I got this letter in the mail and wanted to share it with you all. Here it goes;
Dr. Mr. Golfnorth;
As the leading eye care provider in Canada, IRIS is committed to providing patients and customers with the highest quality products and professional services. To achieve this, IRIS builds partnerships with doctors and encourages collaboration between opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. This collaboration is consistant with the mandate of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (http://www.hprac.org/en/projects/Int...laboration.asp). Our collaborative model incluses more than 500 eye care professionals working together to provide comprehensive eye examinations and integrated eye care for the benefit of patients across Canada.
IRIS The Visual Group is actively seeking the removal of provisions in the current Optometric Regulations that prohibit Ontario optometrists from building a brand and forming business alliances with anyone except other optometrists. IRIS believes the regulations are unfair to both doctors and patients. They also restrict freedom of choice and of association, and are in violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
In July 2007, the College initiated disciplinary actions against four optometrists associated with IRIS and court proceeding against IRIS-without having received one patient complaint. It is our belief that optometrists in Ontario should be allowed to practice to the full extent of their licence, in a setting of their choice, so long as the well-being of patients is the first priority. IRIS had responded with a legal challenge of the College regulations based on, among other things, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We have hired Toronto-based law firm Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin LLP to represent us in these matters. WE intend to defend optometrists' right to freely associate in order to enhance the long-term health of the eye care industry for the benefit of all optometrists and patients in Ontario.
As the legal process unfolds, IRIS remains committed to providing the highest quality products and professional services in the world of eye care, and will continue to expand its network of locations throughout Canada. Should you have any questions about the current legal proceedings please contact Dr. Daryan Angle, Vice President, Professional Relations, Ontario at daryan.angle@iris.ca.
Over the years our profession has faced many challenges to grow; this challenge has the greatest implication for the future of Optometry in Ontario. We ask for the support of all who share our vision.
Sincerely,
Dr. Francis Jean
Optometrist
President and CEO
IRIS The Visual Group
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