The College is looking for engaged, enthusiastic optometrists to help us to help us fulfill our mandate to regulate the profession in the public interest.
How can you help? It’s easy! There are two key ways optometrists can be involved with the College:
- Run for a seat on the College Council in the upcoming election
- Volunteer to serve on a committee
1. Upcoming Council Election
Made up of professional members (optometrists who have been elected by their colleagues) and members of the public (who have been appointed by the provincial government), 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 major role is to protect the public.
Each year, the College holds elections to fill the professional member roles on Council.
This year, five seats are coming up for election in the following districts:
- (One seat) District 1 – Greater Toronto Area
- (One seat) District 4 – Western Electoral District
- (Two seats) District 5 – Provincial Electoral District
- (One seat) District 6 –University of Waterloo Faculty
These seats will begin a three-year term starting in January 2022.
How do I run in the upcoming election?
Running in the election is easy! All you have to do is complete a self-nomination form by 4:00 p.m. ET on September 10, 2021.
You must live and/or practice optometry in the district in which you’re seeking election and be in good standing with the College. District 5 is open to optometrists across Ontario. Faculty of University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science are eligible to run for the seat in District 6. Full eligibility criteria are outlined in College By-law Part 6 (6.04 and 6.05).
Voting will open at the end of September and the election will be held on October 15, 2021.
Learn more in our frequently asked questions.
2. Volunteer on a committee
Joining Council is not the only way to get involved with the College. Volunteering to join one of the College’s committees is another great way to share your knowledge and expertise and contribute to patient safety.
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.
How do I volunteer on a committee?
If you’re interested in joining a committee, submit your volunteer application form, along with a professional CV by October 26, 2021.
Applications are reviewed by our Governance/HR Committee. Those that are approved by Council are appointed to a committee for a one-year term beginning in January 2022, 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 Chad Andrews, Senior Manager, Policy and Governance, 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.