Committees

To view the terms of reference and committee members for each committee, please click on the committee name.

Committee Policy

Policy Committees

Standing Subcommittee of Council
Terms of Reference

Mandate

To identify and inform Council of opportunities to improve member access to utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and teleoptometry.

Authority

This subcommittee reports to AAO Council through the Emerging Trends Committee. Committee members do not direct AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance be requested through the CEO. 
The committee may invite non-Optometry guest experts in the field to specific committee meetings, as deemed necessary. 

Membership

Minimum of three and a maximum of five AAO members. 


The Chair of this subcommittee is a Council member who reports to the Emerging Trends Committee.


Subcommittee members have a two-year term, after which, they are welcome to reapply if they wish to participate again. All subcommittee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate. Committee members are participating as volunteers.


Subcommittee Members

i. Dr. Andrea Lasby - Council member - Chair
ii. Dr. Brendon Bjarnason - AAO member
iii. Dr. Ashley Olford - AAO member
iv. Dr. Joel Baillargeon - AAO member
v. Dr. Madhu Deka - AAO member

Goal

The subcommittee will provide suggestions and feedback regarding advances in AI and teleoptometry.

Deliverables

i. To identify new advances in AI and telehealth that could threaten Optometry’s position
ii. To identify new opportunities in AI and telehealth that could improve Alberta Optometrists’ ability to provide world leading eye care
iii. From time to time, Council may request a report from the subcommittee on specific council priorities, issues and/or trends
iv. The subcommittee will meet a minimum of twice per year
v. The subcommittee will report to the Emerging Trends Committee in June and December of each year.
vi. The subcommittee will submit at least 1 article or study per meeting with a brief summary of highlights and key points to the CEO for member education use.

Standing Committee of Council
Terms of Reference

 

Mandate

The Board Development and Nominations Committee shall identify, promote and discharge functions designed to help the Council govern with excellence and comply with legislation and regulations that apply to it, to ultimately add value to the Association on behalf of its members.

Accountability

The Board Development and Nominations Committee is accountable to the Council. Minutes shall be provided to the Council within two weeks after each meeting.

Membership

• The Board Development and Nominations Committee shall be comprised of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) members, at least two of whom shall be a serving member of the Council. 
• One member of the Board Development and Nominations Committee shall be a member of the Nominations Committee.
• Members shall be appointed for a two-year term and are eligible for reappointment

The Council shall appoint the Chair of the Committee.
Committee members have a two-year term, after which, they are welcome to reapply if they wish to participate again. All committee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate.

Responsibilities

The Board Development and Nominations Committee shall be responsible for: 
1) The identification of education and learning needs on governance matters for Council;
2) Ensuring communication between the Council and members as to the organizational value of proper governance; and
3) The identification and delivery of the following elements that contribute to governance excellence:

• Facilitating the orientation of new Council members, including creation of the contents of the Council manual;
• Evaluating the performance of individual Council members and the Council as a whole;
• Identifying the competencies required by the Council to govern with excellence, and ensuring those competencies are applied to the recruitment and nomination of future Council members; and
• Monitoring and reviewing governance information and governance best practices and bringing recommendations to the Council on how they can enhance their performance.

Committee Members

i. Dr. Andrea Lasby - Chair
ii. Dr. Troy Brady - Council member
iii. Dr. Pamela Giles - Council member
iv.    Dr.  Alia Cappellani - Council member

Frequency/Method of Meetings

The Committee shall convene as necessary and may meet by teleconference or any other method deemed appropriate.

Plan of Work and Budget

At least 90 days prior to the commencement of a new fiscal year, the Board Development and Nominations Committee shall provide the Council with a plan of work and associated budget for the next fiscal year for Council approval, along with an estimate of the number of hours required for staff support.

Standing Subcommittee of Council
Terms of Reference

 

Mandate

To identify and inform council of opportunities to support members who are business owners or involved in business management.

Authority

This subcommittee reports to AAO Council through the Emerging Trends Committee. Committee members do not direct AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance would be requested through the CEO. 

The subcommittee may decide to invite non-Optometry guest experts in the field to specific committee meetings, as deemed necessary.

