Get Involved with the College!

It’s that time of year again! We’re looking for optometrists to join Council or serve on a College committee. Bring your perspective and experience to our work! Help us achieve our vision to be a leading regulator focused on safe eye care and progressive practice.

Council acts like a Board of Directors and guides the College’s work by setting our strategic direction and developing policies and by-laws. Council’s one major role is to protect the public. Made up of optometrists (who have been elected by their colleagues) and members of the public (who have been appointed by the provincial government), Council makes important decisions that shape the regulation of optometry and promote public safety.

Committees are accountable to and support the work of Council. They also include both professional and public members. Committees help guide College policies and ensure regulatory responsibilities such as registration, quality assurance and investigations are carried out.

How can you become involved at the College?

1. Run for a seat on the College Council

Serving on Council gives you a first-hand look at professional regulation and provides the valuable opportunity to build public trust and contribute to the profession. Council members regularly say that their work with the College is rewarding and compliments their clinical practice. Each year, we hold an election through which optometrists elect their professional members. Seats on Council represent the province in six electoral (geographic) districts. Optometrist who work or live in those districts can run for election and vote for Council members to represent their district.Members are elected for a three-year term, beginning in January. Council meetings are held quarterly either in Toronto or virtually. Optometrists are remunerated for College activities, including travel expenses and preparation time, subject to the College’s policies. Council members are also appointed to at least one committee. Time commitments for Council members vary depending on committee appointment and range from 7-14 days per year.

How do I run in the upcoming election?

Running in the election is easy and only requires a self-nomination! The College is now accepting nominations for the 2021 election. Two seats are up for election in District 5 (Provincial). This means nominations are open to all optometrists across Ontario! If you’re interested in running, complete the self-nomination form by 4:00 p.m. on September 14, 2020.

The election will be held on October 15, 2020.

The College welcomes all nominees and encourages those who are representative of the Ontario population and are at different stages in their careers and/or with experience in governance, human resources, finance/business, or communications to consider this opportunity.

Review our frequently asked questions or contact the College with any questions.2. Volunteer on a committee

Do you want to help guide the profession, share your knowledge, and work with fellow practitioners? Joining Council is not the only way to get involved with the College. You can also volunteer to join one of the College’s committees and contribute to regulatory processes that protect patients! Did you know that more than 100 optometrists volunteer with the College each year? Volunteers are critical to the work we do and are vital to achieving quality professional care while ensuring public protection and strong, responsible self-regulation. Bring your knowledge, skills, and expertise to the College by sitting on a committee. We’re always looking for engaged, enthusiastic optometrists to join, including those who are representative of the Ontario population and are at different stages in their careers.

How do I volunteer to join a committee?

If you’re interested in joining a committee, submit your Volunteer Application Form, along with a professional CV by October 26, 2020.

Once received, applications are reviewed by our Governance/HR Committee. All applications will be acknowledged. Those that are approved by Council are appointed to a committee for a one-year term beginning in January, with the possibility of reappointment.

Time commitments vary for each committee, from two to 10 days per year. Optometrists are remunerated for College activities, including travel expenses and preparation time, subject to the College’s policies.

Contact Amber Lepage-Monette with any questions about self-nominating in the Council election or volunteering on a committee. We can also put you in contact with a fellow optometrist who serves on Council or a committee to speak about their experience.