The National Public Education Committee (NPEC) is a division of CAO that coordinates the purchase of national advertising. CAO members support NPEC through a special levy and all dollars are devoted exclusively to paid media. In 2011, a new CAO national advertising campaign on television and the internet was launched, running with high media weights during October for Eye Health Month.

The costs for production, research, public relations and other promotional efforts are offset by the Eye Health Council of Canada (EHCC). Each year, CAO budgets some of its EHCC investment towards the national public awareness campaign that highlights the importance of eye health and regular eye care. The campaign profiles and brands ‘Optometry’. It also stresses the benefits of preventive eye care — even if you have good vision, a regular optometric eye exam is still necessary since many eye diseases can progress without symptoms or warnings.

NPEC includes one representative from each province.

Canadian Association of Optometrists, Liaison
Dr Tanya Sitter, NPEC Co-chair

Industry Partner Liaison
Dr Marlene Reiss

British Columbia Association of Optometrists
Dr Antoinette Dumalo

Alberta Association of Optometrists
Dr Femida Visnani

Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists
Dr Heath Holliday

Ontario Association of Optometrists
Dr John Mastronardi

Association des optométristes de Quebec
Érik De Pokomandy

New Brunswick Association of Optometrists
Dr Jason Saunders

Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists
Dr Brett Kinney

Prince Edward Island Association of Optometrists
Dr Bonnie Gallant

Newfoundland Association of Optometrists
Dr Mark Smith

Children’s Vision Initiative, CAO Liaison
TBD