Optometrists (NOC 3121)

Education, training & qualifications

Optometrists need a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree, which includes in-class learning and supervised hands-on experience. Most optometry schools require students to have first completed a four-year bachelor’s degree in science. A few accept students with three years of undergraduate study.

Optometrists must also be licensed by the College of Optometrists of British Columbia. This process includes an exam.

Once working, optometrists must continue to develop their knowledge and skills to stay up to date with advances in eye care.

Workers coming to B.C.

Optometrists who are certified by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information, such as a letter of good standing, references or a criminal record check.

Workers who trained outside of Canada

Optometrists who trained outside of Canada and have never received certification from a Canadian jurisdiction will likely need a full assessment. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact the College of Optometrists of BC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of B.C. occupational regulators.

For more information about programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC.