College of Opticians of Alberta

Transition to the College of Opticians of Alberta

On January 1, 2022, the Alberta College and Association of Opticians (ACAO) will formally become the College of Opticians of Alberta (COA). It is an exciting time for our organization as we streamline our operations to focus on a sole mandate to protect the Alberta public.

Bill 46 introduced by the Government of Alberta in December 2020 requires all dual-mandate health colleges and associations to separate. Opticians in Alberta will continue to be licensed and regulated by the COA, but all association-specific activities will be discontinued. Click here to learn more.

Membership Roster

Click below to find a registered optician offering services in your region.

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ACAO – Your Vision, Our Focus

The Alberta College and Association of Opticians (ACAO) serves both the public and our members. We regulate opticians in the province of Alberta under the Health Professions Act. We also provide continuing education opportunities, seminars, events, and more to our members.

Regulated Health Professionals

The title “Optician” is protected in Alberta, which means that it is illegal to practice as an optician unless you are licensed. Opticians must keep up with continuing competency requirements in order to stay licensed. To keep the public safe, we ensure that our members maintain their skills!

 
The Alberta College and Association of Opticians acknowledges we are located on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional and ancestral lands for diverse Indigenous peoples including the Cree, Blackfoot, Metis, Nakota, Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway/Saulteaux/Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community.
 
The ACAO does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for the public, registrants, volunteers, staff, and other stakeholders.