The Act to Incorporate the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), given Royal Assent on 30 June 1948, sets out, in Section 3, the objects of the Association. Among these are the following:

1. to advance the art and science of Optometry and all its collateral branches;
2. to promote ethical and professional standards of optometric education and service to the public;
3. to enlighten and direct public opinion in relation to the preservation and conservation of vision and to assist in every way to attain and maintain the highest standards of visual efficiency for the people of Canada.

The purpose of a policy of CAO shall be to provide guidance to optometrists and members of the public in achieving these objects. Unlike the Constitution or Bylaws, whose provisions are binding upon all members, policies deal with recommended procedures or principles which members are expected to follow.

Policies shall be approved by the Council of CAO and amendments to or revoking of any such approved policies shall be made only by the Council. Policies come into effect at the moment they are approved. Corporate, ordinary and associate members shall be advised of the approval of, amendment to or revoking of all CAO policies as soon as is practical.

Policies of CAO shall be of two types and recorded in two separate publications. The first type of policy will include those which are administrative in nature and not intended for (but not restricted from) the public. This type of policy shall be published in the Manual of Policy, Organization and Rules (POR).

Other policies, i.e. those for release to the public and which state CAO’s position(s) on matters relating to vision and eye care and the provision of services by optometrists, shall be published collectively as the Register of Public Policies (RPP/this document).