Colleges seek injunction against Essilor

Two optical institutions in Ontario have turned to the courts to seek an injunction that would prohibit the Essilor Canada-owned online retail portal Clearly from dispensing prescription glasses and contact lenses to the public without following local legislation.

The College of Opticians of Ontario and the College of Optometrists of Ontario regulate dispensing and optometry in the province, where it is illegal for anyone other than an optician, optometrist or physician to dispense prescription eyewear to a patient except under appropriate supervision or delegation.

Under section 87 of the Health Professions Procedural Code, the colleges have applied to a judge of the Ontario Superior Court to bring an injunction to stop any individual, or organisation from dispensing in a manner that violates state law.