This Board will ensure that persons working in this specific health profession have the appropriate academic credentials and competencies for entry to practice.
The composition of the Board shall reflect the cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity of the province.
The Board shall consist of:
• Five persons elected from and by dispensing opticians in accordance with the by-laws
• Two persons appointed by the Minister, who are not dispensing opticians and are suitable to represent the public interest
Diversity in the backgrounds, skills, knowledge, and experience of appointed Board members can enhance the effectiveness of a Board by bringing a wider range of perspectives and knowledge. Examples may include:
• Knowledge of the Dispensing Opticians Act, 2005
• Knowledge of health and optometry
• Understanding of professional regulation
• Ability to think strategically and engage in future-oriented discussion and planning
• Leadership that fosters a diverse and respectful environment
• Ability to read and understand financial statements
• Ability to read, analyze, and critically evaluate information
• Ability to utilize ethics to manage self, others, information, and resources
• Backgrounds: health care, public sector administration, legal expertise
The following attributes are important considerations in selecting members:
• Demonstrated interest in optometry
• Previous board experience
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions
• Capable of a wide perspective on issues• Ability to listen and work as a team member
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest
• Strategic planning experience
• Effective communication skills (written and oral)
• Policy development experience
Members of this Board should be available to meet four times per year (meetings usually last 2-3 hours), plus any additional meetings and teleconferences as required.
A person appointed by the Minister holds office for a term of three years and is eligible to be re-appointed. Where the term of office of a person appointed by the Minister expires, they may continue to be a member of the Board until reappointed or replaced.
Where a person appointed by the Minister holds office for a period of nine consecutive years the person is not eligible for appointment as a member of the Board until the expiration of 12 months from the end of the year in which they were last a member of the Board.
The Dispensing Opticians Board of Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking to fill two public interest representative positions. Expressions of interest are being sought from individuals who possess the background, experience and skill set identified in the Board profile above and who can bring unique perspectives to the table. Consideration will also be given to a variety of demographic factors to ensure the Board is representative of the population they serve.
