A condition was missed and I lost vision.

Request your complete records immediately and get an ophthalmologist's opinion. Both a College complaint and a negligence claim may apply, and the civil limitation period runs independently of the complaint.

Am I entitled to my prescription?

Yes. You are generally entitled to a copy of your prescription and your records on request.

College of Optometrists of Ontario — Complaints & Missed Diagnosis

College of Optometrists of Ontario

This College regulates optometrists in Ontario. The most consequential complaints concern **failure to detect or refer** — glaucoma, retinal detachment, tumours and diabetic changes are detectable on examination, and a missed finding can cause permanent vision loss. Those cases usually run as a negligence claim alongside the complaint.

What it does

Registers optometrists and maintains a public register
Investigates conduct, competence and capacity complaints
Sets standards on examination, referral and record-keeping
Refers matters to its Discipline Committee

Matters it hears

Missed ocular pathology and failure to refer
Prescription and refraction errors
Contact lens fitting complications
Records and release of prescriptions

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB).

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

A condition was missed and I lost vision.: Request your complete records immediately and get an ophthalmologist's opinion. Both a College complaint and a negligence claim may apply, and the civil limitation period runs independently of the complaint.
Am I entitled to my prescription?: Yes. You are generally entitled to a copy of your prescription and your records on request.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with College of Optometrists of Ontario. Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.