The College of Optometrists of Ontario and the College of Opticians of Ontario are seeking an injunction to prevent Essilor of Canada/Clearly from dispensing prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses online to the Ontario public.
The Colleges issued a joint press release on December 14 stating, “It is illegal for anyone other than an optician, optometrist or physician to dispense prescription eyewear to an Ontario patient except under appropriate supervision or delegation. As regulatory bodies the Colleges have a responsibility to serve and to protect the public interest. This responsibility includes ensuring that Ontarians are only dispensed their corrective eyewear by an authorized, regulated health professional, which is based on a valid prescription.”
Dr. Paula Garshowitz, Registrar of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, explains, “This action isn’t about stopping online dispensing. This is about ensuring that Ontarians have full protection under Ontario laws.”
Infoclip.ca has reached out to Essilor of Canada for comment.
Read the complete statement from the Colleges here.
