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| Academic Resources /Optometry Schools, Colleges and Associations |
Optometry Schools in Canada
- School of Optometry and Vision Science | University of Waterloo
The School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, provides the only English optometric training in Canada leading to an accredited Doctor of Optometry degree. - L'École d'optométrie | University of Montreal
School of Optometry
Student Assocations
- Graduates in Vision Science (GIVS)
The Graduates in Vision Science (GIVS) consists of the Master's and Doctoral students at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo. - Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS)CAOS / ACÉO is an international student organization representing the student voice of Canadian Doctors of Optometry in Canada, first established in 1990.
Canadian Ophthalmology Programs
- Canadian Universities Offering Programs in OphthalmologyProvided by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society
Canadian Associations, Colleges and Legislature
Optometrists in Canada are regulated by province or territory. Holding a license or certificate of registration to practice in a province or territory is required before commencing practice. Each province or territory establishes the criteria for issuing a license or certificate of registration.
- The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO)The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is the national voice of optometry in Canada, representing 85% of optometrists. Founded in 1941 and formally incorporated in 1948, the CAO works with its 10 provincial member associations within a federated framework.
- Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OEBC)The OEBC is a national not-for-profit corporation. Its members are the ten provincial optometry regulators in Canada.
- Health Canada Legislation and GuidelinesHealth Canada administers many pieces of legislation and develops and enforces regulations under this legislation that have a direct impact on the health and safety of Canadians.
- Alberta College of OptometristsThe Alberta College of Optometrists (ACO) is the regulatory and licensing body for the profession of optometry in Alberta. As such, we are mandated by the Health Professions Act to provide direction and govern our members in a manner that protects and serves the public interest.
- Alberta Association of OptometristsThe Association's mission is to establish optometry as every Albertan’s first and continual access point for world leading eye care.
- Fast Facts 2020Doctors of Optometry in Alberta, provided by the Alberta Association of Optometrists
- College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC)Optometrists were regulated by the College of Optometrists of BC, until June 28, 2024, when the College amalgamated with the College of Dietitians of BC, College of Occupational Therapists of BC, College of Opticians of BC, College of Physical Therapists of BC, College of Psychologists of BC, and College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC to form the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
- Professional regulation of optometry in BCTransition of Optometry to the Health Professions Act
- Manitoba Association of Optometrists (MAO)MAO is the regulatory and licensing body for the practice of optometry in Manitoba.
- New Brunswick Association of Optometrists (NBAO)The NBAO is the professional association that represents Doctors of Optometry in New Brunswick. This website offers eyecare & eyewear information for patients, as well as providing an online resource for Doctors of Optometry and other health care providers
- Newfoundland and Labrador College of Optometrists (NCLO)The Newfoundland and Labrador College of Optometrists (NLCO) is the regulatory and licensing body for the profession of optometry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Optometry Licensing in the Northwest TerritoriesIn NWT, the Optometry Act is administered by the Department of Health and Social Services
- Optometry ActFor Nunavut and the Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia College of OptometristsOptometry Act; regulations, standards of practice; code of ethics; bylaws; and licensing.
- Department of HealthThe Optometry Act is administered by Nunavut's Department of Health.
- Optometry ActFor Nunavut and the Northwest Territories
- College of Optometrists of OntarioThe College of Optometrists of Ontario is the regulatory and licensing body for the profession of optometry in Ontario.
- Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO)The OAO is the leading professional organization representing over1,600 optometrists in Ontario for over 100 years. We are dedicated to helping our members provide the highest standard of eye health and vision care for Ontarians while driving the profession of optometry forward at the government, regulatory and public levels.
- PEI College of OptometristsThe role of the Prince Edward Island College of Optometrists is to regulate the practice of optometry by promoting a high standard of oculo-visual care to protect the public’s welfare.
- Prince Edward Island Association of OptometristsThe Prince Edward Island Association of Optometrists was incorporated by chapter 13 of the Acts of the Legislature in 1922 and at that time was known as the Prince Edward Island Optometrical Association.
- L’Ordre des Optométristes du QuébecL’Ordre des optométristes du Québec a pour mission d’assurer la protection du public en garantissant la compétence, le savoir et le professionnalisme des optométristes.
- The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO)The SAO is the professional organization and regulatory body for optometrists in Saskatchewan.
- Apply for an optometrist license to work in the YukonGovernment of the Yukon oversees the administration of the Optometrists Act.
- Optometrists ActPrepared by the Yukon Legislative Counsel Office
American and international associations
- American Academy of OptometryThe American Academy of Optometry Foundation develops and provides financial support for optometric research and education in vision and eye health to improve clinical patient care.
- American Optometric Association (AOA)The AOA is a world leader and recognized authority for eye and vision care.
- ASCO Member Schools and CollegesThe Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) provides a full list of its' participating schools and colleges, organized by State.
- Association of Regulatory Boards of Optometry (ARBO)ARBO represents and assists member licensing agencies in regulating the practice of optometry fro public welfare.