College of Opticians of Alberta

10/20/2026

Important Update: Changes to Insurance Billing
Effective October 1, 2026, Alberta's Bill 11 introduced new payor-of-last-resort requirements for applicable government-sponsored benefit programs.

What does this mean for opticians?
When assisting patients with insurance claims, confirm applicable coverage and ensure private or employer-sponsored benefits are billed first where the new requirements apply.
Remember to clearly explain fees, coverage limitations, and any out-of-pocket costs to patients.

These changes do not automatically apply to all optical insurance claims. Always follow the requirements of the applicable benefit program.

See albertaopticians.ca for more information.

08/13/2026

The New COA Continuing Competence Program Is Now Live!

The College of Opticians of Alberta's new Continuing Competence Program (CCP) is now available in Alinity. The first cycle must be completed by November 30, 2027, for your 2028 practice permit renewal.

The updated program is based on the COA Standards of Practice and includes three sections: Knowledge, Skills, and Judgment. An optional self-assessment tool is available to help guide your learning and professional development.

Log in to Alinity to get started and begin planning your CCP journey:

08/11/2026

The College of Opticians of Alberta has updated its Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) bylaw, effective July 21, 2026. Practising registrants must hold at least $1 million in PLI that names them personally and meets specific coverage requirements. Employer-provided insurance is still acceptable if it meets the new requirements, including naming the individual registrant. These changes provide greater clarity, strengthen protection for registrants, and help ensure the public is protected through adequate insurance coverage. COA staff will review PLI submissions during 2027 licence renewal. Review your policy now to avoid delays in renewing your licence. Opticians can check their email for more details.

06/28/2026

The new COA website has launched at the same url, albertaopticians.ca!

06/28/2026

A reminder that the current cycle of CCP is due June 30th!

05/06/2026

Reminder that a new Continuing Competence Program begins July 1st, 2026, and the current CCP requirements must be completed by June 30th!

04/22/2026

Reminder that the period to apply for the College's council positions is open!

Click the link below for more details and for the nomination package!

Download the COA council nomination package and find details pertaining to our open 2026 council positions.

04/22/2026

Reminder that the Annual Update webinar is coming up on Sunday May 3rd from 1pm to 2pm on zoom! All registered opticians are invited to attend and apply it toward their continuing competence! Click the link below for more details and to register!

All registered members are invited to join the 2026 Annual Report Webinar by the College of Opticians of Alberta!

04/08/2026

The COA’s Annual Update Webinar is approaching once again, and will take place Sunday May 3rd 2026, 1pm - 2pm on Zoom! All registered opticians are invited to attend! The update aligns with our Annual Report, which is to be submitted by the College to the Government of Alberta in 2026, and attending counts towards your Continuing Competence!

For more details and to register, visit https://albertaopticians.ca/2026-annual-update-webinar-invitation/ !

All registered members are invited to join the 2024 Annual Report Webinar by the College of Opticians of Alberta!

04/07/2026

The 2026 COA Council nominations are now open! All registered members are encouraged to apply! Fulfill your continuing competence requirements while getting paid for volunteering your time and expertise.

Download the application from the website below, and apply before April 30th! See the website for more details.

The College of Opticians is accepting nominations for a position available on the College of Opticians Council of Directors