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At its Annual Meeting on January 22, 2021, Council elected the 2021 Executive Committee as follows: Dr. Patrick Quaid, President (Acclaimed) Mr. Bashar Kassir, Vice-President Ms. Kathryn Biondi, Chair, Governance/HR Committee Dr. Linda Chan, Chair, Audit/Finance/Risk Committee Dr. Camy Grewal, Member-at-Large Thank you to all Council members who put their names forward for this year’s…more

The Ontario government has declared a second state of emergency that will take effect January 14, 2021. The state of emergency includes a stay-at-home order that requires citizens to stay home except for essential purposes such as accessing grocery stores, pharmacies, health care services, and for essential work. The order specifically targets social gatherings, non-essential retail, and…more

Council met virtually on December 4, 2020 for the last scheduled meeting of the year, where President Dr. Patrick Quaid thanked two outgoing members for their service: Dr. Chris Nicol, who has been part of the College Council for 15 years and has served in a variety of roles, including President, Vice-President, and Interim Registrar….more

Yesterday, the provincial government announced that Toronto and Peel regions will be moved into lockdown effective Monday, November 23. This lockdown limits non-essential businesses, however, it is our understanding that it does not currently apply to health services. Given these new restrictions, and with Ontarians being encouraged to stay home as much as possible, optometrists will use…more

The College is pleased to announce that Ontario Regulation 566/20 (Spousal Exemption Regulation), which was submitted to the provincial government in 2014, passed on October 8, 2020. This regulation change allows optometrists to treat their spouses without the treatment constituting sexual abuse. It does not imply, nor should it be considered a recommendation that optometrists treat their…more

We are pleased to announce the results for the 2020 Council Election to fill two seats in District 5 – Provincial Electoral District. The following optometrists have been elected for three-year terms starting January 1, 2021: Dr. Mark Eltis Dr. Areef Nurani The College would like to thank all the candidates who submitted their names…more

Updated – October 2020 Council met virtually on September 25, 2020 and approved several key items that inform College work, including revisions to the COVID-19 Return to Work guidance, approving the College auditor, and amendments to the College by-laws. Revision to Return to Work guidance Some examples of high-level disinfectants that are cited in the Return…more

Voting for the 2020 Council elections will open on Monday, September 28, 2020. Seven candidates are running for two seats in District 5 – Provincial Electoral District. The nominees are: Dr. Mark Eltis Dr. Mandip Gill Dr. Pooya Hemami Dr. Natalija Ilic Dr. Mohamed Moussa Dr. Areef Nurani Dr. Marta Witer Members may vote for…more

An optometrist is a health care provider who diagnoses, treats, and manages conditions related to your eyes and vision. Optometrists perform a variety of tests and exams depending on your age, abilities, and general health. Eye exams are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for most adults 20-64 years old (except those…more

The College of Optometrists of Ontario announces the departure of Maureen Boon, Registrar and CEO, effective July 23 to pursue other opportunities. The College would like to thank Ms. Boon for her leadership and vision over the past year, particularly during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, and wishes her all the best in her future endeavours….more