Diabetes Committee

Terms of Reference – the Diabetes Committee is responsible for promoting Optometry’s role in the care of patients with diabetes. An important activity is to maintain relations with the Canadian Diabetes Association at a national level and to assist provincial associations and individual members in provincial and community activities with CDA. The committee is also responsible for monitoring and commenting on government and stakeholder policy related to diabetes.

Committee Mandate / History / Advocacy

The committee was formed in 2007 when Dr. Richard Lee, Fredericton, NB, was appointed as Chair. Dr. Lee recruited committee members and an ambitious list of goals were prepared. At the 2008 Optometric Leaders’ Forum, Dr. Lee presented an overview of committee work and gained strong support from Canadian optometric leaders. Some of the recommendations adopted at the OLF include:

  • Encourage CAO members to join the Clinical and Scientific Section of CDA
  • CAO to have a booth at CDA annual conference with ODs in attendance
  • Coordinate an optometric presentation at the CDA annual conference
  • Guest Article in CJO by Chair, CDA Clinical Practice Guideline Committee
  • New webpage on CAO member website with committee resources
  • Prepare core document on optometric care of patients with diabetes
  • Build coalitions and alliances
  • Seek public relations opportunities with CDA (e.g. Optometric Involvement in CDA Expos)

Reports

Committee Members / Contact Information

Provincial Diabetes Liaisons

Canadian Diabetes Association / CAO Relations / Membership Opportunities

CDA Membership Information

Resources – GP report forms, patient handouts

Documentation – Clinical Practice Guidelines, Research, Links