President’s Podium - Jul/Aug 2016

ASSOCIATION MATTERS

CAO Connecting with Members
As an optometric leader, I recognize the importance of connecting not only with provincial leaders but also with CAO’s grassroots membership. I love the idea of a meeting in a more organic, informal way - and as a result, we have implemented CAO Council Provincial Receptions. This is an opportunity to have one on one conversations with members about what matters most to you. What would you like to see more of, less of and anything else that comes to mind. The first of these receptions will happen in BC in September - see invite in this issue of Contact. My council colleagues and I look forward to hearing your feedback and discussing ideas on how the association can provide more value to you as a member.

Connecting With Our American Colleagues
I recently had the opportunity to attend Optometry’s Meeting® in Boston and meet the new AOA President, Dr Andrea Thau. I’m always pleased to connect with our colleagues in the US; to learn about the current challenges and aspirations of the profession and take home what I’ve learned and apply it to the Canadian landscape. Recognition of the value of this cross-pollination of ideas is reflected in the AOA’s affiliate membership category that allows Canadian ODs to become members. As an association we value the ability to reach out by phone and email and be met with their willingness to help and inform.

CAO recognizes the value in association beyond our borders and at a recent council meeting added an affiliate membership category of our own that will allow international ODs to become members. We also encourage American ODs to attend the CAO Congress and will be inviting the AOA President to attend the 2017 Congress and CAO AGM.

AOA Current Initiatives
Currently, the AOA is taking a strong stand against Opternative and online eye exams/refractions. We need to align our efforts with theirs and continue to educate the public, as well as government on the importance of in-person comprehensive eye exams. The American association is also doing fantastic work building connections with healthcare allies as evidenced by their recent work/partnership with the American Dental Association. Other priorities include:

• An examination of telehealth
• Effectiveness of public education program Think About Your Eyes
• Contact lens safety and regulation
• Gathering/producing research and statistics to be shared with members

The over-arching impression I left with was the importance of a clear identity, a vision for our place in the current and future healthcare milieu, and a clearly articulated mission for delivery the best possible eye care for Canadians and the power of individual and collective relationships to make our vision a reality. These meetings are more than just a chance to peruse the latest diagnostic equipment for our offices or deepen our clinical knowledge with CE. It’s a chance to come together as the collective voice of our profession and consider how we can make the most positive and lasting impact to eye health in our country. Sometimes that means looking beyond our borders, for inspiration, cautionary tales, and using the power of association to amplify our collective voice.

Member Question   
What are the most common misconceptions you hear from parents regarding children’s eye health and eye wear? Click HERE to answer. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Photo: (from left) Dr Barry Thienes, CAO President, Dr Dr Andrea Thau, AOA President, Dr. Stephen Loomis, AOA Past-President