in Canada, had visited the Licensed OpticianOM website.
Discipline Report
So this is a total of $9,975.00 when in fact the total
proceeding cost upwards of $117,000.00. Where do
the funds come from to pay for the proceeding? The
only revenue that the College of Opticians has is your
registration fees. What alternatives do we have? One of
the alternatives, which have been used by other groups
in the past, is to send each member a bill for a percentage
of the amount the hearing cost. In this case if we sent
each of you a bill, let’s see 881 practicing members by
the total of $117,000.00 make it $132.00 each.
Here is a graphic demonstration of why we implemented
the code of conduct course. First we are educating you
about what will get you into trouble and second we are
putting away funds to cover this exact situation.
There is always money put aside in the budget for
disciplinary situations which are common. In situations
like this which is uncommon we have the contingency
fund to pull the excess of unexpected expenses from.
You will receive a breakdown of exactly how much was
taken over the two years from the contingency fund
and how much is still available. This will be part of the
financial statement presented to you at AGM.
Maureen Hussey, RO, RCLP
Executive Director/Registrar
Love Your Eyes continued...
In less than five days, close to 1,000 entries had been
received, which was half the number anticipated to
reach by the campaign’s close, September 30th.
In total, the online contest received nearly 8,000
votes from every province and territory in Canada
– a smashing success and clear indication that the
public awareness effort has exceeded even the
most ambitious expectations.
The contest had two giant prize pack winners
– Jane Finley, of Surrey, British Columbia; and
Priscilla Pooler, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Congratulations to Jane and Priscilla!
Activity on the www.licensedoptician.ca website
saw an increase of 600% compared to a similar
period. Over 38,000 page views occurred
Orders
Based on its findings the Hearing Tribunal made the
following orders in relation to Member X:
1. A reprimand.
2. A suspension from practice as an Optician for a
period of one year, effective
August 31, 2012.
3. A condition that he may then return to practice but
must not engage in sole practice for one year following
the suspension, and
a. this practice must be supervised, and
b. he must disclose the full decision of this tribunal to
any employer(s)
during this period.
4. Fines in the total of $9,975 are to be paid in full prior
to returning to practice:
a. $5,000.00 for holding himself out as a
contact lens dispenser,
b. $2,000.00 for displaying an unauthorized
permit, and
c. $425.00 for each of the remaining findings
of professional misconduct.
This represents a brief summary of the decision.
Personal identifiers of witnesses and patients have been
removed. The full tribunal decision with reasons may
be viewed at the College of Opticians of Alberta upon
request to the Registrar.
throughout the lifespan of the campaign, between
August 18th and September 30th. Activity on social
media identities also greatly increased, with over
600 social media interactions. This growth is
expected to continue into the future. Comments
and praise were received from other countries
who viewed the activity on social media, saying
they wished they had a campaign like it to support
Licensed Opticians in their country!
Video coverage of all three launch locations can be
viewed at www.licensedoptician.ca!
Clearly, the word is spreading across Canada –
LOVE YOUR EYESTM and talk to your local
Licensed OpticianOM today!
Maureen’s Desk
Health Care Professionals
getting out in the
Community to do what they
do best. Caring for people!
Several of our members took
their skills and caring out
into the community again.
On September 14 a fair
called “Grey Matters” was the
focus of services available
to older adults in the
community. This was set up as a booth show and optician
members were on site to answer questions and hand out
goodies. The theme of the conference was “What is being
done to help people age in place?”
As was reported last time we have many members going
out to assist in Homeless Connect in both Edmonton and
Calgary. This participation varies from before the day of
donating frames and lenses to the cause to the day of
talking to people, measuring and fitting glasses to after
the day of edging lenses into the frames.
We have secured many donated frames, several
volunteers for the day but now we need lenses and
edging services. Anyone wishing to help out let us know.
Belinda in our office will set you up.
Where do responsibilities lie in our society? It is my
contention that we owe a debt of compassion and
a responsibility to assure that older adults, those of
diminished capacity and those in unfortunate life
circumstances are able to go through life enjoying as
much vision as we are able to give.
Everyone has the right to legal representation at a
disciplinary hearing but do they use it?
NO!
Why not? Most insurance provided by employers is for
protection of the company not the employee. Do you
know what your employer provided insurance covers
you for? Errors and Omissions insurance is there to
protect you in times of trouble.
We at the College of Opticians of Alberta strongly
believe that you need to be covered. It is in your best
interest and as such The OAC has negotiated a very
low cost insurance which can be in addition to your
employer insurance. See the insert provided for all the
pertinent information.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maureen Hussey, RO, RCLP
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Records Management
What happens to your records when you retire,
change professions or for that matter die?