Membership

Minimum of three and maximum of five AAO members who are business owners and/or have business knowledge and background. 

Membership on the subcommittee should try to include Optometrists who work in varied business models. 

Subcommittee members have a two-year term, after which, they are welcome to reapply if they wish to participate again. All Committee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate. Committee members are participating as volunteers.

The Chair of this subcommittee is a Council member.

Subcommittee Members

i. Dr. Pamela Giles - Council member - Chair
ii. Dr. Ranbir Sond - AAO member
iii. Dr. Daryl Berger - AAO member
iv. Dr. Heather Cowie - AAO member
v.     Dr. Peter Laansoo - AAO member

Goal

Provide suggestions and feedback regarding business management in optometry. 

Deliverables

i. Identify trends and patterns in practice management to help AAO strategize support for business ownership and management including but not limited to:
          - Knowledge gaps and resource discrepancies between membership within different buying groups versus independent ownership
          - Areas of support needed from prospective business owners within membership 
ii. Provide feedback on how business management in optometry may change given the changes in optometry and the economy as a whole
            - Make recommendations for ways AAO can support its members with these transitions
iii. From time to time, Council may request a report from the subcommittee on specific council priorities, issues and/or trends
iv. The subcommittee will meet a minimum of twice per year
v. The Subcommittee will report to the Emerging Trends Committee April, and September of each year.
vi. The subcommittee will submit at least 1 article or study per meeting with a brief summary of highlights and key points to the CEO for member education use.

Standing Subcommittee of Council
Terms of Reference

Mandate

To identify and inform Council of opportunities to improve member access to the practice of Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetic Optometry.

Authority

This subcommittee reports to AAO Council through the Emerging Trends Committee. Subcommittee members do not direct AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance be requested through the CEO. 
The subcommittee may decide to invite non-Optometry guest experts in the field to specific committee meetings, as deemed necessary.

Membership

Minimum of three and a maximum of five AAO members. 
The Chair of this subcommittee is a Council member.
Subcommittee members have a two-year term, after which, they are welcome to reapply if they wish to participate again. All subcommittee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate. Committee members are participating as volunteers.

Subcommittee Members

i. Dr. Andrea Lasby - Chair
ii. Dr. Aleem Jiwa - AAO member
iii. Dr. Natasha Chrenek - AAO member
iv. Dr. Gene Edworthy - AAO member
v. Dr. Aaron Yau - AAO member

Goal

The subcommittee will provide suggestions and feedback regarding advances Medical Aesthetics as it relates to Cosmetic Optometry.

Deliverables

i. To identify new advances in Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetic Optometry that exist within Optometrist’s scope of practice in Alberta
ii. To identify new opportunities in Medical Aesthetics and Cosmetic Optometry to help improve Alberta Optometrists’ ability to provide world leading eye care
iii. From time to time, Council may request a report from the subcommittee on specific council priorities, issues and/or trends
iv. The subcommittee will meet a minimum of twice per year
v. The Subcommittee will report to the Emerging Trends Committee in February and September of each year.
vi. The subcommittee will submit at least 1 article or study per meeting with a brief summary of highlights and key points to the CEO for member education use.

Standing Subcommittee of Council
Terms of Reference

 

Mandate

The Emerging Trends Committee’s mandate is to provide the AAO Council with information and potentially impactful trends within optometry and the eye health industry.

Authority

The Committee may call upon subcommittees to help provide information. Committee members do not direct AAO staff or ad hoc committees in potential work activities. The ETC only requests feedback from ETC subcommittees.

Membership

i. At least two Emerging Trends Committee members from Council; and
ii. The Chair of the Subcommittee shall be an AAO Council member.

Committee Members

i. Dr. Cristy Franco - Chair
ii. Dr. Andrea Lasby - Council member
iii. Dr. Darren Wagner - Council member
iv.    Dr. Karen Hayward - Council member

Subcommittees

i. Artificial Intelligence and Teleoptometry
ii. Business Management
iii. Cosmetic Optometry / Medical Aesthetics
iv. Local Optometric Societies
v. Vision Development and Rehabilitation

Goals

i. To receive information about changes occurring within optometry.
ii. To maximize opportunities to strengthen existing programs and advocacy.
iii. To identify new ideas or trends for council to consider during policy development.
iv. To support subcommittees in networking and collaborative knowledge sharing.

