In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada published 94 Calls to Action. Among them was a call for all levels of government to “provide cultural competency training for all healthcare professionals.” In addition, the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB), Assembly of First Nations (AFN), First Nations regional partners and vision professional associations have committed to work together to develop and implement actions aimed at increasing cultural competence among vision care providers serving First Nations clients as well as advocating for changes to requirements for
professional registration and promoting cultural competency education in professional training.

To address and recognize these important calls to action, the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada signed a Declaration of Commitment on July 13, 2019 in Victoria, BC, signaling its collective resolve to advance Cultural Safety and Humility in the regulation of optometrists who are involved in the delivery of vision care services to First Nations and Indigenous peoples of Canada.

Signing the Declaration recognized FORAC members’ commitment to integrating Cultural Safety and Humility into optometric education and practice standards that are required to ensure public safety and the delivery of high-quality services to Indigenous patients.

To read the Declaration of Commitment to Cultural Safety and Humility, click here.