fbpx

Canada’s Competition Bureau Encourages Online Competition in Eyewear Sales

In the recent edition of the Competition Advocate, a periodical released by the Competition Bureau, the Bureau takes aim at the regulatory environment surrounding the online sale of prescription eyewear. The Bureau observes that online sales give consumers access to lower-cost products and greater convenience and that internet retail can improve access for consumers.

“To enable consumers to benefit from online competition in retail eyewear sales,” the Bureau “calls upon decision-makers to take competition into consideration when implementing and reviewing regulations that govern the industry.”

The Bureau points out that the regulatory requirements for optometrists and opticians vary across the provinces, with the professional regulatory bodies (the colleges) responsible for administering these regulations.

For example, in Ontario, the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) lists “certain controlled acts which can be performed only by individuals authorized by a health profession act, or their delegated representatives,” which includes dispensing contact lenses and eyeglasses.

The Bureau states that dispensing is not explicitly defined in the RHPA, but the Ontario courts have interpreted that only licensed professionals may “prepare, adapt and deliver prescription eyewear.” This interpretation formed the basis of the favourable ruling the College of Optometrists of Ontario and the College of Opticians of Ontario received from the Ontario Superior Court in their case against Essilor Group Canada regarding Clearly Contacts on January 11, 2018.

By contrast, in British Columbia the initial fitting must be performed by a licensed professional, but dispensing is not regulated. The Bureau advocates other regions consider this model.

The College of Optometrists of Ontario and the College of Opticians of Ontario issued a response to the Competition Bureau, stating: “The College of Optometrists of Ontario and the College of Opticians of Ontario firmly believe the internet can be an effective tool for dispensing prescription eyewear, enhancing access and convenience in line with patient demands. Furthermore, the colleges agree that a free and competitive market for corrective eyewear is in the public interest and are aligned with the Competition Bureau in wanting to ensure that patients have as many options as can be safely provided for in how they access their eye care.” The College statement also argues that “without a licensed individual involved in the process, there is no mechanism by which the colleges can ensure that any standard of care is provided at all.”

The Competition Bureau report concludes that, “Decision-makers should consider whether it is strictly necessary for licensed professionals to be involved in all aspects of the eyewear dispensing process (i.e. preparation, adaptation and delivery), and to what degree.” While there are, the Bureau acknowledges, certain regulatory safeguards necessary to protect Canadian businesses and consumers, the Bureau asks that “less restrictive measures be put in place to facilitate online sales, while at the same time, maintaining patient health and safety.”

Read the complete statement from the Competition Bureau here.

Featured Posts

Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read more
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read more
The Vision Council logo

Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies

Go Beyond the Standards with The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Guide

Read more
Specsavers logo

Specsavers and Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario Partner to Make Eye Health More Affordable for over 36,000 Members

Specsavers has announced a partnership with the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO), the largest organization supporting OMERS pensioners.

Read more

X-Ide New Generation

X-Ide is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the creation of a capsule collection that presents 8 styles with double temples.

Read more
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read More
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read More
The Vision Council logo

Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies

Go Beyond the Standards with The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Guide

Read More
Specsavers logo

Specsavers and Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario Partner to Make Eye Health More Affordable for over 36,000 Members

Specsavers has announced a partnership with the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO), the largest organization supporting OMERS pensioners.

Read More

X-Ide New Generation

X-Ide is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the creation of a capsule collection that presents 8 styles with double temples.

Read More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read more
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read more
The Vision Council logo

Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies

Go Beyond the Standards with The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Guide

Read more
Specsavers logo

Specsavers and Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario Partner to Make Eye Health More Affordable for over 36,000 Members

Specsavers has announced a partnership with the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO), the largest organization supporting OMERS pensioners.

Read more

X-Ide New Generation

X-Ide is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the creation of a capsule collection that presents 8 styles with double temples.

Read more
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Learn More
Photograph of an old building in New Orleans with prominent balconies.

Academy New Orleans: The New Grad Experience

Highlights from Academy, the AAO 2023 Optometry Conference: a dynamic gathering of education, innovation, and community, shaping the future of optometry for students and professionals.

Learn More
Elegant GIGI STUDIOS glasses with tortoiseshell frames on a clear, shattered glass surface with green foliage accents

The Art of the Frame: Unveiling GIGI STUDIOS’ Fashion‑Forward Vision

Explore GIGI STUDIOS' legacy in eyewear, blending artisanal craftsmanship with innovative designs. Discover their commitment to sustainability and the stylish 'Le Club de Lecture' campaign.

Read more
Voila Optik March-April 2024 Morel Ginette

Glamour from the Retro Era!

Morel revisits the past and highlights its heritage by introducing the Ginette concept, offering frames with retro charm and iconic styles from the 50s.

Read more
The Vision Council logo

Protect Your Eyes, See the Skies

Go Beyond the Standards with The Vision Council’s Total Solar Eclipse Guide

Read more
Specsavers logo

Specsavers and Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario Partner to Make Eye Health More Affordable for over 36,000 Members

Specsavers has announced a partnership with the Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO), the largest organization supporting OMERS pensioners.

Read more

X-Ide New Generation

X-Ide is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the creation of a capsule collection that presents 8 styles with double temples.

Read more