What would be helpful to know if I want to be an optometrist?
What do I need to practice optometry in Canada?
To practice as an optometrist in Canada you’ll need:
A four or five-year university program in optometry or Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree, accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. Each program website will overview program-specific admissions requirements;
An optional additional year of residency training upon completion of your OD degree
To complete a national examination through the Optometry Examining Board of Canada
To register with the province or territory-specific optometric regulatory and licensing body
(Canadian Association of Optometrists, n.d.)
For more information, please visit the Canadian Association of Optometrists and Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC).
What if I want to study abroad and return to Canada to work?
It is possible to pursue an OD degree abroad and return to Canada to practice. To achieve a license to practice in Canada you will need to:
Obtain a World Education Services (WES) Interational Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) credential evaluation report of your OD degree
Have your academic credentials assessed by the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC) for equivalency to University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science
Complete an English language test if your OD degree was not conducted in English
Complete the Internationally Graduated Optometrists Evaluating Examination (IGOEE)
Complete the Canadian Assessment in Competence in Optometry (OEBC) exam or be recommended to apply to the Advanced Standing Optometry Preparatory Program (ASOPP) (ASOPP) at the University of Waterloo
Contact the optometric regulatory authority in your destination province or territory to register
(Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada, n.d.)
For more information, please review the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC).
How do I apply?
To apply to an OD program, you may apply through:
OptomCAS for U.S. programs.
How do I learn more about the optometry profession?
Book an appointment with the Centre for Career Development or attend a workshop or event to explore your options further.
Engage in clubs and events with other students who share your interests through Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA)
Visit the School of Optometry and Vision Science webpage, to learn more about Waterloo’s optometry program.
Review additional resources through Provincial professional optometric associations, Canadian Association of Optometrists and World Council of Optometry.
References
Canadian Association of Optometrists. (n.d.). Becoming a Doctor of Optometry. Canadian Association of Optometrists. https://opto.ca/becoming-a-doctor-of-optometry
Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada. (n.d.). Applying in English. https://www.forac-faroc.ca/international-applicants/applying-in-english/