The Council of Directors (the “Council”) governs the COA. Council members include Registered Opticians appointed by the COA Council and Public Members appointed by the Minister of Health.
The Council is responsible for setting the governing policies and strategic direction of the COA, monitoring the fiscal health of the organization, and ensuring the College meets its mandated obligations under legislation and regulations. Through careful analysis of changes in eye care and the healthcare sector, the Council approves policies and practice standards for opticians to maintain and enhance patient protection.
The Council works together with the Government of Alberta, other provincial regulatory bodies, and post-secondary institutions.
You can find a list of Council meeting dates and previous meeting minutes here.
Members of Council
Christina Logee
RO President
Lana Bentley
Public Member Vice President
Margaret Cayenne
RO, RCLP Past President
Assad Choudhry
RO
Jennifer Bertrand
CEO & Registrar
Chinedu Ogbonna
Public Member
Olatunde Olatona
Public Member
Rob Irwin
Public Member
Vacant
Registered Member
Vacant
Registered Member
Vacant
Public Member
Council Appointments
In 2022, the Council adopted an appointment process for registered members as part of the transition of the former ACAO to the College of Opticians of Alberta (COA) with a single mandate to protect the public. In accordance with the COA Bylaws, registered members are appointed for a 3-year term and may serve a maximum of 2 terms. Public members are appointed by the Minister of Health. Current terms of office for the Council are as follows:
Council Member
Appointing Authority
Appointed
Term
Expiry
Lana Bentley (Public Member)
Minister of Health
2020
1
2023
Margaret Cayenne (Registered Member)
COA Council
2022
2
2025
Assad Choudhry (Registered Member)
COA Council
2022
1
2025
Rob Irwin (Public Member)
Minister of Health
2022
1
2025
Christina Logee (Registered Member)
COA Council
2022
2
2025
Chinedu Ogbonna (Public Member)
Minister of Health
2021
1
2024
Olatunde Olatona (Public Member)
Minister of Health
2021
1
2024
Vacant (Registered Member)
COA Council
Committees and Hearing Tribunals
In addition to the Council, the COA establishes committees and tribunals in accordance with the Health Professions Act, Opticians Profession Regulation, and COA Bylaws to support the governance of the organization and the regulation of opticians in Alberta.