At its annual conference at the end of February, the B.C. Association of Optometrists (BCAO) elected its new executive and honoured three Doctors of Optometry for their outstanding contribution to optometry in B.C.
Those doctors are Dr. Mary Lou Riederer of Abbotsford, Dr. Brad McDougall of Vancouver and Dr. Pavan Avinashi, who practices in North Vancouver and West Vancouver.
Described as a visionary for her commitment to the profession and dedication to children’s vision, Dr. Riederer was presented with BCAO’s 2013 President’s Award. In addition to her Doctor of Optometry degree, Dr. Riederer holds a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities from Simon Fraser University. She has distinguished herself as an expert in the area of visual perception and learning disabilities, graduating with Cum Laude recognition.
The Association has elected Dr. Sherman Tung of Vancouver as president, Dr. Lloyd Mah of Coquitlam as vice-president and Dr. Daniel Derksen of Williams Lake as secretary-treasurer. The election also saw three new directors join the board for two-year terms: Dr. Brenda Horner of New Westminster, Dr. Murray Hurlbert of Maple Ridge and Dr. Michael Kellam, who practices in Nanaimo and Lady Smith.
The Association’s board also includes Dr. Surjinder Sahota of Abbotsford, who is past president, Dr. Paul Geneau of Nanaimo who is B.C.’s representative to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, and two other directors who are serving the remainder of their two-year terms: Dr. Michelle Elliott of Surrey and Dr. Trevor Miranda of Chemainus and Cobble Hill.
For more information visit www.bcdoctorsofoptometry.com.