Participants Needed for 2023 Focus Groups

The College of Optometrists of Ontario is looking for participants who are eager to share their perspectives on optometry and optometric regulation within a focus group setting.

The goal of these Focus Groups is to hear from optometrists and members of the public on important matters concerning the profession of optometry and regulating in the public interest. There will be two focus groups run at each location: one focus group for members of the profession, and a separate focus group for members of the public.

TOPIC AND FORMAT

The focus groups will be comprised of a brainstorming session, as well as a discussion, both led by an external facilitator. Participants will discuss their expectations of optometrists, as well as their understanding of the optometry profession. There will also be questions regarding the understanding of what the College does and its role in the regulation of the optometry profession. The discussion topics will be the same in each city, and we will use the results of the focus groups to guide our communications moving forward.

REQUIREMENTS

We require participants to be 18 years of age or older. There are no requirements for participants regarding experience, or demographic. Participation in the focus groups will not require meeting preparation beforehand, apart from being in communications with the coordinator to discuss registration and details of the meeting.

TIME AND LOCATION

The Focus Groups will be held in the evening and will run for approximately one and a half hours. The Focus Groups will be held in the following cities throughout next year:

– Sudbury: July 11

– Toronto: July 13

– London: October 23

– Waterloo: October 24

We are looking for 15 participants in each focus group (professional and public).

REGISTRATION

If you are interested in attending a Focus Group near you, or if you have questions, please contact Jaslin Facey, the College’s Communications Coordinator, at jfacey@collegeoptom.on.ca. Once you register, Jaslin will be in touch closer to the date of the Focus Group with more details about location and timing.