The subtleties in records ownership and
custodianship are complicated to say the least. We
are trying to work out the big issues for you but we
have some truths that you need to know.
Maureen Hussey, RO, RCLP
Custodians must take reasonable steps to maintain
administrative, technical and physical safeguards
to protect health information on. Reasonable steps
are those that a careful custodian would take.
These safeguards are meant to:
t
Under the Health Information Act Opticians are
custodians of Health Information. That means we
are responsible to be sure that the information is
collected, used and disclosed in a proper manner.
It also means that we are responsible to ensure the
records are accessible to the patient.
When you change a job it is a fairly simple matter.
The records are transferred into the custodianship
of the Optician taking your place. If you retire and
sell a business the simplicity is the same. The new
Optician replacing you is the new custodian.
If you close a business you must have the
information available to the patient for 10 years
and the files must be in a secure location. So you
may store them in a locked filing cabinet in your
home office as long as the patients and the college
know where they are. Ideally the files should go to
another custodian and notification of where the
files are located should be sent to every patient.
Both the Act and the regulations require custodians
to protect health information in their custody
or under their control. The Act provides specific
requirements for protecting electronic health
records.
Information that is to be stored or used outside of
Alberta or disclosed to a person outside of Alberta
must also be protected. This means that you must
protect information, not only while it is in your
hands, but when you put it in the hands of other
people.
This will be done by agreement, as outlined in the
regulations, but an agreement is not required if
the disclosure is for the sole purpose of providing
continuing care and treatment to the patient.
protect both the confidentiality of the
information on and the privacy of the individuals
who are the subjects of that information.
For example, files should not be left unattended
in an area to which the public has access. Nor
should people picking up prescriptions be put in
the awkward position of having to discuss their
medications in front of others;
t
t
t
protect against reasonably anticipated threats
or hazards to the security or integrity of health
information or the loss, unauthorized access,
use, disclosure or modification of health
information;
address the risks associated with electronic
health records; and
ensure custodians and affiliates comply with
the Act.”
The complications really start if you sell the
business to a person who is not an Optician or
another acceptable Health Care Provider. Someone
not named in the Health Information Act cannot
be a custodian of the Health Information. The
Privacy Commissioner and the Government are
still struggling with concepts of ownership verses
custodianship. Retail practice was not considered
sufficiently when the act was amended to include
Opticians.
The Notepad
....from the Registrar, Maureen Hussey
New Members Registrations
Jennyfer Mendoza
2076
June 25, 2012
Kevin Bo Kun Zhou
2077
Aug 24, 2012
Christina Wang 2078
Aug 31, 2012
Provisional Eyeglass
Rob Stevens
Prashant Ambrose
Laura Anderson
Megan Bartkus
Sara Barton
Tamara Brady
Paola Cantal
Amber Carlson
Mirelle Diaz
Kendra Dondale
Agatha Friesen
Maria Hernandez
JingQi Jang
Rehanna Kurji
Jenny Lam
Brandi Lehniger
Kendall Lesick
Amy McCormick
Amy Mouland
Dawn NormanCarberry
Jennifer Prockiw
Paul Shamey
Dharmendrasinh
Solanki
Galal Soliman
Cheryl Stachniak
Calvin Tat
Julie Therou
Saysavanh Vongsa
Hannan Woehr
Miriam Worrall
Karyn Zaiffdeen
Ye Zhu
New Eyeglass
Rob Stevens
Rosalina Lua
Prashant Ambrose
Laura Anderson
Megan Bartkus
Sarah Barton
Kristina Brown
Amanda Ciofani
Stephanie Connors
Mireile Diaz
Kendra Dondale
Agatha Friesen
Kayla Harshey
Maria Hernandez
JingQi Jiang
2074
2015
2016
2017
2018
2075
2019
2020
2023
2024
2026
2029
2031
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
2039
Mar 16, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
2044
2046
2048
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
2049
2050
2052
2054
2055
2058
2059
2060
2061
2062
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
2074
2065
2015
2016
2017
2018
1755
1844
2022
2023
2024
