Finding Optometry Schools and Programs

Relevant websites

• Association of School and Colleges of Optometry
• Canadian Association of Optometry Students
• Canadian Association of Optometrists
• College of Optometrists of Ontario
• Ontario Association of Optometrists
• University of Waterloo Optometry Student Society

General Admissions Information

Every school has their own admissions process and requirements. Refer to each school’s website for more information. Below are some general admission pieces and requirements you may find.

Academic requirements

• Completion of 3 or more years of a Bachelor of Science degree with a minimum overall average
• Completion of all specified Optometry prerequisite courses

Non-academic requirements

• Optometry shadowing or volunteer experience
• Completion of Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)
• Completion of CASPer Test: an online test which assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics
• Letter of References
• Interview

OAT

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is a standardized test sponsored by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) to test general scientific information. Completion of the OAT may be required for entry into an optometry program. Visit each schools’ specific optometry admissions website for more information.

There are four components to the OAT:

1. Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry)
2. Reading Comprehension
3. Physics
4. Quantitative Reasoning

Canadian optometry practice requirements

Once students graduate from an optometry program, they are required to pass the profession’s registration exam and jurisprudence exam in order to practice. Exams should be taken in the region they wish to practice. In Ontario, registration exams are administered by the Canadian Examiners in Optometry (CEO-ECO) and jurisprudence exams are administered by the College of Optometrists of Ontario.

More information regarding exams and steps to becoming a Doctor of Optometry in Ontario can be found here and here.