Disability-Related Accommodation and Infection-Control Accommodation Policy
in London, Ontario

  1. Purpose and Commitment

Old South Optometry is committed to providing optometric services in a manner that is respectful, inclusive, and free from discrimination, in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the College of Optometrists of Ontario’s Anti-Discriminatory Practice Guidelines, and the Optometric Practice Reference.

Old South Optometry recognizes its legal and professional obligation to accommodate patients with disabilities to the point of undue hardship and to provide patient-centred care that respects dignity, autonomy, safety, and equal access.

  1. Scope

This policy applies to all patients, staff, and optometrists of Old South Optometry and governs the handling of disability-related accommodation requests, including requests related to infection prevention and control (e.g., use of personal protective equipment, scheduling, and use of clinical space).

  1. Principles

Accommodation at Old South Optometry is guided by the following principles:

  • Individualized assessment: Each request is assessed on its own facts and circumstances.
  • Dignity and respect: Patients are treated with courtesy and without stigma.
  • Evidence-based decision-making: Clinical and public-health guidance, including College and Ministry of Health standards, are relied upon.
  • Proportionality and undue hardship: Accommodation is provided to the point of undue hardship, considering health and safety, operational feasibility, and the rights of others.
  • Good-faith dialogue: Accommodation is a process that includes communication, exploration of options, and documentation.
  1. Accommodation Process

When a patient identifies a disability-related need:

  • The clinic will acknowledge the request promptly and seek sufficient information to understand the nature of the functional limitation and the accommodation required.
  • The request will be reviewed by the optometrist and/or clinic management.
  • Where clinical, infection-control, or safety issues arise, guidance may be sought from public-health authorities or the College of Optometrists of Ontario Practice Advisor.
  • Reasonable accommodation options will be explored in consultation with the patient.
  • A proposed accommodation plan will be communicated clearly and in writing where appropriate.
  • The clinic will invite further dialogue if the patient believes additional accommodation is required.
  1. Infection-Control Accommodations

Infection-control accommodations may include, depending on the individual circumstances:

  • Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g., surgical masks, respirators) consistent with public-health and occupational safety guidance;
  • Scheduling adjustments to minimize time in shared areas;
  • Use of specific examination rooms or modified patient flow where operationally feasible;

The clinic recognizes that zero risk cannot be guaranteed in a shared clinical environment; however, reasonable, evidence-based steps will be taken to mitigate risk to the greatest extent possible without creating undue hardship.

  1. Competing Rights and Safety

Where accommodation requests engage the rights or safety of staff or other patients, the clinic will apply a competing-rights analysis consistent with Ontario Human Rights Commission guidance, seeking solutions that are proportionate, respectful, and grounded in objective standards.

  1. Documentation and Training

Accommodation requests and responses will be documented. Staff will receive ongoing training on human rights, accessibility, and non-discriminatory practice. This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated to reflect changes in law, College guidance, and public-health standards.

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Our Address

  • 393 Wharncliffe Rd S
  • London, Ontario N6J 2M3

Contact Information

Hours of Operation

Monday:
9:00 AM 5:30 PM
Tuesday:
9:00 AM 5:30 PM
Wednesday:
9:00 AM 5:30 PM
Thursday:
9:00 AM 5:30 PM
Friday:
8:30 AM 5:00 PM
Saturday*:
9:00 AM 12:30 PM
Sunday:
Closed

*Closed on long weekends

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