The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO) is committed to ensuring that the people of Saskatchewan receive safe, skilled, and competent care from their optometrist. We understand that misunderstandings or concerns arise from time to time, and it is the responsibility of the SAO to address all complaints against Saskatchewan optometrists.
Concerns about an Optometrist
- If you have concerns with your optometrist or the care provided, we encourage you to speak directly to your optometrist, if possible, to help them understand your concerns and find a resolution.
- In the event you cannot resolve your concern with your optometrist you can make a formal complaint to the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO).
- Optometry is a self-regulating profession. The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists is the regulatory body for optometrists in Saskatchewan. The Optometry Act, 1985 and The Optometric Professional Bylaws provide the SAO with responsibilities, powers and guidelines to address formal complaints.
- Things to be aware of:
- The SAO is not the same as a court of law. It cannot make a determination of negligence or order an optometrist to pay financial compensation. Patients interested in a determination of negligence or compensation should seek legal advice.
- The SAO’s authority is limited to optometrists who currently or recently held a Saskatchewan license. We cannot address complaints against ophthalmologists, opticians or other healthcare providers. For a listing of Saskatchewan optometrists please visit our homepage and search under “Find an optometrist” https://optometrists.sk.ca/. For a listing of other health regulators in Saskatchewan please visit https://www.nirosask.ca/.
- A complaint to the SAO is confidential and not “actionable”. This means you cannot be sued for what you say in a complaint to the SAO, provided your complaint is addressed only to the SAO.
- The contents of your complaint and your identity will be shared with the Mediation Committee and optometrist named in the complaint. Information may be shared with additional parties to the extent it is required to fully investigate the concern.
Making a Formal Complaint
- To initiate a formal complaint, it must be in writing. Please complete the form below. It can be completed online or submitted by email, fax or mail. If you need assistance in filing a complaint, please contact the SAO Regulatory Manager.
- Your complaint will be received by the Regulatory Manager and/or Executive Director of SAO. They will log your complaint, confirm receipt of the complaint with you and provide the complaint to the Mediation Committee.
- The Mediation Committee is the body at SAO responsible for reviewing and investigating complaints. The committee meets once per month and your complaint will be heard before the committee at their next meeting.
- The SAO, on behalf of the Mediation Committee, will notify the optometrist of the complaint made against them and will share information regarding the complaint.
- The Mediation Committee’s role is to review complaints to determine if professional misconduct or professional incompetence may have occurred and whether there has been a violation of SAO’s Act, Bylaws, or Standards of Practice.
- The Mediation Committee may seek additional information from the complainant, the doctor or other parties with information relevant to the complaint (ex. witnesses).
- The Mediation Committee may seek the services of various experts when needed (ex. lawyers, investigators, accountants or experts).
- The SAO will notify both parties once a complaint has been closed.
Form for Filing a Patient Complaint to the SAO