Deliverables

i. Accept reports from respective subcommittees and forward as incidental information to Council.
ii. From time to time, Council may request a report from the subcommittee on specific council priorities, issues and/or trends
iii. If required, Emerging Trends Committee can request that Council approve or dissolve a subcommittee
iv. Submit summary report to Council and respective subcommittees.
v. The chair forwards information to ETC subcommittee chairs on important emerging trends.
vi. The committee will report to Council at every council meeting. 
vii. The committee will meet or correspond a minimum of twice per year.
viii. To report recommendations for policy development to Council.
ix. Perform annual review of ETC Subcommittee Terms of Reference with applicable
recommendations to be reported to Council at October meeting.
As per AAO bylaws, the Chair shall provide a report for the Annual General Meeting which outlines the activities of the committee.

STANDING COMMITTEE OF COUNCIL
TERMS OF REFERENCE


The Finance, Audit, & Risk Management Committee (the ‘Committee’) is a standing committee of the Council. These terms of reference sets out the roles and authority of the Committee. The Council will appoint the Committee Chair and Committee members based on individual skills, insights and expertise.

1. Objective and Role

 The objective of the Committee is to provide advice and assistance to the Council on matters relating to the financial and risk management of the organization.
The Committee will achieve its objective by reviewing, advising and making recommendations to the Council on:

i. the integrity of financial management, internal control and reporting systems;
ii. the annual operating budget and associated financial and non-financial reports;
iii. systems for ensuring compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations in relation to financial management, risk management and external reporting;
iv. the appointment and performance of the external auditor;
v. internal control systems;
vi. business and investment management policies and activities;
vii. the risk management system; and
viii. the quality and integrity of internal and external reporting of financial and non-financial information.

2. Authority

The Committee has no authority to make a decision on behalf of the Council except as set out in these Terms of Reference or as otherwise delegated by the Council. Committee members do not direct AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance be requested through the CEO. 

To facilitate Committee operations, the Committee:

i. Will oversee the appointment, remuneration and work of the external auditors, including meeting with the external auditors to review the annual audit plan and approve all auditing and non-audit services;
ii. Has unrestricted access to all relevant AAO records (e.g. financial and non-financial, information systems, risk management and compliance records) and the external auditors;
iii. May investigate any matter within its terms of reference, and direct external consultants to conduct such investigations; and
iv. May call for relevant members of staff, and external consultants, to be present at a meeting of the Committee, if required.

 

3. Composition and Term of Appointment 

i. The Committee will be comprised of a minimum of three and a maximum of five members. The Committee may seek the services of other members or individuals outside of the Council (at the AAO’s expense, as approved by the Council) with specific skills and experience to assist the Committee in undertaking specific tasks.
ii. The Chair of the Committee shall be a member of the AAO Council.
iii. The Council will review the term of appointment of Committee members annually.
iv. Committee members should be financially literate (understand business and investment practices, budgets and financial statements).
v. All Committee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate.
vi.    Committee members are participating as volunteers.

Committee Members

i. Dr. Darren Wagner - Chair
ii.    Dr. Kent Manville - AAO member
iii.   Dr. T.H. Poon - AAO member

v.    Dr. Connor West - AAO member
vi.   Dr. Colin Hobson - AAO member

 

4. Functions

The Committee will perform its functions by developing and implementing processes governing financial management, investments and reporting, and risk management and compliance as set out below:

4.1 Financial Management, Investments and Reporting

Review with management, assess and make recommendations to the Council on:

i. the annual budget and its alignment with approved business plans, including analyses and explanations of any significant variances against the approved budget;
ii. the effectiveness of internal controls to manage unusual or major financial transactions and /or risks;
iii. the processes used to monitor and comply with laws, regulations and other requirements, including policies approved by the Council relating to investments and reporting of financial and non-financial information;
iv. the adequacy of internal and external financial reports, and the adequacy of internal control systems in relation to financial management, investments and reporting;
v. contracts, agreements or other instruments involving the financial and non-financial affairs of AAO;
vi. guidelines and controls for all financial transactions to ensure transparency and accountability;
vii. review the annual audited financial statements before their presentation to the Council for approval; and,
viii. review the external auditors’ management letter and the Chief Executive Officer’s responses before submitting both to the Council.

