California Optometric Association

“Coa has sixteen membership categories: active full, partial practice, clinic practice, optometric educator, government service, postgraduate, distinguished, life, special achievement, retired, student, non-california resident, non-u.s. Resident, paraoptometric, non-optometrist educator and honorary.”

“Coa members representing all 25 societies who serve as delegates to the coa house of delegates annually elect all officers (with the exception of the secretary-treasurer whose position is up for election every two years) and trustees to the coa board of trustees whose two-year term has expired or the filling of vacancies.”

“The form 990 will be reviewed by the treasurer of the association, the executive director, and the director of finance prior to filing with the irs.”

“The board of trustees disclose any type of conflict of interest annually. Each year a questionnaire is sent to each board member and all responses are reviewed by the executive director.”

“The coa executive committee determines the compensation of the executive director by reviewing comparability data, e.g., wage surveys, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision-making process.”

“In addition to reviewing performance objectives, key employee data was used from the american society of association executives, the california society of association executives, and 990s of other organizations. The executive director of the organization uses this information to determine the amount of compensation for key staff employees. The coa board of trustees does the same for the executive director.”

“The organization does not make governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public at this time. Governing documents are available to members on the organization's website.”

“The california optometric association held multiple extensive continuing education opportunities and trade shows for optometrists for re-licensure and professional development. Optowest southern california, in person, was held in february in los angeles, california; optowest virtual was held online in august 2020. Monterey virtual was held online in november 2020. There were four online two hour continuing education events held in june, july, august, and october 2020. The association leadership annually reviews its three-year strategic plan. The association adopts an annual budget to support the plan's goals. In addition, the plan is reviewed at every regularly scheduled board meeting. The association continued the implementation of its current strategic plan through its annual budget and programs. An annual president's council meeting was held that serves as a training and idea exchange venue for the elected leaders of the 25 affiliated local optometric societies. A strong government relations program serves the needs of both the general public and the optometric profession through direct legislative and regulatory advocacy, program service accomplishments, grassroots development, and political activity.”