In anticipation of the amalgamation of the College of Optometrists of BC, College of Dietitians of BC, College of Occupational Therapists of BC, College of Opticians of BC, College of Physical Therapists of BC, College of Psychologists of BC, and College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC on June 28, 2024, a CEO has been appointed.

Dianne Millette, currently the Registrar of the College of Physical Therapists of BC, has been appointed the CEO of the new multi-profession regulatory college. Mr. Rick Gambrel will continue to oversee the College of Optometrists of BC until amalgamation, as will the registrars of the other six colleges, including Dianne. Effective June 28, 2024, the date the seven colleges amalgamate, Dianne will assume the full-time role of CEO of the new college.

Role of the CEO before amalgamation

Before amalgamation, the CEO role will be focused on establishing the new college’s staffing and culture to ensure continuity of regulatory operations following amalgamation, business, and budget planning, and building relationships with partners.

Proposed new college name

The Ministry of Health has proposed the following name for the new college: The College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. The deadline for feedback on the name was January 12, 2024. We will share the new college’s name once the Ministry has made a final decision.

As a reminder, the College of Optometrists of BC is being directed by the Ministry of Health to amalgamate with the six other colleges. This amalgamation is part of the Ministry of Health’s multi-year initiative to modernize BC’s health profession regulatory framework. More information is available on the Ministry of Health’s Professional Regulation webpage.

We will continue to keep you updated as the amalgamation work progresses.

If you have questions, please email us at: college@optometrybc.ca