Council Prospective Member Information

Dr. Sophia Leung

President

Over my nine-year tenure with the AAO, I have witnessed the innovation, the wit, the compassion, and the resilience shown by Doctors of Optometry. I am grateful to have heard your stories, be inspired, and be motivated to advance our profession. This journey has also been rewarding to me and instrumental in the trajectory of my career path.

From the beginning, my commitment has always been to listen to where the profession is heading, fill in my knowledge gaps, and contribute my perspective and experience to move our profession forward. The movement towards scope expansion in Alberta led me to complete an Ocular Disease residency and an Advanced Glaucoma and Cornea fellowship in Oklahoma after 5 years in private practice. My intention was to solidify a vision for high-level interprofessional collaborative care, bring expertise for expanded scope procedures back home, and ensure that optometrists and everyone else know that we are capable.

Upon moving to Calgary, I developed an optometry-centric referral pathway within an ophthalmology practice, focusing on advanced corneal disease and surgical triage. This pathway allows us to streamline access to care for patients, improve interprofessional communication, and showcase the ability for Optometry to play a key role in advanced disease management.

The success of this grassroots project has stemmed from the collaboration of colleagues who have openly shared their experiences and challenges with conventional referral pathways across our province. Your input has been vital to our work not only locally, but at the level of our board’s strategic planning.

As my role with the AAO evolves, I continue endeavouring to address barriers and hurdles that exist in our profession. In an effort to better understand the business aspect of Optometry, I am completing my Master of Business Administration to improve my knowledge and strategic thinking. This will allow me to more effectively advocate for each of you.

With the opportunity to serve as the next President of the Alberta Association of Optometrists, my hope is to see optometry thrive. I desire for each of you to believe in what you can do, grow in the areas of specialty that are fulfilling to you, and make a profound impact on our patients. Why is this important to me? Because when I graduated, I was unsure of what was possible, and now, I am operating in my favourite aspects of this profession on the shoulders of leaders who came before me and paved the way.

If given the chance, I want to do this for others and commit to the same as I always have – to listen, to learn, and to respond. I am honoured and humbled by the encouragement of my fellow council members, mentors, and colleagues throughout my time with the AAO. Whether one’s license number is single digit or quadruple digits, I look forward to the privilege of representing you. This profession is ours in which to excel, ours to foster, ours to transform. Let us work on it together.

Dr. Cristy Franco

President Elect

Hello! My name is Cristy Franco. I graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2016 and I’m currently an associate at Airdrie Family Eye Doctors, a full-scope private practice in Airdrie, AB. Through this practice, I spearheaded a neuro-optometric vision therapy clinic with a clinical emphasis on pediatric, learning-related, and concussion therapy. To say it has been immensely rewarding is an understatement. The vision therapy clinic has grown exponentially, and we are able to provide much-needed care for people who might not otherwise receive it.

My time on the AAO council has also been extremely gratifying. In the past four years, I’ve learned a lot from my fellow Association and College council members, and as a group, we have continued to work together to advance Optometry in Alberta. I have been active with the Government Relations Committee, educating and advocating for the importance of our profession to my local MLA as well as to key government officials at various events and meetings.

As the chair of the Vision Development and Rehabilitation subcommittee, I strive to ensure that, like scope expansion, this area of Optometry continues to be innovative and forward-looking. I have also been part of the Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, and Vision Strategic Clinic Network (NRV SCN), and worked tirelessly to develop a multi-disciplinary approach to healthcare with my specific aim of expanding the understanding of Optometry amongst other healthcare professionals.

This was one of the most collaborative formal initiatives that Alberta has had, and it was imperative that Optometry had a seat at the table. From task forces to conferences to strategic planning, I thoroughly enjoy my time on council and take pride in what we are able to accomplish as a group.

I truly believe that there will always be room for Optometry and the AAO to grow. There are challenges we continue to face including the recognition of optometrists’ skills, inclusivity and access to care, OD remuneration, ever-evolving patient care, and AI and other technological advances. I would be honoured to have the role of your President-Elect and help us meet these challenges head-on, turning them into opportunities for our discipline. Alberta Optometry has always been at the forefront of our profession, and I’d like to think we’re only getting started! Thank you for the opportunity to continue serving you, the AAO members, as your President-Elect.

Council Candidates

There are 4 council positions open and 5 candidates. Please see their profiles below.

Dr. Darren Wagner

I have had the good fortune to serve on the AAO council for the past two years! It has been an honour to enhance our profession through strategic decision-making. I look forward to another term on council.

Aside from my council duties, I own an independent optometry practice in the southern Alberta community of Brooks. Brooks is an energetic, culturally diverse, rural town on the prairies. I see a lot of medically necessary referrals from the MDs in my community because there are no ophthalmology clinics nearby.

