Congratulations to ABO Director Mark Eltis, OD on Election to a 4th Term as President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario

Dr. Mark Eltis has been re‑elected to a fourth term as President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, receiving 76% of the Council vote. The College, which has regulated optometry in Ontario for over a century, serves as the regulatory authority in Canada’s largest province by population.

During his presidency, Dr. Eltis has overseen a period of significant regulatory activity, including engagement with the Government of Ontario on proposed scope‑of‑practice expansion and the formal recognition of advanced professional credentials.

In September 2025, the Government of Ontario launched a public consultation on expanding the scope of practice for several regulated health professions, including optometry. This followed the College of Optometrists of Ontario submitting recommendations reached in the Tripartite Working Group alongside the Ontario Association of Optometrists and the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. Proposals under consultation included authority for minor in‑office surgical procedures under local anesthesia and the use of laser procedures for the management of glaucoma and cataracts—changes that would represent a first for optometry in Canada if implemented.

Speaking on behalf of the College, Dr. Eltis stated in the government press release:

“The College of Optometrists of Ontario is excited to work with the government in the implementation of the proposed changes to Optometry’s scope of practice. We are confident that this will benefit the people of Ontario with new accessibilities to eye care in the province.”

A defining feature of Dr. Eltis’s leadership has been championing Right‑Touch Regulation, which he explains as “the application of minimum regulatory force to achieve the maximum positive outcome.” This approach emphasizes proportionality, early resolution where appropriate, and strong public‑interest protection.

Dr. Eltis serves as a Director of the American Board of Optometry (ABO) and as ABO’s Canadian Ambassador, playing a key role in opening board certification to Canadian‑licensed optometrists. He practices in Toronto’s Yorkville area (drmarkeltis.com) with clinical interests in glaucoma and dry eye disease.

In addition to his regulatory leadership, Dr. Eltis has taught part‑time for over 15 years at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science and continues to lecture there. He lectures and publishes internationally, conducts medical‑legal consulting, and is a frequent TV commentator on eye‑care issues.