In this episode, Dr. Michael Nelson and François Couillard of the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) join Denise Balch to explore the role of the CAO and the value it brings to optometrists and Canadians, guided by its four strategic priorities, one of which involves changes to vision care benefits in Canada.François discusses his experience in vision care and how he leads the team at CAO to put the CAO’s priorities into action, including the insurance industry initiative undertaken by CAO in 2019. This initiative is now being rolled out to the group benefits industry through a white paper and a soon-to-be-released Best Practice Guide to Vision Care Benefits. The CAO believes that vision care reform will ensure patients receive the innovative diagnostic services necessary to treat and care for their vision health, including the progression of disease, while acknowledging the delicate balance of expenses for prescription lenses and frames. François and Denise explore the premium implications for new vision care plan options in the guidebook and how RSM Canada, a Toronto-based actuarial firm, helped the CAO evaluate the cost impact of their proposals to ensure that vision care reform is affordable for the average Canadian plan sponsor.Recorded July 27, 2020.Find out more information on upcoming podcasts and webinars at https://connexhc.com.