4.2 Risk Management and Compliance 

Periodically review with management, assess and make recommendations to the Council on:

i. the effectiveness of internal processes to monitor operational risks (e.g. legal, Workplace Health and Safety, and information technology and systems) and to ensure appropriate strategies are in place to mitigate identified risks;
ii. risk appetite, risk policy and the risk management framework;
iii. adequacy of insurance policies;
iv. periodically review the appointment of the external auditor and recommend changes to the Council, as appropriate;
v. review the terms of the audit engagement and meet with external auditors to review results and discuss the adequacy and effectiveness of accounting and financial controls, including AAO policies and procedures to assess, monitor, and manage business risk, and legal and ethical compliance programs; and
vi. periodically review and recommend changes to the overall effectiveness of AAO’s compliance policies and programs.

5. Committee Operations 

The Committee will meet as frequently as required to carry out its functions but will meet not less than four times per year. A majority of the Committee membership constitutes quorum. 
The Committee Chair should ascertain at the beginning of each meeting any conflicts of interest and ensure details are recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
The Committee members must ensure that they understand AAO structure, controls and types of transactions in order to adequately assess the significant risks faced by AAO in its operating environment.
The proceedings all of Committee meetings are to be minuted and included in all Council papers. Where a decision is required, a recommended resolution is to be included in the minutes of the Committee meeting, relevant report or written submission.
The Chief Executive Officer or their designate will participate in all Committee meetings. Other staff may attend meetings as required by the Committee and Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer, or their designate, attending meetings of the Committee shall not have a vote on Committee resolutions.
The Minutes of each Committee meeting shall be signed and dated by the Chair of the Committee after they have been approved at the next meeting of the Committee.
The Chair of the Committee will provide a written annual report to the Council.
For the purpose of supporting the independence of the Committee and its functions, the Committee will meet at least once annually with the external auditor without the presence of the Chief Executive Officer or other staff.

Subcommittee of Council
Terms of Reference:

 

Mandate:

The mandate of this subcommittee is to ensure the sharing and communicating of ideas and activities among the respective local optometric societies and with the AAO.

Authority

This subcommittee reports to AAO Council through the Emerging Trends Committee. Committee members do not direct AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance be requested through the CEO.

Membership

Membership on the subcommittee should include representatives from each of the optometric societies in Alberta. The Chair of this subcommittee is a member of Council.
Subcommittee members have a two-year term, after which, they are welcome to reapply if they wish to participate again.  All subcommittee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate. Committee members are participating as volunteers.

Committee Members

i. Dr. Pamela Giles - AAO Council - Chair
ii. Dr. Heather Van Haren - CAOS Representative (Central Alberta Optometric Society)
iii. Dr. Monica Bell - CSO Representative (Calgary Society of Optometrists)
iv. Dr. Shaminder Dhaliwal - ESO Representative (Edmonton Society of Optometrists)
v. Dr. Tatiana Cook - LSO Representative (Lethbridge Society of Optometrists)

Goals

i. To share best practices and information between societies and the AAO.
ii. To allow for education and networking opportunities to be communicated and accessible throughout the province.

Deliverables

i. Sharing of information related to their local events.
ii. The subcommittee shall provide a report to the Emerging Trends representative minimum of once a year.
iii. Meet a minimum of once per year.
iv. The subcommittee will report to the Emerging Trends Committee in September of each year.

Standing Subcommittee of Council
Terms of Reference

 

Mandate

The Vision Development and Rehabilitation Subcommittee’s mandate is to act as an advisory body to the council on impactful and significant trends related to children’s vision and health, vision therapy and vision rehabilitation.

