Originally Posted by
Cindy K
Because the association, be it national or regional, is the collective voice representing the interests of our industry and the people who make our industry what it is today. It is the mechanism for fostering the promotion of opticianry both within itself and to the public. Here in Canada we have the Opticians Association of Canada as our national organization, with several provinces' (the OBC: Opticians of British Columbia included) associations sharing a blended membership with the OAC. This provides access to all members the incredible wealth of knowledge, support, continuing and primary distance delivery education opportunities, liability insurance, buying group, safety eyewear program,, the ability to network with thousands of opticians coast to coast and within our own provinces. And, very importantly, an organization willing and able to advocate on behalf of the individual optician in regulatory and legislative matters.
Not so much what I think are the benefits, but what I know the benefits are: all points listed in above.
I belong, because I know from first hand experience the importance of responsible representation on both the regional (provincial) and national levels. I also believe that an industry is only as strong and viable as those actively participating in the shaping of it. And, strength is in numbers. My conscience dictates that I am one of the numbers.
A responsive optician's organization, directed by responsible opticians, can benefit both the individual member and the collective profession. Furthering our practice by providing quality mandatory continuing education opportunities is one example. The provincial association I'm involved with has a goal-- to provide quality, innovative, relevant and most importantly ACCESSABLE continuing education throughout this geographically challenged province. Providing advocacy between the regulator and the opticians, and experienced and knowledgable assistance in understanding requirements and regulation is another. A good solid association promotes the profession both within itself by providing networking opportunities within itself (after all, we're all in this together!) and to the public, in providing public service and information. Typically, the associations will negotiate with the provincial and federal government for fee schedules for government eyewear programs.
More like how am I not involved. Besides chairing the OBC: Opticians of British Columbia I represent BC on the national level, and am also an optician member of the Quality Assurance Committee of our regulatory agency. I no longer have a day off, as much of my 'out of office' time is spent on association matters. But that's fine with me: I take some small comfort in the knowledge that what we are doing as associations today is helping to shape the future of this industry in BC, the entire country, and who knows, maybe eventually extending further afield.
In a nutshell: the regulatory body is there for the protection of the public. Your association is there for the protection of the Optician. That is NOT to say the regulator is against the optician; quite contrary, ideally the regulating bodies will have a good relationship with the associations, and the opticians they regulate, in recognising and raising awareness of our capabilities and how the public is best served and protected.
ASK NOT WHAT YOUR ASSOCIATION CAN DO FOR YOU, BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR ASSOCIATION!
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