Dear Ophthalmic Medical Personnel,
The Canadian Society of Ophthalmic Medical Personnel sees a need to promote our profession in Canada and we are undertaking exciting new initiatives to serve you better. With this aim the CSOMP executive board meets annually at the COS meeting, held this year in Whistler, BC.
Your society's role is to establish national competency profiles which represent the profession's entry-level requirements for ophthalmic assistants, technicians and technologists. We participate both nationally with the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and internationally with the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO) to represent your interests in certification and provide continuing education opportunities.
We are happy to report that due to the efforts of the Ophthalmic Medical Technology programs at the University of Ottawa Eye Institute and the IWK Hospital for Children in Halifax and your CSOMP President, some positive changes have been made in the examination process for the COMT level. As well, CSOMP is a provisional organizational member of JCAHPO, reporting on activities in Canada and bringing Canadian interests to the table.
We ask for your support as we strive to increase membership in CSOMP and awareness of our profession. Please consider joining your professional society. Our new rate is $50 for a two-year membership. This entitles you to a reduction in the registration fee for each of the annual COS meetings in 2008 and 2009. The next meeting will take place in Whistler, BC and in 2009 it will be in Toronto. This meeting is a wonderful opportunity to earn continuing education credits and learn from experienced colleagues. You will also receive a certificate and regular newsletters outlining professional issues and news.
Upcoming and current events
- New Ophthalmic Medical Technology program development at Rockyview Hospital in Calgary, Alberta, in addition to the programs available through the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Ontario, and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Sally Letson Symposium in Ottawa in September 2008
Thank you for participating in your chosen career.
CSOMP Executive