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Dr. To & Dr. Yandell named 2026 Santa Clara County Delegates

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Dr. William To and Dr. Katalina Yandell from Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice have been selected as two of twelve delegates representing the Santa Clara County Optometric Society (SCCOS) at the 2026 House of Delegates hosted by the California Optometric Association (COA).

This prestigious role allows them to represent optometrists throughout Santa Clara County at the state level while helping shape the future of eye care in California. Their appointment reflects years of dedication to patient care, professional leadership, and advocacy within organized optometry.

What Is the California Optometric Association House of Delegates

The California Optometric Association House of Delegates is the governing body that helps guide policy decisions for optometry across the state. Delegates review and vote on initiatives that impact:

  • Access to eye care
  • Scope of practice
  • Public health programs
  • Legislative priorities
  • Clinical standards and Continuing Education

The decisions made at the House of Delegates directly influence how eye care is delivered to millions of Californians.

Why COA House of Delegates Matters for Public Health

The California Optometric Association plays a vital role in protecting and advancing patient access to comprehensive eye care. Optometrists are often the first healthcare providers to detect serious conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Advocacy at the state level ensures doctors can continue practicing at the highest level of their training while protecting patient safety.

COA initiatives also support children’s vision programs, preventative care efforts, and legislation that expands access to medically necessary eye care services. By serving as delegates, Dr. To and Dr. Yandell help ensure Santa Clara County optometrists have a direct voice in these important statewide decisions.

Both doctors are past recipients of the prestigious Young Optometrist of the Year award at the House of Delegates, with Dr. Will To winning in 2022 and Dr. Kat Yandell winning in 2024. This honor recognizes emerging leaders who demonstrate excellence in clinical care, professional involvement, and service to the community.

About Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice

Patients benefit when their doctors are involved in state-level advocacy. It ensures they stay informed about healthcare policy changes, clinical advancements, and initiatives that improve access to quality eye care.

Being selected to the 2026 House of Delegates reinforces the practice’s commitment to excellence, advocacy, and the future of optometry.

Optical Illusions: An Optometric Practice is known for strong leadership, community involvement, thorough comprehensive eye exams, and personalized care. Dr. To and Dr. Yandell are both known for their advanced eye care in Dry Eye Therapy, Myopia Management, and Specialty Contact Lenses. Schedule an eye exam near me at 1 of our 4 conveniently located offices in San Jose, San Mateo, San Ramon, and Juneau.

Written by Dr. Will To, OD

Dr. William To, OD has multiple years of healthcare experience providing design-based ocular care, with an optometric emphasis in Pediatrics, Dry Eye Therapy, and Ocular Surface Disease.

He graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelor’s in Human Biology and a minor in Psychology and earned his Doctorate in Optometry from Western University of Health Sciences. Dr. Will is regularly invited to several Optometric Conferences and Colleges of Optometry each year to lecture to his colleagues and students, having given over 100 lectures and written several published editorials.

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