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Role of the Optometrist (OD)
Role of the Optometrist
Optometrists are independent primary healthcare providers and represent the front line of vision health. Optometrists practice in a range of settings: most work in private practice, others work in clinics, hospitals, community health centres, corporate optometry, research, teaching and administration.
The eye health and good vision of the public are the prime responsibilities of Canada’s optometrists, who:
specialize in the examination, diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of disease and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures
diagnose ocular manifestations of systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure and complications of the aging process such as cataracts and macular degeneration
prescribe medication to treat certain eye diseases
prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as safety eyewear and subnormal vision devices
provide vision therapy and low-vision rehabilitation
work in conjunction with other health care providers to provide integrated, quality care for patients
educate patients about vision health and lifestyle choices for protecting and enhancing good vision and health
conduct research and promote advancement in the visual sciences.
Doctor of Optometry
Optometry is a regulated profession. Optometrists complete a Bachelor of Science degree or higher, followed by a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited university’s school of optometry accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). The ACOE is the only accrediting body for professional optometric degree (O.D.) programs, optometric residency programs and optometric technician programs in Canada. Each year, approximately 130 new optometrists graduate from the two Canadian schools of optometry (University of Waterloo and Université de Montréal). In addition, there are Canadian graduates from US schools of optometry who return to Canada to practice and internationally trained optometrists.
Learn more about how to become an optometrist（https://opto.ca/becoming-a-doctor-of-optometry） .
Upon completion of the optometry degree, the graduate is required to satisfy provincial licensing requirements in the province or territory in which they intend to practice. This process includes a national examination administered by the Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OEBC).（https://oebc.ca/） Licensure by the provincial or territorial governing body is required. These requirements ensure the public receives the highest standards of optometric care.
Optimized Scope of Optometry
Canada faces pressing access challenges: months-long specialist wait times, increases in glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, and persistent gaps in rural and northern communities.