The Vision Therapy Canada (VTC) Therapist Committee is delighted to represent the Canadian Therapist Membership within VTC. Below please find some information on the Therapist Committee Members and details on the programs that are currently running. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have questions or would like to volunteer.
Who we are
Our committee was founded in 2017 by three eager PVTAP graduates with the intentions to propel the therapist’s voice throughout our Vision Therapy Community. The role of the committee is to liaison and collaborate with the VTC board on matters of interest to Canadian Therapists. With the full support from the VTC Board of Directors, we set out on a journey to create opportunities for therapists to have a larger role, in not only the Practical Vision Therapists Accreditation Program (PVTAP), but also to fill certain niches that we believe Canadian Therapists can make a significant contribution to. The committee is involved in many ways with programs under the VTC umbrella such as the: PVTAP program, education planning and the AGM. We are proud of our current initiatives which include: the Therapist Mentorship Program, the PVTAP Workshop Facilitator role and PVTAP Marking Committee, as well as Online Workshop facilitation. These programs highlight the skills and talents of Canadian vision therapists and provide opportunities to contribute to the association and growth in the field.
Resources
- Application for PVTAP Workshop Positions
- Webinar Instructor Application
- Marketing Committee Application
Current Programs and Positions
PVTAP Mentorship Program: We had the great pleasure of introducing the Mentorship Program to the therapist community in 2018. This is a great opportunity to foster relationships through the community and allow for 1:1 mentorship through PVTAP and your career! Email us for your mentorship pairing today!
PVTAP Workshop Facilitator: What could be better that sharing your knowledge with others who are just as excited as you are to help individuals through VT?! Being a workshop facilitator allows PVTAP graduates to help the next generation of new vision therapists - through activities and experiences in their own VT clinics - to understand big concepts that are imperative to Vision.
PVTAP Marking Committee: Working closely with the VTC Education committee, PVTAP graduates can participate in marking assignments during the PVTAP course and give feedback to augment the lessons of the curriculum.
Webinar Instructor: Hosting a presentation to share a novel idea or an interesting case report can have profound effect on another’s knowledge. PVTAP graduates are invited to share an experience or idea to facilitate continuing education amongst the VT community.
Volunteer Positions including roles for AGM organization and registration, Therapist Panel Discussion at AGM, and many more!
Meet your current committee members
Victoria Consiglio - Chairperson
Victoria has been working as a vision therapist since 2015.She loves being a part of such a dedicated, hard working community.
She earned her H.B.Sc in Biology from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2008, as well a post-graduate certificate in Clinical Research from Humber College in 2009.
She has experience in the optometry field including pretesting, ocular imaging, frame selection, and contact lens training.
With her training, accreditation and certification through the OEP, VTC and COVD foundations, and passion for working with children, she helps individuals with the opportunity to train and enhance their visual systems through specific activities tailored to their needs.
She enjoys leading the therapist committee alongside some brilliant minds, eager to propel VT in Canada!
Shawney Lefley - Social Media Lead
Vancouver Island and the Comox Valley have always been my home. I discovered my passion for Eye Care in 2016 as a Certified Optometric Assistant. In 2021, after completing 2 years of study and practical experience I completed my formal certification as a Vision Therapist.
You will most often find me in our vision therapy room, I truly enjoy working directly with my patients to achieve their visual goals, the variety and personal connection with my patients is what keeps me engaged in daily practice. I look forward to furthering my education as I work toward completing my COVT..
Heather Dillon- Communications Lead
Heather has been working for the Oakville Centre for Vision since 2001. In 2010, the practice relocated to a larger space with a dedicated Vision Therapy program and Heather became a Vision Therapist.
While she gained a tremendous amount of knowledge within the office setting, she started attending training sessions at the COVD meeting, as well as sessions held at in Vaughn. Interacting with other offices was very beneficial as it expanded her knowledge.
As VTC emerged, there was an opportunity to meet and learn closer to home which included meeting local therapists. She volunteered at the first conventions and got to know more professionals in the field.
Heather decided to work towards her COVT and her PVTAP. When COVD scheduled their 2020 meeting in Toronto, she decided she would do both in 2020 (not a good idea) and successfully completed them.
When she is not working, she lives near Lake Erie on a small hobby farm.
Heather finds Vision Therapy to be one of the most rewarding careers she has had and continues to look forward to seeing her patients each week.
Are you interested in becoming a committee member? Do you have a unique idea or suggestion that you would like to become reality? Would you like to apply for a current position or dedicate your time to volunteer for a role?
Email us at Therapist@visiontherapycanada.com
Join us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/canadianvisiontherapy/