Authority

This subcommittee reports to AAO Council through the Emerging Trends Committee. 
Subcommittee members do not direct AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance be requested through the CEO.
The subcommittee may decide to invite non-Optometry guest experts in the field to specific subcommittee meetings, as deemed necessary.

Membership:

The Vision Development and Rehabilitation Subcommittee shall be comprised of a maximum of five (5) member optometrists.  The Chair of this subcommittee is a member of Council.

Subcommittee members have a two-year term, after which, they are welcome to reapply if they wish to participate again.  All subcommittee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate. Committee members are participating as volunteers.

Subcommittee Members:

i. Dr. Cristy Franco - Council Member – Chair
ii. Dr. Sabih Chaudhary - AAO member
iii. Dr. Charlotte Forgie - AAO member
iv.    Dr. Debbie Luk - AAO member
v.     Dr. Mona Ubhi - AAO member
vi.    Dr. Palki Arora - AAO member

Goal:

The subcommittee will promote information sharing with each other and with Council with respect to trends and issues within children’s vision, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation.

Deliverables:

i. To identify new advances in children’s vision, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation that exist within Optometrist’s scope of practice in Alberta
ii. To identify new opportunities in children’s vision, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation to help improve Alberta Optometrists’ ability to provide world leading eye care
iii. From time-to-time Council may request a report from the subcommittee on specific council priorities, issues, and/or trends.
iv. The subcommittee will meet a minimum of twice a year.
v. The subcommittee will report to the Emerging Trends Committee in April, and December of each year.
vi. The subcommittee will submit at least 1 article or study per meeting with a brief
summary of highlights and key points to the CEO for member education use. 

Volunteer Orientation Guide

AAO Volunteer Orientation Guide
(Adobe PDF File)

Operational Committees

Operational Committee
Terms of Reference

 

Mandate

The mandate of this committee is to review, research, and provide suggestions regarding issues that may arise around billing government bodies within the optometric profession in Alberta. If required, to draft information for the AAO that will assist the members to take appropriate action when complying with the fundamentals regarding billing to government agencies and bodies. They may also help design and lead billing webinars for the members.

 

Authority

This operational committee reports to the AAO’s CEO and do not direct AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance be requested through the CEO.
This Committee shall be chaired by a member of the Committee.

Membership

i. Up to four members of the AAO
ii. Chief Executive Officer of the AAO
Committee members have a two-year term, after which, they are welcome to reapply if they wish to participate again. All Committee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate. Committee members are participating as volunteers.

Members

i. Dr. Amy Forrest - Chair
ii. Dr. Adam Reid - AAO member

Goals

i. To answer questions from the AAO membership and staff regarding billing issues.
ii. To assist in creating materials that will aid in better understanding billing with the various agencies.
iii. To promote best practices when billing government bodies.
iv. To advise on potential continuing education in the area of member billing.

 

 

 

Deliverables

i. Review and provide any suggestions for improvement to billing information provided by either the AAO or Alberta Health.
ii. Review and update on an annual basis all billing materials and the billing section of the AAO website.
iii. Conduct a minimum of one billing webinar per year for the membership.

Operational Committee
Terms of Reference

Mandate

The mandate of this committee is to ensure the highest possible quality educational programs and opportunities regarding eye health, practice management, and professional and personal enhancement for optometrists in Alberta. The Committee is to provide advice to the CEO regarding continuing education instruction designed so as to enhance and retain the competencies of Doctors of Optometry within the requirements provided by the Alberta College of Optometrists and provide educational content that may go beyond the scope dictated by government.

Authority

The Committee reports to the CEO. Committee members do not direct AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance is requested through the CEO.

Membership

The committee should include representatives from the membership and staff.
i. Up to six members of the AAO
ii. CEO of the AAO or their designate
Subcommittee members have a two-year term, after which, they are welcome to reapply if they wish to participate again. All subcommittee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate. Committee members are participating as volunteers.

Committee Members

i. Dr. Monica Bell - Chair
ii. Dr. Clark Hyde - AAO member
iii. Dr. Sheila Morrison - AAO member
iv. Dr. Rima Sabbah - AAO member
v. Dr. Dylan Johnston - AAO member
vi. Dr. Diana Monea - AAO member

Goal

The committee has three goals:
i. To identify and promote new educational programs. 
ii. To monitor the quality of courses presented under the auspices of the committee. 
iii. To identify new speakers and new trends in CE for the AAO. 