2026
1789
2029
2031
June 18, 2012
July 18, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
Jody Kovacs
Rehanna Kurji
Jenny Lam
Brandi Lehniger
Kendall Lesick
Amy McCormick
Amy Mouland
Abtin Nasehitehrani
Dawn NormanCarberry
Jennifer Prockiw
Amanda Proctor
Yvonne Schurian
Paul Shamey
Lenka Smidova
Shaylee Smith
Dharmendrasinh
Solanki
Galal Soliman
Jessica Stewart
Calvin Tat
Julie Therou
Saysavanh Vongsa
Hannah Woehr
Miriam Worrall
Karyn Zaiffdeen
1793
2033
2034
2035
2036
2037
2039
2041
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
2044
2046
1774
2071
2048
2068
1810
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
2049
2050
1811
2054
2055
2058
2059
2060
2061
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
June 23, 2012
Provisional Contact Lens
Winnie Chan
1556
Erin Clarke
1564
Robin Fry
1705
Stacey Heid
1328
Michelle Selway
1884
Stephanie Trinh
1665
Angie Vayro
869
Laura Kaptian
706
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
Jun 11, 2012
New Contact Lens
Masoud Hajyouni
Erin Clarke
Robin Fry
Stacey Heid
Laura Kaptian
Michelle Selway
Stephanie Trinh
Angie Vayro
1902
1564
1705
1328
706
1884
1665
869
May 27, 2012
Jun 24, 2012
Jun 24, 2012
Jun 24, 2012
Jun 24, 2012
Jun 24, 2012
Jun 24, 2012
Jun 24, 2012
Upgrade to Practicing
Irene MacLeod
Jignasaben Patel
Stephanie Schive
Jessica Helkie
Megan Bancroft
Kristin Reid
Alysha Nendze
Mel Findell
296
1921
1501
1811
1512
1536
1616
815
May 30, 2012
July 14, 2012
Aug 2, 2012
Aug 2, 2012
Aug 21, 2012
Aug 28, 2012
Aug 30, 2012
Sep 14, 2012
Renewal 2012
Lynda Willey, Registration Administrator
2012 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REGISTRATION
3.
Renewals were mailed out the 1st week of
September. As we move into fall there
are just a few reminders:
1.
2.
Take advantage of the Membership Lottery
EARLY BIRD Payment before October 31, 2011
& there will be 3 potential prizes for early
registration:
1st Prize–One year Eyeglass fees value @
$657.75
2nd Prize-Half year Eyeglass fees value @
$328.88
3rd Prize-Cash credit for continuing education
of your choice in Alberta value $150.00
Not only is your membership dues tax
deductible, but so are receipts for continuing
education don’t lose your receipts. We will be
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
The Notepad
Change to Non-Practicing
Kristen Black-White
1708
Gabriela Rodriguez
1695
Shelly Kivimaa
1726
Shannon Colli
1571
June 1, 2012
June 18, 2012
July 1, 2012
July 23, 2012
Left the Province - SUSPENDED
Lynne Nash
1483
July 1, 2012
Gary O’Connor
527
Aug 1, 2012
Lenka Smidova
2068
Aug 31, 2012
9.
10.
Reinstated
Kim Jurnia
Steve Gosse
832
669
Mar 13, 2012
Aug 28, 2012
11.
Retired
John Hegarty
Karen Dawson
116
1222
June 30, 2012
June 30, 2012
12.
776
1762
Mar 20, 2012 Now Julie Dudak
Mar 31, 2012 Now Crystal
1501
Aug 2, 2012 Now Stephanie
1811
544
Aug 2, 2012 Now Jessica Helkie
Aug 27, 2012 Now Morag
1362
Sep 5, 2012 Now Jodi Anderson
Name Change
Linda Dudak
Crystal Hale
Hamilton
Stephanie Onushko
Schive
Jessica Stewart
Morag Klatt
Kambeitz
Jodi Schmiedge
13.
charging $10.00 for duplicates this year.
If you wish not to be a member of the Opticians
Association of Canada (OAC) please indicate by
checking off the box on the renewal form.
On your renewal form there is a check box if you
want your name included in the membership
roster that will be published on the website. If
you miss checking this box we will assume that
you want your name and business information
published.
In your renewal package we included the
2012 Renewal Check List, so please ensure all
documents are completed or they will be sent
back
Undertaking form is for Non-Practicing
members only. If you are changing your Status
before January 1, 2011 or after please note the
exact date on the Renewal Form.
Non-Practicing members still have to fill out the
Undertaking form.
We have an Errors and Omission Liability
Insurance Companies list, which insures their
employees. So if your Company pays for your
insurance just note it on the renewal form and
it will be checked when you send it in.
If you are buying Errors and Omission Liability
Insurance through OAC, please send the
application directly to their office and note
on your renewal form that you have done
so with a copy attached to your renewal and
write COPY on it.
If you are faxing in your Renewal or any other
information to the COA PLEASE CALL THE
OFFICE 10 minutes after you send it, to confirm
that we have received your fax.
