Vancouver, December 18, 2023 – With high spirits, we enter the holiday season while looking back at some of our most memorable moments of 2023. From our Annual Conference & OPTOFAIR event, to our New Grad Bootcamp, to our Science World exhibition, there’s no doubt that we have made significant strides this year at BCDO.
Annual Conference & Other Events
We had fantastic attendance at our Annual Conference & OPTOFAIR this year, including more than 450 Doctors of Optometry, 100 exhibitors, and 30 speakers who presented at various workshops. What a time of meaningful conversations. It was wonderful seeing people from different walks of their optometric profession come together for a common cause.
Here at BCDO, the learning never stops. On September 24, we hosted the New Grad Bootcamp in Vancouver for over two dozen recent graduates in the optometric profession. The one-day seminar provided new graduates the opportunity to network and gain insight into the industry. We look forward to bringing this event back next year.
The excitement continued to October – we gained great foot traffic at Science World where we held The Superpower Of Sight exhibition. With support from volunteers, our brilliant BCDO members, and Board of Directors, we were able to raise awareness on the importance of eye health for children. Who knew a seven-foot-tall eyeball would be such a hit! Thank you to everyone who played a part in putting this large exhibition together.
Medical Services Plan Negotiations
Besides learning, one of our top priorities remains supporting Doctors of Optometry in their practice and improving access to optometric care in the province through the Medical Services Plan (MSP). We successfully negotiated new terms regarding medical eye care coverage under the MSP this year. Effective since November, the new agreement features an overall increase in reimbursement amounts for various optometric examinations, tests, and treatments. For more details on MSP, click here or contact us at info@optometrists.bc.ca.
New Staff Team Members
To top it all off, we welcomed five new members to our BCDO team: Kathryn – CEO, Emily – Communications Manager, Adelaide – Communications Coordinator, Peyton – Junior Bookkeeper, and Megan – Continuing Education Coordinator.
From our BCDO family to yours, happy holidays. We look forward to another year of new opportunities.
About BC Doctors of Optometry
BC Doctors of Optometry (BCDO) is a primary source for all vision, eye health, and eyewear needs of the people of British Columbia. As a member-based, not for profit association, BCDO represents over 800 optometrists across the province and works to enhance the profession of optometry. The association is dedicated to helping its member thrive and advocating for optometry to elevate patient eye care and outcomes. As a leader in optometry, BCDO is commited to improving access to eye care in over 100 communities in British Columbia.
For more information, visit bc.doctorsofoptometry.ca and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.