DISPENSING OPTICIANS ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING DATE - MARCH 21. 2009 TIME - 6:30P M LOCATION - ABBERCORN INN 9260 BRIDGEPORT ROAD, RICHMOND, B.C. ROOM #316 OPEN TO ALL DOABC MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING PLEASE RSVP AT: 604-581-1055 OR E-MAIL:
The DOABC was founded on practicality in 1960 and is flourishing today.
The Dispensing Opticians Association of BC was founded for pragmatic reasons, to enhance the business and political influence of the optical business in British Columbia.
Late in 1959 three dispensing optician stores were visited by Vancouver City inspectors. At that time a City Bylaw required stores to close Wednesday afternoons. The opticians were told they were violating this by-law by remaining open on the Wednesday p.m. All stores had presumed that they were exempt, as were pharmacists. All optical (9) establishments soon learned of the inspectors' visits. They all decided to remain open the following Wednesday afternoon, even though the inspectors had asked them to close up. The following Wednesday afternoon the inspectors visited each optician and requested that stores close, and all opticians did close up shop.
On advice of a Solicitor, a delegation of Dispensing Opticians met with City Hall officials. This resulted in City Hall agreeing that opticians should be allowed to remain open on Wednesday afternoon. This was our first lobbying success.
The Solicitor then suggested that an Association should be formed, to give opticians a collective strength rather than being disparate individuals. It was learned that could be done under the Society Act. Nine Dispensing Opticians signed a request to Victoria. After the proposed bylaws, necessary fees, and advertising of intent was completed, a Certificate of Incorporation was issued on March 10, 1960. This certified us as The Dispensing Opticians Association of British Columbia.