If you have credits missing on your record
please send them in so we can add them to
your Continuing Education Report and/or the
corrections.
We have the on-line renewal registration up
and running for the 2012 Renewals…take
advantage of this quick and easy option.
If you send your renewal in the last 2 weeks
of November, expect to wait up to 3 weeks to
receive your receipt and certificate. Also, please
note that we do not fax renewal receipts at
this busy time of the year.
Member Survey
The College of Opticians of Alberta would like to
thank all the members who participated in the
member survey on the website. We would like to
congratulate the winner of the NEW iPad .
Maureen Hussey, RO, RCLP
year gross.
Their union dues are paid in a percentage of
income which is 1.3% of the gross income which
means $790.46.
RO Jennifer Nordin License # 1827
The feedback that the College receives from the
survey is very valuable in addressing issues with
the membership. One of the issues that came up
that we would like to address is regarding fees and
the cost.
Some of you compare yourselves to nurses saying
they make more money and pay less dues than
a licensed Optician. We have told you that there
are 33,000 members of CARNA “The College
and Association of Registered Nurses” and they
have to do the same functions as we do with our
contributions from less than 1000 members. All
of the regulated health professions must perform
the same functions in Alberta under the HPA with
our limited resources; we must still hold Discipline
hearings, handle complaints, regulate members
and ensure competency all in an effort to protect
the Public.
When you are comparing it is important not to
compare apples to oranges. We have done some
research and will give you all of the information so
you can see for yourselves.
In Alberta the Registered Nurses RN fee for (1 year)
is $546.00 which includes GST. It is extremely rare
for an employer to pay the fees for a Nurse.
They currently must attend University for 4 years
for a cost of $4286.00 per year, which does not
include books when they are done their degree
just for schooling will have paid $17, 144.00.
Any income drawn at that time is from outside
work not from their studies.
Once they graduate, the average income of an RN is
$40.00 per hour. If they would work a total of 1920
hours per year which is eight hours a day five days a
week they would make approximately $76,800 per
Currently the College of Opticians of Alberta has
976 members
881 are Practicing members (234 RCLP, 647 RO)
76 are Non-Practicing members (24 RCLP, 52 RO)
19 Provisional (11 RCLP,8 RO)
This brings us close to 1000 and growing. We went
under the Health Professions Act in March 2011.
Our Fees currently are: (Including G.S.T.)
Registered Optician
$790.46
(RO)
Registered Contact Lens Practitioner
(RCLP)
$170.44
Non-Practicing (NP)
$284.06
Provisional Optician
$704.46
Provisional Contact Lens Practitioner
$170.44
Annual Certificate
$ 25.00
(3 Free and then per copy)
*Note RCLP fees are on top of Optician fees
Reinstatement Fees:
$790.46
Plus (RO $790.46 or RCLP $960.90) RO/RCLP FEE
And if required Gap
$315.00
The survey gave us much to think about. I will give
you a few of the statistics
Out of the 186 members who responded about
one third of them were contact lens practitioners.
30% of them paid their own fees and one half of
them had support from their employers for things
having to do with continuing competency.
This ranged from things like in office training to
paying for attendance to convention to providing a
set amount of money to be applied to the member’s
choice of continuing education. More than half of
the people responding felt they got value for their
fees.
seeing speakers who are brought in to speak on
their areas of expertise the costs will be higher.
Some of the comments said to reduce the cost
of continuing education credits. I thought there
would be value in exploring what was mandatory
to pay for continuing competency.
The average meal in a hotel is $25.00 a plate, room
rental, staff and speaker travel and accommodations
must all be covered. It would be inappropriate for
those not attending to subsidise the costs of those
attending and using the services. We are not in
control of many of the variables.
Module two and three of the code of conduct
courses are mandatory. The total cost of those if
the member does them on their own is $150.00.
This has a credit value of 10.
For an eyeglass dispenser it is required that you
achieve 20 credits over the three years. Of these ten
are the mandatory credits. The other ten could be
achieved free of charge. Over the past year we have
put at least one free credit in each newsletter.
The Opticians Association of Canada has provided
you with four free credits per year. If you phone the
office we will tell you where you can go online to
access free credits. So…. We are up to a grand total
of $50.00 per year for
continuing competency.
