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Optometrists  (NOC 3121)
North Shore Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Optometrists examine eyes, prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders. They work in private practice, clinics and community health centres.

doctor of optometry, optometrist.

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Optometrists perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Examine patients' eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments to determine visual efficiency
  • Prescribe treatment (excluding surgery) to conserve, improve and correct vision and other ocular disorders
  • Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, educate and counsel patients on contact lens use and care, visual hygiene, lighting arrangements, working distances and safety factors
  • Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular or other diseases or conditions.

Optometrists may specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact lenses or correcting special vision problems.

Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Truro, Amherst, Antigonish, New Glasgow, Oxford, Parrsboro, Pictou, Springhill, Stellarton, Trenton, Westville

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Optometrists in North Shore Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Optometrists in North Shore Region as well as in the rest of the Nova Scotia.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
North Shore Region Fair 2011-06-09

Currently the chances of qualified Optometrists finding employment are considered to be fair in the local area. Existing practices tend to have one to three optometrists and are well established. Few job openings have been noted over the years, however recruitment may be done via other mechanisms then public advertising. Opportunities may become available as existing employees decide to retire. Many are self-employed and this option exists for those who wish to work locally. Opportunities to join existing practices would not occur frequently but the supply of new optometrists would be relatively low, as there is no training for this occupation in Nova Scotia. Employers may be experiencing some difficulty recruiting for available positions, due to the small size of the local labour force with the appropriate skill sets. The ageing population should continue to sustain, if not increase, the demand for optometric services. Eye health is becoming more important along with health maintenance in general, as life expectancies continue to rise. Technological advances allow early detection of some diseases by optometrists making vision care part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Doctors of Optometry complete a four year professional degree in Optometry and Vision Science, usually after completing a Bachelor's degree in Science. The Nova Scotia College of Optometrists is the self-regulating authority accountable for licensing and governing optometrists in Nova Scotia.

In addition to employment opportunities locally, opportunities may exist in other areas of the province or in other regions of the country. People who are able to work elsewhere may want to research opportunities for this occupation in other labour markets within Nova Scotia and across the country. The future employment outlook for Optometrists in Nova Scotia is expected to be good over the next 5 years.

Additional information on Optometrists (opportunities in other areas, training, who hires, current job openings, statistics and other information), is available on other parts of this web site.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Nova Scotia and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.