Our mission is to facilitate the development of optometry around the world and support optometrists in promoting eye health and vision care as a human right through advocacy, education, policy development and humanitarian outreach.

Learn More 》
13537801_10153549233602175_3127056410268187906_n

Dr. Paul Geneau, North America Regional Representative

Dr. Geneau graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 1981.  He first practiced in Invermere, B.C., Canada, from 1981 to 1989, and has been located in Nanaimo, B.C. since then in an independent full-scope multi-doctor practice, Eye Care Nanaimo.

He became a Councilor on the British Columbia Association of Optometrists (BCAO) in 1992, ultimately serving as President from 1999 to 2001.  He became the representative from the BCAO on the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) Council in 2004, serving as Secretary Treasurer from 2009-2011, President Elect 2011-2013, and President 2013-2015.  He is now the Past-President of the CAO, and a member of the World Council of Optometry Board of Directors.

Dr. Geneau is motivated and inspired by working with those who are engaged in enabling the profession of optometry to be successful and better able to serve the public.  He has been similarly stimulated by his membership in Rotary, since 1981, and tries to live by its motto: Service Above Self.  Dr. Geneau was President of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo North in 1996-1997, was an Assistant District Governor from 2002-2005, and is a Paul Harris Fellow Major Donor.  He has been deeply involved in the Rotary International Youth Exchange program, and in the work of the Rotary Foundation.

Being attracted to volunteer work, Dr. Geneau has travelled on over 30 eye care missions with Canadian Vision Care to Jamaica, Costa Rica, Philippines, and Malawi.  He believes that an optometrist is privileged to be able to give the gift of sight, and finds that it is an even more rewarding experience to be able to do so for people in developing countries that are without access to eye and vision care.

Dr. Geneau has been married to his wife Cathy since 1979.  They are very proud of their three children and seven grandchildren.  They are both deeply committed to their family, and regard optometry as an extension of that family.