Obviously if you wish
to
access
learning
opportunities where you
have help completing
the code of conduct or
Annual Fees
Years of School
Cost of Education
Association or union
dues
Total fees per year
Registered Nurses
$ 546.00
Four
$17,144.00
$ 998.40
Registered Opticians
$790.46
Two
$7,000
$0
$1,544.40
$790.46
2 % Increase for 2013 Membership Renewal
Eyeglass and Provisional Eyeglass Opticians:
Member Fee $670.91
GST $33.55
TOTAL: $704.46
Contact Lens Practitioner and Provisional Contact Lens Practitioner Opticians:
Member Fee $833.23
GST $ 41.66
TOTAL: $874.89
Non-Practicing:
Member Fee $270.53
Reinstatement:
Member Fee $670.91
GST $13.53
TOTAL: $284.06
GST $33.55
TOTAL: $704.46
2% Represents cost of living increase
Downtown Vision Care
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Required: Optician or Student. Duties: Optical Dispensing.
Additional Information:: Do you want your evenings and
weekends off? Do you want to work with an upbeat downtown
clientele? Do you want to work with a team of progressive
Optometrists and Opticians? Do you want to have fun at work
with your fellow colleagues? If so, Downtown Vision Care wants
you to join our team. Contact: Dr. Ken Gellatly, Downtown Vision
Care, 205-300-5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3C4 Ph: (403) 262-5012
Fax: (403) 266-5800 Email: [email protected] Website:
www.downtownvisioncare.com
Chestermere Optometry
Date of Posting: August 1, 2012
Required: Optician. Duties: Dispensing eyewear, sales
and frame selection. Qualifications Required: Experience
dispensing. Additional Information: Commitment is for
Saturdays 9-2 p.m. but additional hours would be
available if interested. Contact: Shalini, Chestermere
Optometry, Chestermere Station Way Chestermere, AB
T1X 0A4 Ph: 403-229-2020 Fax: 403-229-2032 Email:
[email protected] Website:
www.chestermereoptometry.com
Date of Posting: September 13, 2012
Alberta Sports Vision
Required: Optician. Duties: Energetic? Enthusiastic?
Motivated? Our south side optometry office is
offering this incredible opportunity for you to come
join our fabulous team! We are a dynamic, full-scope
family practice that believes outstanding patient care
and service are the reason why we do our job. We are
looking for you! Contact:
Terry Dwornycki, Alberta Sports Vision, 14248-23 Ave,
Edmonton, AB T6R 3B9
Fax: 780-434-9005 Email: [email protected] Website:
www.eyeter.com
Date of Posting: August 30,2012
Eyesis Eyecare
Required: Optician. Duties: Optical dispensing and
sales, pre-testing, and general office duties. Please
submit resume to: Kam Dhiman, Eyesis Eyecare, 346,
8338-18 St SE Calgary, AB T2C 4E4 Ph: 403-259-4888
Fax: 403-203-0064 Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eyesiseyecare.ca
Date of Posting: August 20, 2012
Sunridge Vision Care
Required: Licensed. Additional Information: We are seeking an
enthusiastic Optician to be part of our progressive and well
established North Calgary full service Optometry team. The
candidates experience and expertise will wow both patients and
staff with their attention to detail in all aspects of business.
Supervisory skills and asset. We offer excellence in pay, benefits,
work hours and personal development within a dynamic team
environment. Go to www.myvisioncalgary.com to learn more
about us! Students with over 5 years experience also welcome.
Please Contact: Sunridge Vision Centre, 104, 2675-36 St SE,
Calgary, AB T1Y 6H6, Ph: (403) 291-0923 Fax: (403) 291-0056
Website: www.myvisioncalgary.com
Date of Posting: September 7, 2012
Cranston Market Optometry
Required: Optician. Duties: Managing Frame Inventory and merchandising Assisting Patients with Glasses and Contact Lens Purchases Some
pre-testing and reception coverage. Some management opportunities.
Additional Information: Are you a dynamic Optician who is enthusiastic
about an exciting new career opportunity? We work in a beautiful
multi-disciplinary health care centre in the growing community of
Cranston in SE Calgary. Our optometry clinic is high-tech, full-scope
family practice with emphasis on excellent patient care, education, and
service. If you enjoy selling quality products and interacting with people
of all ages, this position is for you. The clinic offers a wonderful working
environment with large windows, lots of sunshine, and many designer
frame lines. Since this is a growing practice, there will be opportunities
for professional development, multi-tasking and decision making by all
members of our team. Our compensation package will include a bonus
structure and benefits on either part-time or full-time positions. Please
email your coverletter and resume to: [email protected]
Cranston Market Optometry, 1020-356 Cranston Rd SE, Calgary, AB T2M
0S9, Ph: (403) 724-0101 Fax: (403) 724-0107Website:
www.cranstonmarketoptometry.com
Date of Posting: September 11, 2012
Total Focus
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Required: Licensed Optician. Additional Information: Optician and
optical assistant wanted. Flexible hours, competitive wages, bonuses
and benefits. Permanent full-time. Please submit resume to: Attn:
Heather Torbeih, Northgate Total Focus, 1092 Northgate Centre,
9499-137 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5E 5R8 Fax: (780) 472-7701 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.totalfocusnorthgate.com
Date of Posting: September 13, 2012
Loblaw Optical – Lethbridge
The Eyewear Place – Londonderry Mall
Required: Optician. Additional Information: We are looking
for someone who is upbeat, professional and pays close
attention to details. Responsible for choosing the appropriate frame and lens for the patients Rx needs. Helping
with the selection of frames from suppliers in order to
keep our store up to date with the newest fashions. We
offer a competitive wage, bonus, sales incentive, as well as
health benefits. This is at our Londonderry Mall location.
