Advancing the Profession by investing in research

By Joan Hansen

The Canadian Optometric Education Trust Fund (COETF) is a federally registered charitable organization supporting optometric research, education and professional development through unrestricted cash awards to individuals and institutions in Canada.

The COETF has supported the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science infrastructure and research programs through the provision of more than $1,000,000.00 in funding since 1980. The COETF contributed $250,000 to the University of Waterloo expansion project in 2006 and contributed an additional $10,000 to the Optometry Futures Program developed in 2007 to focus on the development of curriculum to support the needs of the optometric profession in the future. In addition, the Annual COTEF Awards Program has provided more than $1,000,000.00 in cash grants to individual research projects conducted by University of Waterloo students and faculty since 1980.

The Annual COETF Awards program supports students and faculty from Canada's schools of optometry, as well as capital investments and projects undertaken by independent practitioners or members of the public. We are asking for support from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry Alumnae to further our ability to fund deserving projects and advance eye care in Canada.

The COETF uses CanadaHelps to accept secure on-line donations. CanadaHelps works with over 17,000 charities to grow their online fundraising programs and is dedicated to increasing charitable giving across Canada by making it easier to donate and fundraise online. Please click here to donate now!

We can work together to affect change and promote advancements for the optometric profession. The COETF Trust Fund supports research which can lead to savings of time and money for you in your practice. We need the support of all Canadian optometrists to continue to invest in the future of Optometry in Canada. This is a trust fund for your profession supported by the profession. Please visit our website for further information.

Many thanks for your consideration and contribution!

Joan Hansen
COETF Chair
www.coetf.ca