What Does It Take to Become an Optometrist in Canada?
Ever wondered what it takes to become an eye doctor? When you visit a clinic for a general eye exam, you can rest assured that the optometrist you meet is highly trained, qualified to diagnose eye diseases, and committed to your eye health.
Becoming an optometrist in Canada isn’t easy. It requires years of rigorous education, clinical experience, and national and provincial examinations. The journey is long and demanding, but the reward is a career dedicated to helping people see clearly and maintain healthy vision for life.
If you’ve ever been curious about how optometrists get their credentials, here’s a breakdown of what it takes to become an eye doctor in Canada.
Step 1: Education
To practice optometry in Canada, you must earn a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. This typically takes eight years and involves multiple stages of education and training.
Here’s what’s required:
- Undergraduate education – Most optometry students complete at least three years of undergraduate studies, ideally focusing on sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics. Many students earn a bachelor’s degree in science before applying to optometry school.
- Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree – Students must complete a four-year optometry program accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.
- Where to study? There are only two optometry schools in Canada:
- The University of Waterloo, Ontario
- Université de Montréal, Quebec
- Cost of education – Studying optometry in Canada is expensive, with tuition costs nearing $100,000 for the full program. Some optometrists choose to study in the United States, where tuition costs are even higher.
- Optional residency training – After earning their OD degree, some optometrists complete an additional year of residency to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, ocular disease, or vision therapy.
Step 2: Accreditation and Licensing
Earning an OD degree is only the beginning. Before practicing, graduates must obtain a license from the regulatory board in their province or territory.
To become licensed in Alberta, for example, optometrists must:
- Pass the national licensing exam administered by the Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OEBC).
- Register with the Alberta College of Optometrists, which regulates and licenses optometrists in the province.
For international graduates, the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC) oversees the process of evaluating academic credentials. If their education meets Canadian standards, they must pass the same licensing exams as Canadian-trained optometrists.
Step 3: Gaining Experience as an Associate
After earning their license, most new graduates begin their careers by working as associates in existing optometry practices. This allows them to:
- Gain hands-on experience working with patients.
- Learn about practice management, billing, and patient care.
- Save money to buy into a partnership or open their own practice.
This phase of an optometrist’s career is crucial, as it provides real-world experience before taking on the financial responsibilities of owning a clinic.
Step 4: Opening an Optometry Practice
Owning an optometry clinic is a significant investment, requiring careful planning and financial commitment.
Major costs include:
- Specialized equipment – Modern optometry practices need cutting-edge technology for diagnosing and treating eye conditions.
- Support staff – Running a practice requires a team, including opticians, receptionists, and technicians.
- Office space – A well-located clinic is crucial for attracting patients.
- Eyewear inventory – A large part of an optometry clinic’s business comes from selling eyeglasses, contact lenses, and lens care products.
Many optometrists start small and expand over time, eventually adding multiple locations or partnering with other optometrists to grow their practice.
Why Visit a Licensed Optometrist?
Becoming an optometrist is a long journey, but it ensures that patients receive high-quality eye care from trained professionals.
A licensed optometrist can:
- Diagnose and treat eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
- Prescribe glasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems.
- Perform comprehensive eye exams to detect early signs of eye conditions.
- Offer advice on preventive eye care and lifestyle choices that promote healthy vision.
Book an Eye Exam with a Trusted Optometrist in Edmonton
At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc., our team of highly trained optometrists and opticians provides expert eye care for patients of all ages. Whether you need a routine eye exam, a new prescription, or specialized treatment, we’re here to help.
We have five convenient locations in Edmonton, Westlock, and Leduc. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your vision stays clear and healthy.