Contact: Lorraine Breitkreuz, The Eyewear Place,
2065-111 Street, Edmonton, AB T6J 4V9 Ph: (780)
988-2020 ext 225 Fax:(780) 433-1836. Email
[email protected]
Website: www.eyewearplace.com
Date of Posting: August 24, 2012
Required: Opticians. Duties: Sales, dispensing, lab work. Additional
Information: Looking for a friendly, knowledgeable, self-motivated
Licensed Optician for our busy location. Competitive wages, health
benefits, pension, company share program, colleague discount card.
Contact: Kendra Jensen, Loblaw Optical, 3515 Mayor McGrath Dr S,
Lethbridge, AB T1K 8A8 Ph: (403) 331-2547 Fax: (403) 331-2548 Email:
[email protected]
Date of Posting: August 27, 2012
Sears Optical – WEM/Southgate
Required: Optician or Student Optician. Duties: Adjust and dispense
merchandise. Qualifications: Computer skills, register/till and communication skills. Additional Information: Sears has been a brand name since
the 90's. The secret ingredients of success at Sears Optical are associates
who are energetic and competitive with great communication skills.
Right now, we are looking for self-motivated and enthusiastic person
who is responsible and a good team player. Flexible hours and excellent
benefits package. Position is available immediately. Contact: Andrey
Shmatov Sears Optical - West Edmonton Mall / Southgate Mall, 8770-170
Street Edmonton, AB Ph: 780-444-1450 Fax: 780-444-3198 Website:
www.searsoptical.ca
Date of Posting: August 20, 2012
Costco Optical – Red Deer
If you place an ad on our
website for $50 it goes onto
the classified section of our
newsletter free of charge
Required: Optician/Contact Lens Practitioner. Students: Welcome to apply. Qualifications
Required: Licensed Optician or Contact Lens Practitioner. Additional Information: Full or
part time Licensed Optician/Contact Lens Practitioner. This position may be for you if you
are highly motivated, customer oriented, organized and willing to work in a fast paced
environment. Our company offers an excellent compensation and benefit package. To
apply please forward your resume to the contact information below. Students enrolled in
an Optical Program may also apply. Contact: Kevin Shaxted, Costco Optical, 162 Leva Ave,
Red Deer, AB T4E 0A5 Ph: (403) 347-1020
Fax: (403) 347-7345
Date of Posting: September 12, 2012
ds
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Why be an Optician with Walmart Canada?
At Walmart, our Vision Centres are committed to serving their communities by providing affordable vision care products and services to
every customer. Each Vision Centre operates as a “store within a store” providing Opticians with the freedom to explore merchandising
opportunities that are best suited to their particular location. Our Benefits and Advantages Competitive Wages, Comprehensive
benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability; Stakeholders Bonus – Bonuses are based on individual store performance;
Generous Profit Sharing Plan; Stock Purchase Plan; Staff Discount – 10% Discount on the entire range of Walmart products and services;
Paid Licensing Fees; Professional work environment that provides and encourages continuing education; Opportunities to relocate as
new positions become available; Best Retailer to Work For & # 8 Best Employer in Canada (Hewitt Associates)
Products and Services -Only the finest products meet Walmart Vision Centre standards. We take great pride in offering top quality
products, professional laboratory support and personalized, customer-focused service. Our Vision Centres carry a complete line of high
quality vision care items for the entire family. Products include fashionable, brand-name frames, sunglasses and contact lenses. We are
currently hiring across CANADA, looking for the following positions to join our team: Full Time Optician (Dual License) in Calgary, AB
(Store #3009 and #3010) ; Full Time Optician (Dual License) in Leduc, AB (Store # 3657); Vision Center Manager in Cold Lake, AB ( Store #
3640); Full Time Optician in Camrose, AB (Store - #3181)
Whether it’s building a career, developing new skills or moving to a job that best fits your needs, the sky’s the limit - apply today to
www.yourwalmartcareer.ca or [email protected]
eye-bar
Position: Optician. eye-bar is looking for a talented licensed optician to join its clinic. The fun store is ideal for an optician
passionate about style and eyewear collections. eye-bar offers a highly personalized service where opticians choose the
frames for clients.