Apart from my profession, I am active in my community, often coaching my three sons in their various sports, as well as currently serving on the boards of the Brooks Curling Association and the Newell Sailing Club, and I still find time for my two great passions: windsurfing and adventure racing.

Our province is experiencing unprecedented population growth and most new residents are international migrants. This is optometry’s opportunity to firmly establish our place as the primary eye care providers for a new generation of patients. We need to position our profession to government and the public as the most accessible, safe, and efficient provider of vision services. I am a determined advocate for our profession, and in the past year, I have had the privilege of discussing pressing optometric issues with many MLAs. Building trust with government is key to future agreements that will create value for optometrists and our patients.

Optometrists are overdue for a new billing agreement with Alberta Health. We need an agreement that accurately considers the inflationary pressures and evolving workflow of delivering modern eye care. At the same time, it is essential to retain flexible billing options for our doctors. A fair agreement will not only increase remuneration, but also improve access to care, and provide better vision health for our patients. I look forward to helping negotiate this new agreement.

I currently serve on the AAO Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee. I want to continue my role in the careful stewardship of the Association’s strong financial position. A healthy balance sheet is critical to ensuring the AAO can be ambitious, successful, and focused. The Association’s push for generating revenue from sources aside from membership dues will give flexibility in the creation of future member benefits, and strength for achieving long-term goals.

I want every AAO program to be designed with the intention of making your optometry career as prosperous as possible. Whether it is through targeted public awareness campaigns, attractive CE offerings, or sustained and purposeful government advocacy, the goal is to keep you successful.

I bring a perspective to council that is shaped by my experiences of owning an independent optometry clinic in a rural community. I am asking for your support to serve you for another term on AAO council!

Dr. Karen Hayward

My name is Karen Hayward, and I am seeking election for a position as an AAO council member.

My key areas of interest include the advocacy of the AAO for increases in our provincial fees and the continued protection of our profession against threats. And, as a former AAO president said, “what is good for the patient is good for optometry” and the collaborative relationship between the AAO and ACO is something that can only strengthen our profession moving forward.

I also want to ensure Alberta’s optometrists can continue to practice at the maximum scope of our profession. I understand there is a lot of foreign competition and interests looking to devalue what we do, and the best defence is bold leadership and ensuring we have a strong voice in government.

I have been in leadership positions throughout my professional life that have allowed me to develop the necessary skills to positively contribute to our council. I also have over 20 years of clinical experience serving patients in St. Albert, beginning my career within a smaller group practice in 2002, and merging with FYidoctors in 2010.

One of these leadership positions is my current role serving on FYidoctors’ Board of Directors. Through this role, I have developed skills and experience in strategic thinking, financial literacy, and knowledge of how a governing board, like the AAO council, operates. This experience would allow me to hit the ground running to be an immediate value-add council member.

I am also the past chair of FYidoctors’ Advisory Committee, and now a guest of that committee due to my role as OD director on our board. This committee stays up to date on industry knowledge and trends, so I continue to have an ear to the ground to stay well informed on our profession. Representation on this committee includes optometrists practicing in smaller rural clinics to those in larger cities, all with varying degrees of years of practice, providing exposure to viewpoints from a broad cross-section of optometrists. Learning in this environment gives me the tools to really understand both the struggles and opportunities our members are exposed to, and bringing this knowledge and understanding to the council will allow me to contribute to ensuring we can meet all our members' needs.

Although I am passionate about my role in FYi, I seek this position as an optometrist, pursuing an opportunity where I can further support our profession by contributing my experience and passion to the AAO council.

I would be honoured to have the opportunity to serve our membership as an AAO council member, and help be the resource for our members to continue to provide leading-edge eye care for every Albertan.

Dr. Monica Bell

As a member of council these past four years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside this incredible group of optometrists dedicated to protecting, promoting and furthering our profession. This position has provided me with great insight into the political inner workings of the healthcare system and the role of optometry within it. It has deepened my appreciation for all the work the AAO does to keep our profession strong and future-focused.

I feel very fortunate to practice here in Alberta where we are one of the most progressive provinces when it comes to the optometric profession. This can be credited to the tireless work of the Association, its members and the College, constantly pushing for advancement of the profession and improved government relations. As a council member, I strive to continue to help amplify the voice of optometry in our community.

In our ever-evolving profession, we must continuously broaden and diversify our knowledge and skills. I aim to continue to help in developing exceptional continuing education and networking opportunities to elevate our individual strengths as well as our professional relationships.

I am passionate about providing my patients with the highest standard of care and I recognize our invaluable role in the healthcare system, and this is what motivates me to continue to be a part of the Association’s council.

It is a privilege to be able to work firsthand in shaping our profession and I look forward to continuing to work hard on council for the benefit of our profession. Thank you for considering me to continue to represent you on council and I look forward to seeing you at the conference in October!

Dr. Alia Cappelani

My name is Alia Cappellani, and I am a residency-trained optometrist in Calgary. Originally from Winnipeg, I earned my Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2020.

