BOARD OF THE COLLEGE OF OPTOMETRISTS OF B.C.

Professional Members:

Dr. Rebecca L. Counts (Skeena)

Dr. Rebecca Counts is an optometrist and the sole practitioner of Terrace Vision Care. Counts is active in her community and serves as a member and vice-president of the Theatre Alive Society and a member of the Pacific Mist Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Previously, Counts was an assistant professor at the University of New Brunswick and has served a member of the Terrace Public Library and the Terrace Rotary Club. She also holds a bachelor of science degree in biology from McMaster University, a doctor of philosophy degree in botany from the University of Manitoba and a doctor of optometry degree from the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Michael A. Dennis (Prince George North)

Dr. Michael Dennis is an optometrist and is a member and former president of the Rotary Club of Prince George and regional chair for the Canadian Diabetes Association. Dennis is also a member and former president of the BC Association of Optometrists. He holds a bachelor of science degree in biology (honours) from McMaster University and a doctor of optometry from the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Dale A. Dergousoff (Prince George North)

Dr. Dale Dergousoff is an optometrist and served as discipline chair and vice chair of the Board of Examiners of Optometry. Dergousoff is also an assistant basketball coach for the University of Northern British Columbia. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Simon Fraser University and a doctor of optometry degree from Pacific University’s College of Optometry.

Dr. Murray A. Hurlbert (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows)

Dr. Murray Hurlbert is an optometrist and the owner of Maple Ridge Eye Care Optometrists. Prior to this, Hurlbert was an optometrist at Complete Eye Care. Hurlbert is the treasurer of the Ridge Meadows Hall of Fame Society, a member of the Ridge meadows Chamber of Commerce and a coach for the Poco City Soccer Division 1. He holds a doctor of optometry degree from the University of Waterloo.

Dr. Gerald S. Komarnicky (West Vancouver-Garibaldi)

Dr. Gerald Komarnicky is president of Columbia Optical Co. Ltd. Over the years, Komarnicky has published various works on the topic of optometry. He holds a bachelor of science degree in physics in visual science and a doctor of optometry degree from Pacific University.

Dr. Mario Pozza (Kamloops-North Thompson)

Dr. Mario Pozza is an optometrist with the Private Group practice in Kamloops. Previously, he was a mobile vision clinic supervisor with the New Brunswick Optometry Association. Pozza is active in his community and is a director with the Sun Peaks Improvement District, a deputy fire chief with the Sun Peaks Fire Department and treasurer of the Sun Peaks Health Association. He holds a doctor of optometry degree from the University of Waterloo.

Public Members:

Thomas F. Beasley (Vancouver-Hastings)

Thomas Beasley is associate counsel for Coutts Pulver LLP. Prior to this, he served as in-house counsel with the BC Human Rights Commission and the Employment Standards Branch. Beasley has over 25 years of experience as an employment, labour and human rights lawyer with both government and private enterprise. He has been the president of a number of organizations including the Underwater Council of BC, the Vancouver Maritime Museum Society, the Heritage Council of BC and the Underwater Archaeological Society of BC. Beasley holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of B.C., a master of arts degree in economics from Queens University and a bachelor of laws degree from Dalhousie University.

Barbara Buchanan (Burnaby-Willingdon)

Barbara Buchanan is a program manager at the Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Health Care in B.C. Previously she was the manager of occupational health and safety for KODAK and the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Buchanan is active in her community and was an elected trustee and chair of the Vancouver School Board. She has also served on the board of directors of the Vancouver Symphony, the Vancouver Public School Foundation and the American Industrial Hygienist Association. Buchanan holds a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Brock University and a certificate in management excellence from the University of British Columbia.

David MacPherson (Oak Bay-Gordon Head)

David MacPherson is the sole proprietor of the consulting business, David MacPherson Consulting Ltd. Previously, he was the director of the Adult Community Living Services Branch of the Ministry of Children and Family Development and has been a volunteer with the Victoria Association for Community Living. Macpherson holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Victoria and a master of social work degree from the University of British Columbia.

-30-


Media contact:	Bernadette Murphy Media Relations Manager Ministry of Health Services 250 952-1887 (media line) 250 213-9590 (cell)

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.