Major Duties & Responsibilities
xAssists clients in selecting frames and lenses best suited for their lifestyle, RX and price needs.
xHandles tasks such as recording measurements, adjusting or fitting eyewear carefully and precisely.
xMaintains strong relationship with labs for processing orders.
xInstructs customers in adapting to, wearing and caring for eyewear and contact lenses.
xWorks closely with professional staff including optometrists to deliver outstanding patient care.
xAssists in inventory management and purchase of eyewear collections.
xSources new innovative frame collections from around the globe.
Skills & Talents
xLicensed Optician with plenty of experience or new graduate with lots of enthusiasm.
xCommitment to sales targets and ability to generate sales revenue.
xAbility to create an enjoyable shopping environment with outstanding customer service and customer education.
xPassion for style and eyewear from vintage spectacles to bright plastics to timeless designs and conservative metals.
xExcellent time-management, organization, problem solving and communication skills.
About Eye-Bar
eye-bar offers eyewear and sunglasses in a fun environment in Sherwood Park. More than just glasses, eye-bar optometry
provides eye exams, contact lenses, laser eye visions consultations and eye emergencies from vision loss to red eyes. For
more information, please visit our website at www.eye-bar.ca. Please email your resume and wage expectations to
[email protected].
eyeShare...iShare
“EYE SHARE “OR IS IT” I-SHARE” there is no APP
(Application) for mentoring a student or having
the skill level that exceeds industry standards
however we would like to share some of the
Great Opticians and Contact Lens Practitioners
out there: If you know someone you would like
to recommend please contact Belinda Swann at
[email protected].
JENNA NORDIN #1827
We at the COA would like to
share the licensed optician
profile of Jenna Nordin. She is
the “Winner” of the NEW iPAD
from the member survey we
had on line. Jenna has been
a member since 2010. She
is currently off on maternity
leave from Leduc Eye Centre. What she loves about
being an optician is the interacting with patients.
She loves being challenged in finding just the right
style for her clientele, and with her expertise from
N.A.I.T. and her continuing education her abilities
excel. She also is very skilled at achieving the end
product by edging the lenses, and in maternity
leave is still keeping up to date with her continuing
education.
Jenna also loves everything to do with her children
she has a 7 ½ month old baby boy, and a daughter
4 years old which keeps her busy teaching, going
for walks in the park, crafts, and they have even
tried gardening this year in order to make her
own baby food. She and her husband love to go
to concerts when they have a special date night.
We at the COA would like to highlight her expertise
and know that Jenna is a very valued member with
her clientele and fellow opticians.
Submitted by,
Belinda Swann, RO, RCLP
Regulatory Standards Director
Welcome all new and returning students to the fall intake. The office staff and
instructors wish you all the best in your studies.
The registration deadline for the winter intake of the Eyeglasses Program is
December 3, 2012. Classes begin January 7, 2013 and will end August 11, 2013.
This will allow students to register immediately for second year in the fall intake and
complete the two year program by April, 2013.
ǦǡǤ
Keep Your Family Safe
When you’re traveling with your family you want to be sure that everyone is as safe as possible. Read our tips so you
feel confident on your next roadtrip.
1.According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, most
children’s bike accidents are caused when kids ride
out onto a road without looking. Slow down and be
vigilant in residential neighbourhoods.
3.According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, to
ensure that rear-facing infant seats and forwardfacing toddler seats are properly installed, ask for an
inspection at your police station.
2.According to the Ministry of Transportation of
Ontario, drivers are responsible for seeing to it that
everyone under age 16 is properly secured. Children
under 13 are safest in the back, away from air bags.
4.According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada,
parental involvement while the kids are learning to
drive is the key to fewer teen accidents, injuries, and
deaths.
5.Don’t rush to have your teen obtain a full licence until
age 17-18. More experience with a learner’s permit =
more responsibility with a full licence.
6.Teen driver? Look for a driver’s education course that
teaches your teen to reduce risks, recognize hazards,
and handle skids and emergency situations.
7.Worried about Dad’s driving? Many driver’s education
schools offer refresher courses specifically for seniors.
