We assist optometrists facing complaints, discipline hearings, and other regulatory issues at the College of Optometrists of Ontario. The lawyers at GlickLaw have acted as external legal counsel for years to numerous health colleges governed by the Regulated Health Professions Act (“RHPA”) and have significant experience in professional regulation and discipline. Draw on our knowledge and experience to respond to complaints and investigations, defend yourself against allegations of professional misconduct, or deal with any other issue you may be facing with your regulator.

We can assist and act for Optometrists on a wide range of matters including:

  • Responding to complaints and investigations at the College of Optometrists Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (“ICRC”);
  • Representing optometrists in hearings before the College of Optometrists Discipline Committee or Fitness to Practise Committee;
  • Appealing decisions of the ICRC to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”);
  • Representing optometrists in hearings and reviews of Registration Committee decisions before HPARB;
  • Appealing decisions of HPARB, the Discipline Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee to the Divisional Court;
  • Representing optometrists in criminal or quasi-criminal proceedings under the Criminal Code or Provincial Offences Act;
  • Representing optometrists in applications and civil litigation before the Superior Court of Justice;
  • Assisting optometrists in applications for registration and in making written submissions to the Registration Committee;
  • Assisting optometrists with audits and quality assurance programs;
  • Advising optometrists on compliance with the RHPA, Optometry Act, 1991 and other relevant legislation and regulations; and
  • Advising optometrists on professional practice issues, such as record-keeping, privacy and confidentiality, billing and insurance, and reporting.