How do I renew my licence?
All you need to do is log in to your COBC account and use the RENEWAL tab to submit the application and payment. You can check out our Renewal Guidebook for step-by-step instructions!

What device/system should I use?
The COBC portal isn't optimized for mobile, so we recommend using a laptop or a desktop computer if you have access to one. Our site functions best in Chrome and Firefox browsers.

I forgot my password. How do I get into my account?
If you've forgotten your password, you can select "Forgot Password" and use security questions to log in OR contact COBC to receive a temporary password.

I just registered or reinstated a few months ago. Do I need to renew too?
Yes! All opticians in the province renew their licences at the same time, regardless of their initial registration date. If you registered or reinstated recently, you may have paid a reduced fee at that time, in recognition that you would soon need to renew again.

Where can I find my renewal receipt (and other receipts)?
Within 1–3 business days of completing your renewal, you'll be able to download your 2023 receipt from the HOME tab of your online account (using the "Print Receipt" button).
You must set up your security questions in order to access the buttons in the HOME tab!

What will happen if I don't renew my licence by the March 31 deadline?
Registrants who fail to renew before March 31 may be charged late fees when they do renew, or they may have their licensure suspended. If you anticipate being unable to renew on time for any reason, please contact our team to discuss your options.

Discipline Committee openings

COBC's Discipline Committee is actively recruiting new members. Applicants may be practicing or non-practicing registrants, or recent retirees from the opticianry profession. Specifically, we are looking for individuals who can commit to being available for a 10-day hearing (either 10 business days across two consecutive weeks or 5 business days per week in two non-consecutive weeks).

CCP requirements for renewal

If the deadline for your Continuing Competency Program (CCP) was December 31, 2022, you will be required to complete a CCP declaration as part of your renewal application.

However, if your deadline has passed and you have not yet completed all of your CCP requirements, you will not be able to renew your licence. We advise that you complete your requirements as soon as possible, or contact COBC's Manager of Quality Assurance, Chris, if you anticipate being unable to do so.

If you do not know your CCP cycle deadline, you can look it up by logging in to your COBC account and visiting the HOME tab. Registrants who have successfully completed the requirements of a cycle ending in 2022 will find that their deadline has been updated to 2025.

In-person OAC event

The Opticians Association of Canada (OAC) is hosting an in-person event, including exclusive lectures, on the evening of Thursday, April 20  in Nanaimo.

Learn more and register

Did you know?

Contact lens fitters are in high demand in BC right now. If you're already licensed as an optician, you're eligible for Stenberg College's 14-week Contact Lens Fitter Certificate Program. The program is delivered in a hybrid online/in-person format, and the next cohort starts May 8.

For more information, contact Natasha Howarth at nhowarth@stenbergcollege.com.