Optometrists
The College of Optometrists of Ontario is the self-regulatory authority responsible for registering (licensing) and governing optometrists in Ontario.
Registration Requirements
To practise as an optometrist in Ontario, internationally educated optometrists must hold a Certificate of Registration issued by the College and meet the requirements set out by the College of Optometrists of Ontario in accordance with the Registration Regulations under the Optometry Act. To become eligible for the Certificate of Registration, internationally educated optometrists must meet the following registration requirements:
- Applicants must complete a Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) offered at the University of Waterloo's International Optometric Bridging Program
- Applicants must be either a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant or hold a valid employment authorization under the Immigration Act (Canada)
For candidates applying to the IOBP in 2008 to 2011
Candidates must:
- be currently licensed or registered (or eligible to be licensed or registered) to practise optometry outside Canada, and
- have successfully completed either:
- 2 complete academic years of full-time undergraduate university study prior to entering an optometry school and a 4-year optometry degree,
or
- 4-year optometry degree, followed by 2 years of optometric work experience outside Canada
For candidates applying to the IOBP in 2012 and beyond
Candidates must:
- be currently licensed or registered (or eligible to be licensed or registered) to practise optometry outside Canada, and
- have successfully completed either:
- 3 complete academic years of full-time undergraduate university study prior to entering an optometry school and a 4-year optometry degree,
or
- a 4-year optometry degree, followed by 3 years of optometric work experience outside Canada
For more details, please visit the College of Optometrists of Ontario website.
How Access Centre Can Help
The Access Centre within HFO MRA can assist internationally educated optometrists on their path to practise by providing advisory services by appointment via telephone, in-person or Skype.
If you have previously registered as a client of the Access Centre and are seeking services offered to registered clients or have questions regarding any aspect of the licensure process, please call 416-862-2200 or toll free 1-800-596-4046 or e-mail AccessCentre@HealthForceOntario.ca.
If you are not a registered client of the Access Centre and would like detailed information on the licensing process for internationally educated respiratory therapists, please register online.
Information Sessions
Information sessions bring together groups of internationally educated health professions with a common goal. These sessions focus on various aspects of the registration process. Learn more.
Resources