Deliverables

i. Advise on gaps in the current CE programs and recommend alternative forms of CE programming and delivery.
ii. Provide recommendations on CE policies for the AAO Council, when needed;
iii. Recommend the development and presentation of education opportunities such as On-line CE, Webinars, half-day and full-day professional development courses and symposia for the AAO. 
iv. Works with the AAO office to periodically assess the members' needs for continuing education. 
v. Reviews all courses, newly proposed and previously presented at AAO conferences and events. 
vi. Meet as required throughout the year. 

Ensuring Your Voice is Heard

AAO Government Relations Training

Thank you for continuing as a GRC member. As promised, we have created a training session with Lee Funke from Torque Communications to provide some insights on:

1) What to say when setting up an appointment 
2) What to expect in your meeting with the MLA
3) How to convey our key messages
4) What questions may be asked of you
5) Follow up with the MLA.

View the recording.

Password:   AAOGRC@1
Introduction – 00:00 Presentation – 4:25 Q&A Session – 44:13

PowerPoint Presentation: Ensuring Your Voice is Heard
(Adobe PDF File)

Government Relations Committee (GRC)

Operational Committee
Terms of Reference

Mandate

The GRC is a unique provincial, grassroots organization whose mandate is to engage the community in the political process. GRC mobilizes the grassroots membership across the province, builds relationships with elected officials – of all political parties – and works for the optometric community interests, on a multi-partisan basis, during and between elections. GRC and its members do not endorse political parties but work with all provincial elected officials regardless of their political affiliation. 
The GRC Committee mandate is to act in an advisory role to CEO. Activities conducted by GRC are done so under direction of the AAO Council and CEO.

Authority

The Committee Reports to the CEO. Committee members do not direct the AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance is requested through the CEO.

Membership

• At least one AAO member per provincial electoral district (constituency), is desirable.

Goal

• To educate and advocate to elected government officials on optometric issues of importance as approved by the AAO Council.

Deliverables

• The CEO of the Association coordinates all of GRC’s activities. This includes “Adopt-an-MLA” program, organizes letter-writing, postcard and petition campaigns, coordinates lobbying of Cabinet ministers and other MLAs, and can help draft submissions before Legislative or Government Committees, if required.
• The CEO will also coordinate with members of the Alberta College of Optometrists (ACO) should there be a need to lobby government about issues relating to College initiatives and agreed upon by the AAO Council, if required.

Meeting Your MLA

For a complete list of all ridings and their respective party candidates click here the PDF link below.

MLAs by GRC Member - Updated Apr 10
(Adobe PDF File) Thank you for becoming a member of the Government Relations Committee (GRC).

With the election over, there are 87 MLAs who know very little about optometrists and vision health.

We have the fun of educating them.

In the coming months you will be asked to meet with your local MLA.

For some, it will be meeting the person with whom you may have campaigned with during the election. For others, it will be a first contact.

No problem.

Why get involved?
• An opportunity to educate your MLA and become a point of contact.
• Other professions are doing it and we don’t want to be marginalized.

What does getting involved include?
• Meeting with your MLA once a year.
• Sending optometric or eye health info to their office.

How much time is required?
• One or two hours a year

What will I say to the MLA?
• We will provide you with key messages and information that is easy to understand and use.
If you would like to help out, email our CEO, Mr. Brian Wik, at bwik@optometrists.ab.ca or call him at (780) 451-6824 (Ext 4).

What Riding Do I Live In?

Click here to visit the Elections Alberta website to view the 2019 boundary maps.

Alberta Provincial Political Parties

Alberta Liberal Party
 http://www.albertaliberal.com/
Alberta New Democratic Party
 http://www.albertandp.ca/
Alberta Party
 http://www.albertaparty.ca/
United Conservative Party
https://www.unitedconservative.ca/

Political Event Attendance

The AAO is on the lookout for political events taking place in our constituencies across Alberta. These events provide excellent opportunities to discuss the merits of Optometry and raise awareness with political candidates.