See how good your quote can be.
“I saved just for being
a member of my
professional association.”
At TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, we know how important it is to save
wherever you can. As a member of the College of Opticians of Alberta,
you can enjoy preferred group rates on your home and auto insurance and
other exclusive privileges, thanks to our partnership with your College.
You’ll also benefit from great coverage and outstanding service. We believe
in making insurance easy to understand so you can choose your coverage
with confidence.
– Bob Raposo
Satisfied client since 2005
Insurance program endorsed by
Get an online quote at
www.melochemonnex.com/abopticians
or call 1-866-269-1371
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The TD Insurance Meloche Monnex home and auto insurance program is underwritten by SECURITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY. The program is distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services Inc. in Quebec and
by Meloche Monnex Financial Services Inc. in the rest of Canada.
Due to provincial legislation, our auto insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan.
*No purchase required. Contest organized jointly with Primmum Insurance Company and open to members, employees and other eligible persons belonging to employer, professional and alumni groups which have an agreement with and are entitled
to group rates from the organizers. Contest ends on January 31, 2013. 1 prize to be won. The winner may choose the prize between a Lexus RX 450h with all basic standard features including freight and pre-delivery inspection for a total value
of $60,000 or $60,000 in Canadian funds. The winner will be responsible to pay for the sale taxes applicable to the vehicle. Skill-testing question required. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Complete contest rules available
at www.melochemonnex.com/contest.
®/
The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.
Why be an Optician with Walmart Canada?
At Walmart, our Vision Centres are committed to serving their communities by providing affordable vision
FDUHSURGXFWVDQGVHUYLFHVWRHYHU\FXVWRPHU(DFK9LVLRQ&HQWUHRSHUDWHVDVD³VWRUHZLWKLQDVWRUH´
providing Opticians with the freedom to explore merchandising opportunities that are best suited to their
particular location.
Our Benefits and Advantages
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
Competitive Wages
Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, life and disability
Stakeholders Bonus ± Bonuses are based on individual store performance
Generous Profit Sharing Plan
Stock Purchase Plan
Staff Discount ± 10% Discount on the entire range of Walmart products and services
Paid Licensing Fees
Professional work environment that provides and encourages continuing education
Opportunities to relocate as new positions become available
Best Retailer to Work For & # 8 Best Employer in Canada (Hewitt Associates)
Products and Services
Only the finest products meet Walmart Vision Centre standards. We take great pride in offering top quality
products, professional laboratory support and personalized, customer-focused service.
Our Vision Centres carry a complete line of high quality vision care items for the entire family. Products
include fashionable, brand-name frames, sunglasses and contact lenses.
We are currently looking for the following positions to join our team:
™ Full Time Optician - Dual License Leduc, AB (Store #3657)
™ Full Time Vision Center Manager Cold Lake, AB (Store #3640)
™ Full Time Optician Camrose, AB (Store #3181)
:KHWKHULW¶VEXLOGLQJDFDUHHUGHYHORSLQJQHZVNLOOVRUPRYLQJWRDMREWKDWEHVWILWV\RXUQHHGVWKHVN\¶V
the limit - apply today to www.yourwalmartcareer.ca or [email protected]
What keeps your practice growing?
Referrals. From happy patients.
9
#
1
9 out of 10 ACUVUE® OASYS® Brand lens wearers
said they were extremely or very satisfied with the
quality of vision and comfort of their lenses.1
And it’s the #1 Recommended Brand for spherical
patients by Canadian eye care professionals.2
MOST
TRUSTED
CANADIAN
BRAND
3
References: 1. Data on file. Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. 2009. 2. #1 Recommended Brand for Spherical Patients by Canadian Optometrists, Opticians and Ophthalmologists. Data on file. Johnson & Johnson Inc. 2011.
3. ACUVUE® is the most trusted brand of contact lenses by Canadian Optometrists, Opticians and Ophthalmologists. Data on file. Johnson & Johnson Inc. 2011.
ACUVUE® Brand Contact Lenses are indicated for vision correction. As with any contact lens, eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop. Some wearers may experience mild irritation, itching or discomfort. Lenses should
not be prescribed if patients have any eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. Consult the package insert for complete information. Complete information is
also available from Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Division of Johnson & Johnson Inc., by calling 1-800-267-5098 or by visiting www.jnjvisioncare.ca.
ACUVUE®, ACUVUE® OASYS® and INNOVATION FOR HEALTHY VISION™ are trademarks of Johnson & Johnson Inc. © Johnson & Johnson Inc. 2012. March 2012