Optometry School
Getting Started
Considering Optometry? This chapter is to help you explore, plan, and navigate the process of exploring your options and applying.
We recommend starting with the chapter, Applying To Graduate And Professional School.
For personalized support, book an appointment with a Science Career Advisor at the Science Careers & Experience Centre (BSB 127) on OSCARplus.
What is a Doctor of Optometry (OD)?
A Doctor of Optometry (OD) is a primary healthcare professional who specializes in the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions affecting the eyes and visual system.
Optometrists do much more than prescribe glasses or contact lenses. They provide comprehensive eye care, detect and manage eye diseases, and can identify signs of broader health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and neurological disorders, through eye examinations. They also work with family physicians, ophthalmologists, and other healthcare professionals to support patients’ overall health and wellbeing.
Learn more:
- “Careers in Optometry” from University of Waterloo, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences
- “Optometrist in Canada” Job Profile from Government of Canada Job Bank
- “Becoming a Doctor of Optometry” and “Role of the Optometrist” from Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO)
- “Navigate your Path to a Career In Optometry” from Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO)
What is an Optometric Assistant?
An Optometric Assistant is a member of the eye care team who supports optometrists in providing patient care and running a clinic. Their responsibilities may include welcoming patients, collecting medical histories, performing preliminary tests, teaching patients how to use contact lenses, providing education, and assisting with administrative tasks.
Some Optometric Assistants choose to earn the Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant (CCOA) designation, a professional certification recognized across Canada that demonstrates specialized knowledge and skills in optometric practice.
What’s the Difference?
| Category | Doctor of Optometry (OD) | Optometric Assistant |
| Primary Role | Healthcare professional that leads patient care by examining eyes, diagnosing and managing eye conditions, and providing treatment recommendations. | Supports patient care and clinic operations through testing, patient education, and administrative assistance. |
| Education & Training | Minimum 3 years of undergraduate study plus a 4-year Doctor of Optometry degree (approximately 7-8 years of post-secondary education in total). | Completion of flexible training and certification as a Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant (CCOA). |
| Can Diagnose Eye Conditions? | Yes | No |
| Can Prescribe Glasses or Contact Lenses? | Yes | No |
| Can Treat or Manage Eye Disease? | Yes | No |
| Can Independently Provide Clinical Care? | Yes | No, works as part of the optometric care team. |
| Typical Work Settings | Private practice, group practice, hospitals, research, academia, industry, advocacy, and specialized clinics. | Optometry clinics, eye care centres, and optical practices. |
Professional Associations, Societies and Guidelines
- Canadian Association of Optometry (CAO) notably provides information about becoming a Doctor of Optometry (OD), home of The Canadian Journal of Optometry, a job board, a CAO Student Memberships and the Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS)
- College of Optometrists of Ontario responsible for registering (licensing) and governing optometrists in Ontario.
- Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) notably hosts a free student membership, elearning opportunities, and a job board.
- The Functional Guidelines for Didactic and Clinical Optometric Education for success.
- Association of School and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) represents all accredited schools and colleges of optometry in the United States.
What to know about applying to Doctor of Optometry programs:
Every school has their own unique admissions process and requirements that may change on a yearly basis. It is important to gather timely information on each program of interest to inform your decisions regarding course selection, experience (work, extracurricular and community), networking and professional memberships and conference participation. Each school and program will have their own webpage outlining admission requirements, pathways and timelines. Below are some general admission pieces and requirements you may find for your consideration:
Academic requirements:
- Accumulative and/or sub-GPA, including minimum and sometimes with an “admissions average” listed for competitive programs.
- Completion of prerequisites, including a minimum grade required.
- Full-course load for a minimum number of semesters.
Non-academic requirements:
- Optometry shadowing or volunteer experience
- Completion of Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) with minimum scores in each category
- Completion of CASPer Test, an online test which assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics
- Letter of References
- Admissions Interview
OAT Explained
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 is typically required for entry into an optometry program. Visit each schools’ optometry admissions page for more information on required OAT scores.
There are four components to the OAT:
- Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry)
- Reading Comprehension
- Physics
- Quantitative Reasoning
The official OAT website provides information about test content, registration, fees, and preparation resources.
Preparation Tips: Start preparing and sign-up for your test early, review foundational science content, practice with sample questions and full-length exams, and focus on improving weaker areas.
Finding Optometry Schools and Programs
Spotlight: Studying at University of Waterloo, School of Optometry & Vision Science
Learn from Dr. William Ngo, admissions officer and optometrist at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science, as he shares insights on the optometry profession, career pathways, the Doctor of Optometry program, and the admissions process.
Please note: Admissions requirements and deadlines may change from year to year. This recording reflects information shared for the 2026 admissions cycle.
Key Takeaways & FAQs from the Information Session
Becoming a Licensed Optometrist in Canada
Once students graduate from a Doctor of 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.
Need more support with deciding if Optometry is right for you?
Meet with a Science Career Advisor
Book a 30-minute appointment with the Science Careers & Experience Centre (BSB 127) in advance through OSCARplus.
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Explore these additional chapters:
- Applying To Graduate And Professional School
- Creating Your Résumé And CV
- Crafting Personal Statements And Letters Of Intent
- Requesting Letters Of References
- Interviewing With Confidence
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