During my fourth-year internship, I chose Alberta clinics to experience optometry in a different province with the intention of returning home after graduation. However, after witnessing Alberta’s leadership in optometric care across Canada, I knew this was where I wanted to build my career.

After practicing for two years in Calgary, I pursued a cornea and contact lens residency at NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry, where I sought to expand my clinical expertise in hopes to contribute to my profession's growth back home. My goal is to use the knowledge and experience I’ve gathered to continue the efforts to improve optometry in Alberta for the benefit of optometrists and our patients.

During my residency, I had the privilege of working at the largest multidisciplinary Indigenous health facility in the United States, with focus on ocular disease and perioperative surgical care. I collaborated with local ODs, PCPs, ER doctors, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, and neurologists.

This experience, combined with co-management alongside ophthalmology located hours away, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaborative care. As primary eye care providers, I am passionate about fostering a stronger collaboration among healthcare professionals in Alberta to ensure our patients receive the best possible care.

Our College and Association have been working diligently toward expanding our scope to include laser and minor surgical procedures. My residency provided me with hands-on experience performing laser procedures, minor surgeries, ordering bloodwork and brain imaging, and conducting PRK and corneal cross-linking surgeries. This valuable training gives me a unique insight into how advanced scope can elevate optometric care.

My experience in Oklahoma, the first state granted expanded scope, positions me well to support advocacy efforts so that Alberta can become the first Canadian province to achieve this milestone. Additionally, as someone of Métis heritage, I am committed to contributing to AAO’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity within the profession and communities we serve.

Beyond my clinical work, I believe in the power of personal connections and collaborative environments to foster a sense of community. The AAO consistently provides high-quality educational opportunities, bringing international experts to Alberta, and I am committed to maintaining this tradition through connections established during my residency.

I am running for AAO Council because I want to play an active role in advancing optometry in Alberta, ensuring we continue to offer cutting-edge eye care. I am passionate about advocating for the evolution of our profession, allowing us to practice at the highest standards and leading optometry in Canada.

Optometry has brought me personal growth and lifelong friendships, and I’m eager to dedicate my time to give back. With the work ethic instilled in me as a national Highland dance champion and my drive to continue learning, I believe I’m well-suited to make meaningful contributions to the AAO and our community. Thank you for your consideration.

Dr. Rupaly Toor

My name is Dr. Rupaly Toor and I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta; I pursued my undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta before earning my Optometry degree from Cardiff University in Wales, UK, in 2014. Following my graduation, I practiced in Bath, England, where I specialized in pediatric optometry at the Royal United Hospital. I furthered my education with clinical rotations at the University of Waterloo and in Clarenville, Newfoundland. I developed a particular interest in specialty lens fittings, including scleral lenses and myopia control lenses.

After completing another clinical rotation in Calgary, Alberta, I worked in general ophthalmology, focusing on glaucoma, intravitreal injections, low vision rehabilitation and genetic testing. I also hold an Advanced Procedures Certification and have been lecturing for Harvard Medical Students in their vision modules. Recently, I returned back to my hometown, Edmonton, and I am now a partner with Specsavers in South Edmonton Common.

I am honoured to be considered for a role on the council of the Alberta Association of Optometrists. I am enthusiastic about the potential to contribute to our professional community and advocate for the needs of our members and the patients we serve.

First and foremost, my commitment to the field of optometry is unwavering. With many years of experience in various optometric settings, I have gained a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within our profession. This experience has not only honed my clinical skills but also reinforced the importance of strong leadership and proactive advocacy in shaping the future of our field.

As a council member, my goal is to enhance the value and recognition of optometry in Alberta. I believe in a vision where our profession is not only acknowledged for its essential role in eye health but is also empowered to expand its scope and impact. To achieve this, I propose a focused approach on three key areas:

  1. Advocacy and Public Awareness: It is crucial that we elevate the visibility of optometry and its contributions to overall health. By fostering stronger relationships with policymakers and stakeholders, and increasing public education about the importance of eye health, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that optometry is positioned as a critical component of healthcare.
  2. Professional Development: In an ever-evolving field, continuous learning and professional growth are paramount. I will advocate for enhanced access to continuing education and training opportunities that equip our members with the latest knowledge and skills. By supporting professional development, we not only improve patient care but also ensure that our members remain at the forefront of advancements in optometry.
  3. Member Support and Engagement: Our association thrives when our members are actively engaged and supported. I am committed to creating platforms for open dialogue, where members can share their insights, challenges, and successes. By fostering a collaborative environment, we can work together to address common issues and drive positive change within our profession. In conclusion, my dedication to advancing optometry in Alberta, combined with my experience and passion for this field, makes me an ideal candidate for the council. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of our association and to work collaboratively with all of you to achieve our shared goals. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the possibility of serving you and our profession.