CAO Leadership

Dr. Allison Scott

President

Dr. Allison Scott graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2006. She has been practicing in the Halifax area since graduation and enjoys working in a family practice, sometimes seeing multiple family generations. She has also recently started a specialty contact lens practice. Dr. Scott has been on the NSAO council since 2011 and has served many roles, including president. Dr Scott has served on their public education and continuing education committees. She is also an official with Skate Canada and enjoys volunteering at local events in the capacity of figure skating judge.

Dr. Surjinder Sahota

Vice-President, British Columbia

Dr. Surjinder Sahota graduated from the Doctor of Optometry program at the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO) and was then accepted into a prestigious residency program at the Illinois Eye Institute in Ocular Disease/Primary Care. She had the unique opportunity to work with world renowned ophthalmologists from the University of Chicago. After completing her residency, Dr. Sahota went back to her hometown of Williams Lake to practice. Dr. Sahota has served on the board of the British Columbia Doctors of Optometry since 2008, including serving a term as President. She has a passion for public education and has worked with the public relations committee in helping educate patients about the importance of eye health and preservation of vision.

Dr. Troy Brady

Treasurer, Alberta

Dr. Troy Brady grew up in Pinawa, Manitoba and graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1999 with a BSc and a Doctor of Optometry (Dean’s Honours List).  Immediately following his graduation, he moved to Edmonton and began practicing at a full scope optometric practice, Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. He takes a special interest in ocular disease, contact lenses and family practice.  He is a past-president of the Alberta Association of Optometrists, serving on the AAO Council since 2010.

Dr. Brady enjoys coaching his two daughters in their sporting activities and remains active in his own right. He is an avid golfer and still plays hockey once a week. This includes playing in the Alzheimer’s Faceoff Pro-Am hockey tournament during which he and his team have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help find a cure for dementia.

Dr. Martin Spiro

Past-President

Dr. Martin Spiro completed his doctorate of optometry at the University of Montreal in 2014. He was the recipient of the Optometric Association’s prestigious student of the year award. Dr. Spiro holds a bachelor of science in human physiology from McGill University, where he also completed an internship in cancer research. In the optometric field, Dr. Spiro’s clinical research was honored by the Allergan Society’s prize of excellence. With a strong passion for eye care and an emphasis on inter-personal skills, Dr. Spiro is an active participant in the optometric community and was recently named by Johnson & Johnson as one of Canada’s top 40 optometrists under 40. Dr. Spiro enjoys providing vision care to the west island community of Montreal at Optika Eye-Care Center. He also shares his time with the Montreal Association of the Blind (MAB-Mackay) working with patients suffering from visual impairment and has collaborated in humanitarian efforts travelling to South-America to provide eye-exams.

Dr. Devan Trischuk

Saskatchewan

Dr. Devan Trischuk was born and raised in Yorkton, SK. He completed his Bachelor of Science – Honours Physiology degree at the University of Alberta in 2007 and his Doctor of Optometry – Dean’s Honour List at the University of Waterloo in 2011. He received the Michael Gutwein Memorial Award for his graduating class at Waterloo.Dr. Trischuk’s interest in optometry started from a young age with yearly visits to his optometrist for stronger glasses due to his rapidly progressing myopia. Myopia Management has become one of his main areas of interest and he enjoys working with children and families in an attempt to control and slow its progression to ensure years of health vision for his youngest patients.
Dr. Trischuk has taken his interest in Myopia Management a step further and has begun lecturing across North America to other optometrists and health care professionals on this topic.
He is a proud father of four children, Emma, Desmond, Willa and Rose & husband to his wife Jen. He enjoys getting outdoors and being active with his family in his free time!

Dr. Tanya Dillon

Manitoba

Dr. Tanya Dillon graduated with honours from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 2006. Following her studies, she returned to her hometown of Winnipeg to provide comprehensive eye care, with a particular focus on advanced dry eye treatment.

An advocate for eye health, Dr. Dillon served on the council of the Manitoba Association of Optometrists (MAO) for nine years, including two years as President. In 2022, she was awarded the Manitoba President’s Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to optometry and the community. She remains an active member of the MAO, chairing multiple committees and advocating for improved access to quality vision care across the province. Looking ahead, Dr Dillon is committed to strengthening collaboration with colleagues to advance eye care across the country.

Outside of her professional life, she likes to keep active with her husband - a fellow optometrist - and two sons. She enjoys hiking, playing hockey, and long-distance running.

Dr. Krupa Chothani

Ontario

Dr. Krupa Chothani is an Ontario optometrist, practice owner and dedicated advocate for the future of eye care in Canada. Inspired from a young age by the opportunity to give the gift of sight, she has built a career grounded in compassionate patient care, innovation, community service and a deep commitment to her profession.

After graduating with honors in Optometry from Cardiff University in 2006, Dr. Chothani has built nearly two decades of clinical experience in the UK and Canada. In 2017, she founded a full-scope optometric practice focused on dry eye disease and complex ocular surface conditions, where she continues to practice today. Building her clinic from the ground up has strengthened her belief that professional autonomy is essential to keeping clinical decisions centered on patients’ best interests.

Since joining the Ontario Association of Optometrists’ (OAO) Board of Directors in 2023, Dr. Chothani has contributed to its Governance and Board Development Committees and currently serves on the Unity Advisory Committee. She has also chaired the Continuing Education and Industry Trends Working Groups and continues to champion professional advocacy, member engagement and student outreach. In 2023, she received the OAO President’s Award in recognition of her contributions to the profession.

As Ontario’s representative on the CAO Council, Dr. Chothani is committed to ensuring members’ perspectives are heard and helping to build a strong, sustainable future for optometry across Canada. She also supports national innovation through the CAO Tele-optometry and Artificial Intelligence Working Group and the CAN-VIEW ophthalmic data repository initiative with the University of Waterloo.