The rules regarding contributions to political parties state that only a person who is ordinarily resident in Alberta may make a contribution to a political entity.

Corporations, unincorporated associations, and organizations are prohibited from making contributions. This also includes trade unions and employee organizations.

Thus, if you attend a local political party event which requires payment, you will have to pay for the ticket and receive the tax receipt from the respective party. No reimbursement can come from the AAO.

Political Party Donations & Contribution Tax Schedule

(Click here to view)

Your donation is tax deductible!

Optometry In Alberta Fact Sheet


This colorful and informative Fact Sheet will be handed out to every candidate to help strengthen our political relationships and further our mission of enhancing public recognition of optometry and advancing the interests of the optometric profession.

To view and or print the Optometry in Alberta Fact sheet, please click the PDF link below.

GRC - Optometry in Alberta Fast Fact Sheet
(Adobe PDF File)

Operational Committee
Terms of Reference

 

Mandate

The Editorial Board will be responsible for helping guide and shape the information that is delivered to the AAO members and the public by ensuring information is engaging and useful.

Authority

The Committee reports to the CEO. Committee members do not direct AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance is requested through the CEO.

Membership

Membership on the committee should include:
• Up to five members of the AAO
• CEO of the AAO or their designate
• Chair of the Committee to be designated by the CEO.
Committee members have a two-year term, after which, they are welcome to reapply if they wish to participate again. All Committee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate.

Committee Members

i. Sabrina Licata - Chair - AAO Communications Manager
ii. Dr. Susan Joe - AAO member
iii. Dr. Tom-Harley Poon - AAO member

The Editor

The Editor role will be held by the AAO CEO (or designate), who will be responsible for overseeing the collection and approval of all content that is published by the AAO.

Goal

The goal of the Editorial Board is to increase members’ readership of the AAO various communications formats by assisting in research and potentially writing of articles and information. This will be achieved by developing content that is relevant to members and by improving the online delivery method.

Deliverables

Members of the Editorial Board will be responsible for the following deliverables:
i. Provide input in the development of the annual editorial calendar; 
ii. Identifying stories that are relevant to all regions of the province;
iii. Writing and editing stories that are assigned in the editorial calendar, if required;
iv. Delivering stories on time for the editor to review; and 
v. Attending meetings where ideas will be discussed and deliverables 

Operational Committee
Terms of Reference

Mandate

The New Grad Committee’s mandate will explore areas and options where new graduates can network and share information. This committee will also act as an advisory body to the CEO to increase efficacy of the AAO’s supportive role to its newest members.

Authority

This committee reports to CEO. The committee members do not direct AAO staff in potential work activities and any such assistance be requested through the CEO.

Membership:

Minimum of five and a maximum seven optometrists with five years or less since graduation and a member of the Association.
Committee members have a two-year term, after which, they are welcome to reapply if they wish to participate again. Those doctors who have graduated more than five years from an optometric school will be able finish out their term. All Committee members must sign the Oath of Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest documents to participate. Committee members are participating as volunteers. 

Committee Members

i. Mr. Brian Wik - Chair
ii. Dr. Jonah Gilham - AAO member
iii. Dr. Jennifer Verrett - AAO member 
iv. Dr. Steven Ha - AAO member
v. Dr. Aysha Chaudhry - AAO member
vi. Dr. Pearl Motkoski - AAO member
vii. Dr. Claudia Amaniampong - AAO member

Goals

i. Advise and make recommendations regarding:
a. membership-building programs for new grads;
b. membership programs ; and
c. development and maintenance of a mentorship program.
ii. To act in an advisory role to the CEO with respect to developing new and innovative ways to attract and maintain newly graduated optometrists to the AAO.
iii. Promote AAO engagement opportunities to new members

Deliverables

i. Develop membership building programs for new grads.
ii. Review and provide recommendations regarding the mentorship program.
iii. Review and provide recommendations to the new member handbook and materials and the New Grad Orientation sessions.
iv. Develop and oversee the implementation of survey tools such as new membership needs assessment and satisfaction surveys.
v. Promote volunteerism to new members.