Mission Statement

The Mission of the Alberta College of Optometrists is to ensure that the practice of optometry is regulated and conducted in the best interests of the public.

Mandate

• We will carry out our activities and govern our regulated members in a manner that protects and serves the public interest.
• We will provide direction to and regulate the practice of optometry by our regulated members.
• We will establish, maintain and enforce appropriate registration requirements, a Continuing Competence Program and Standards of Practice for the profession of optometry.
• We will establish, maintain and enforce a Code of Ethics.
• We will carry on the activities of the college and perform all other duties and functions in accordance with the Health Professions Act.

Values

• We value the privilege of self-regulation granted to us by the Government and people of Alberta.
• We value honesty, fairness, reasonableness, transparency and effectiveness in our daily activities.
• We value improved patient outcomes supported by collegial and professional communication with other health care providers, technological innovation, evidence-based research and implementation of new and improved models of patient care.
• We value individual practitioner responsibility for always striving to do what is in the best interests of the patient and meeting generally accepted standards of care.
• We value the personal and professional commitment required of competent, compassionate and caring practitioners to ensure they maintain their level of competence throughout their careers.
• We value flexibility, transparency, honesty and reasonableness in discussions and joint endeavours with all external stakeholders.
• We value feedback from patients, the provincial government, other regulatory colleges and any other interested stakeholder on our activities and performance.