About CAO

Vision

Healthy eyes and clear vision for all Canadians. For life.

Mission

The Canadian Association of Optometrists is the national voice of optometry, providing leadership and support to its members to enhance the delivery of healthy eyes and clear vision for all Canadians.

CAO Values

• Accountable
• Collaborative
• Impactful
• Innovative

At a meeting in Ottawa on July 7, 1941 six provincial representatives resolved to organize the Canadian Association of Optometrists. The first President was Dr. Herb McClung of Saskatchewan, who had promoted the idea of a national association since 1924.

Four objectives were put forward at the meeting:

• To consider and act upon all matters which have Dominion-wide effect upon Optometry and which do not lie specifically within the jurisdiction of any individual province;
• To promote by all means possible the usefulness of Optometry;
• To promote good fellowship and friendly intercourse between the several provincial associations;
• To advance optometric education.

The association pursued national recognition and CAO was formally constituted with the proclamation of a federal act to incorporate the Canadian Association of Optometrists on June 30, 1948. The Act provided the structure and framework for CAO that continues to be relevant today.