The Society

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Mission statement

The purpose of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society is to assure the provision of optimal eye care to all Canadians by promoting excellence in ophthalmology and providing services to support its members in practice.

History

Before the Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) was formed in 1937, ophthalmologists were part of the Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat section of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA). In an effort to protect the public from unqualified practitioners, the first order of business of the COS was to certify its members.

In 1943, ophthalmology officially became a specialization in medicine which required physicians to embark on an approved course of study before receiving certification. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons was designated as the governing body for all medical specializations and worked closely with the COS in the certification process. Although now distinct from CMA, both groups continue to work closely together and COS members still subscribe to the CMA Code of Ethics.

In 1946, the University of Toronto became the first university in Canada to offer a post graduate degree in Ophthalmology. This meant that Canadians no longer had to leave the country to study. Today, twelve major Canadian universities have departments of ophthalmology.

COS is recognized as the authority on eye care in Canada. Since its inception, it has set vision standards used by the federal government for automobile drivers, pilots, fire fighters, police officers and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Today, through the efforts of its Board of Directors, its committees, its members and its ties with national and international eye care organizations, COS continues to work to improve the quality of eye care for all Canadians.