Becoming a Doctor of Optometry | Canadian Association of Optometrists

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Becoming a Doctor of Optometry

Doctors of optometry require seven to eight years of post-secondary education to obtain their professional designation, Doctor of Optometry (OD).

Educational Requirements

Educational requirements typically include:

A minimum of three years of undergraduate education, preferably in the sciences; Please note: In Québec, two years of CEGEP is accepted at the undergraduate level.

A four or five year university program in optometry, accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education;

An increasing number of optometrists choose to do an additional year of residency training upon completion of their Doctor of Optometry degree;

Upon completion of the course in optometry, the graduate is required to satisfy provincial board requirements in the province or territory in which they intend to practice. This process also includes a national examination administered by the Optometry Examining Board of Canada. Licensure by the provincial or territorial governing body is required. These requirements ensure the public receives the highest standards of optometric care.

There are two schools of optometry located in Canada:

University of Waterloo（https://uwaterloo.ca/optometry-vision-science/）

Université de Montréal（http://www.opto.umontreal.ca/）

For a list of accredited American Schools, please click here（https://optometriceducation.org/about-asco/asco-member-schools-and-colleges/） .

Financial Considerations

Education Costs

The cost of studying optometry in Canada is close to $100K, which may be financed by Canada Student Loans（https://www.canada.ca/en/services/jobs/education/student-financial-aid.html） and/or personal bank loans. Costs for attending schools in the United States are significantly higher, closer to $250K.

Start-Up Costs & Overhead Costs

To set-up a new practice, start-up costs include: capital costs for equipment and leasehold improvements. The majority of overhead costs arise from the inventory of lenses, frames, contact lenses and lens solutions.

Revenue Sources

Optometrists are paid at the time services are provided. An optometrist’s earnings are determined by several factors including: coverage under provincial medical programs, fee schedules, hours worked, practice location, services provided and patient population.

Optometric Practice

Upon graduation, optometrists work as associates in an existing practice before buying in as partners, buying another practice or setting up a new practice. Established optometrists usually work in private practice and own or co-own their practices. They may also own or work from more than one location, known as “satellite” offices.