IRIS Optometry vs. College of Optometrists of Ontario

[qwopty99]

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up to the minute:

http://www.iris.ca/iris07/IRISLegalActionletter.pdf

this is positively huge and will have massive repercussions in Ontario and Canada for the way optometry is practiced.

i knew IRIS was considering these proceedings for more than a year now (probably several), i'm not surprised at all they've come forward. in my opinion, its a slam-dunk for IRIS, and this case will cripple the OCO.

i don't think the OCO has a chance in these proceedings - they're going to have to settle. there is absolutely nothing legal about the restrictions that are being challenged.

 

[KHE]

up to the minute:

http://www.iris.ca/iris07/IRISLegalActionletter.pdf

this is positively huge and will have massive repercussions in Ontario and Canada for the way optometry is practiced.

i knew IRIS was considering these proceedings for more than a year now (probably several), i'm not surprised at all they've come forward. in my opinion, its a slam-dunk for IRIS, and this case will cripple the OCO.

i don't think the OCO has a chance in these proceedings - they're going to have to settle. there is absolutely nothing legal about the restrictions that are being challenged.

What exactly is this? A commerical chain fighting for the right to employ optometrists?

I'm sure you're not a lawyer, but can you offer at least a quasi=education opinion on why the restrictions being challened are illegal?

 

[drbizzaro]

up to the minute:

http://www.iris.ca/iris07/IRISLegalActionletter.pdf

this is positively huge and will have massive repercussions in Ontario and Canada for the way optometry is practiced.

i knew IRIS was considering these proceedings for more than a year now (probably several), i'm not surprised at all they've come forward. in my opinion, its a slam-dunk for IRIS, and this case will cripple the OCO.

i don't think the OCO has a chance in these proceedings - they're going to have to settle. there is absolutely nothing legal about the restrictions that are being challenged.

you say massive repercussions, but what do you mean specifically? (that IRIS will create a new Lenscrafters type business?)

 

[jefguth]

up to the minute:

http://www.iris.ca/iris07/IRISLegalActionletter.pdf

this is positively huge and will have massive repercussions in Ontario and Canada for the way optometry is practiced.

i knew IRIS was considering these proceedings for more than a year now (probably several), i'm not surprised at all they've come forward. in my opinion, its a slam-dunk for IRIS, and this case will cripple the OCO.

i don't think the OCO has a chance in these proceedings - they're going to have to settle. there is absolutely nothing legal about the restrictions that are being challenged.

IRIS is a franchise type group, owned by 70 something OD's in Canada. They are the largest optical "chain" in the country, bigger than Lenscrafters (but not luxottica as whole). Their 'model' is to open high-end practices owned 50-50 between IRIS and the owner-doctor, and to have locations staffed by OD's and licensed opticians. This is the crux of the problem for IRIS in Ontario, the focus of their next expansion.

In Ontario, it is currently considered professional misconduct for an optometrist to employ a licensed optician (although the colleges has proposed to eliminate this restriction).

The way I understand most practices are structured is that the OD, who is usually also a 50% owner in the location, is contracted to operate the service side of the practice much like an independent contractor. However, the locations have one entrance and share common space and staff unlike traditional commercial side-side arrangements.

I doubt that they are seeking to directly employ optometrists (based on comments made by Dr. Angle three weeks ago in Chicago), but if their challenge is successful it might open the door for other chains to employ OD's.

 

[qwopty99]

What exactly is this? A commerical chain fighting for the right to employ optometrists?

I'm sure you're not a lawyer, but can you offer at least a quasi=education opinion on why the restrictions being challened are illegal?

the quick answer is freedom of association. the OCO doesn't permit optometrists to be hired by opticians (and vice versa).

the canadian charter of rights protects freedom of association.

a similar challenge went through BC for a similar thing several years back, and won.

this one is a slam dunk.