Beyond optometry, she has served as Vice President of the Lohana Charitable Foundation of Toronto and has contributed to committees with the Dufferin Board of Trade Women in Business and the Optical Women’s Association. Across her clinical, professional and community leadership, Dr. Chothani is driven by a lasting passion for advancing eye care and strengthening the profession for practitioners and patients alike.

Dr. Mark Kepes

Nova Scotia

Dr. Kepes grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario and always had a passion for all things sports, especially hockey, which continues to this day.  He graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science  and Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2010.

After graduation, he moved to Nova Scotia, where he initially practiced in both rural and urban settings.  In 2011 he established his clinic in Dartmouth, and enjoys seeing many familiar faces year after year.

Since moving to Nova Scotia, Dr. Kepes has been actively involved in different roles within the Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists, including National Public Education, Treasurer and President. He is also involved with the Nova Scotia College of Optometrists with the Mediation Committee.

In his time off, Dr. Kepes, his wife Angela , son Clyde and daughter Sylvia love to go camping in the spectacular Cape Breton Highlands, checking out the newest restaurant in town, or going on a road trip!
 

Dr. Audrey Daoust

Québec

Dr. Audrey Daoust is a dedicated optometrist and co-owner of a thriving optometry clinic in Montréal. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Montréal in 2016, graduating with the distinction of Student of the Year—a testament to her academic excellence and commitment to the field.

Passionate about global eye care, Dr. Daoust has participated in humanitarian missions to Peru and Nicaragua, providing essential vision services to underserved communities. Her clinical interests include comprehensive eye care, patient education, and building long-term relationships with those she serves.

Dr. Jessica Wood

Prince Edward Island

Dr. Jessica Wood is from West Devon, Prince Edward Island. She attained a Bachelor of Science from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2014, and a Master of Science in Clinical Vision Science from Dalhousie University in 2018. She completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the University of Waterloo in 2022, receiving the Good-Lite Pediatric Optometry award. Dr. Wood currently practices in Summerside and Alberton, PEI, where she sees patients of all ages but has a special interest in pediatric optometry. She has been a volunteer vision screener with Special Olympics since 2017. In her free time, she can be found walking the beautiful trails around PEI.

Dr. Bronwyn Mulherin

New Brunswick

A graduate of the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science, Dr. Mulherin practiced first in Ottawa, where she served as co-president of the local Ottawa Society of Optometrists.  Dr. Mulherin moved to Fredericton in 2007 and is an active member of the New Brunswick Association of Optometrists (NBAO), sitting on its Council and serving as the NBAO rep to CAO’s Council.  

A general practice OD with a special interest in treating Dry Eye, Specialty Contact Lenses and Myopia Management, Dr. Mulherin owns and manages her practice, which includes four associate optometrists and a fabulous support team.  When spare time permits, Dr.  Mulherin enjoys hiking, skiing, cycling and weightlifting.

Dr. Trudy Metcalfe

Newfoundland and Labrador

Dr. Metcalfe graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 2001 and obtained her Doctorate of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2005. Upon graduation, she returned home to St. John’s to begin a full scope optometry practice, where she takes a special interest in ocular disease and family eye care.
Dr. Metcalfe has served on the board of directors for the provincial branch of the CNIB, and has held numerous positions with the NLAO, including president (2018-2020).
A passionate advocate for access to eye care, She has served on a multi-stakeholder committee to improve diabetic eye care in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, and has lectured at Memorial University School of Medicine.
Dr. Metcalfe volunteers her time with clinics for The Special Olympics, The Association for New Canadians, and local organizations Choices for Youth and The Gathering Place. She has traveled to Haiti for several mission trips with Team Broken Earth, and in 2019 was named a Melvin Jones Fellow for services to humanity by the Lions Clubs International.
In 2022, Dr Metcalfe was named the NLAO’s inaugural recipient of the Vision Beyond 2020 Award, recognizing services to her community and profession. 
In her spare time, Dr. Metcalfe can be found cheering on her husband and two girls at the soccer field, cooking up a scoff, or hiking the East Coast Trail with her dog, Winnie.
 

Abarnaa Arithas

Student Representative

Abarnaa Arithas is a Doctor of Optometry candidate at the University of Waterloo and a graduate of McMaster University, where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences. Originally from the Greater Toronto Area, she is passionate about advancing the profession through student leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. Throughout her studies, she has taken on numerous leadership roles, including serving as President of the Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS) Waterloo chapter, where she helped launch the university's first Student Optometry Leadership Forum. Abarnaa's experiences in research, mentorship, and clinical practice have strengthened her interests in eye health, access to care, and professional advocacy. She is particularly interested in fostering connections within the optometric community and empowering students to become engaged leaders in the profession.

Joelle Walker

Chief Executive Officer

Joelle Walker is a seasoned health-sector leader and advocate dedicated to strengthening Canada’s health-care system and the professionals who sustain it. Throughout her career, she has advanced public policy that improves care for Canadians while championing the needs and expertise of frontline providers.

Joelle began her career in government relations at the Canadian Cancer Society and most recently served as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Operations at the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA). In that role, she elevated the national visibility of pharmacists as essential health-care professionals, becoming a trusted voice on issues such as drug shortages and delivering practical, patient-centred solutions to decision-makers and the public. She also worked closely with CPhA members and partners across the country to foster alignment, strengthen collaboration, and build a more unified voice for the profession. Her extensive experience includes engaging insurers and third party payers on matters affecting patient care and system sustainability.

A lawyer by training, Joelle holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Bachelor of Political Science from the University of Ottawa.