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Optometrists  (NOC 3121)
Northeast 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

Sudbury, Elliot Lake, North Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Algo, Blind River, Capreol, Cobalt, Englehart, Espanola, Garson Junction, Haileybury, Hearst, Iroquois Falls, Kapuskasing, Kirkland Lake, Mattawa, New Liskeard, Nickel Centre, Parry Sound, Powassan, Temiskaming Shores, Thessalon, Valley East, Blezard Valley, Carol Richard Park, Connaught Hill, Dowling, Elmview, Finntown, Flake, Guilletville, Hanmer, Laurentien, Levack, Lively, McCrea Heights, Naughton, Parkwood, Pinecrest, Porcupine, Pottsville, South Porcupine, Val Caron, Val Therese

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Education & Job Requirements for Optometrists in Northeast Region

Education and job requirements can vary by region. Workers in regulated occupations require a licence to work legally. Workers in non-regulated occupations do not require a licence, but employers may have other certification requirements.

Provincial/Territorial Regulation

Table of job opportunities for your chosen occupation at the provincial or territorial level.
Location Regulation
Ontario
Regulated

Most regulatory bodies and apprenticeship authorities have their own Web sites that provide licensing information, eligibility requirements, foreign credential recognition and registration fees. Contact information for the relevant regulatory body can be found below.

Regulatory Body

Contact information for the regulatory body for your chosen occupation.
The occupation (Optometrist) requires certification in the province or territory: Ontario
Address: The College of Optometrists of Ontario
6 Crescent Road, 2nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4W 1T1
Phone: 416-962-4071
Fax: 416-962-4073
Email: adminassist@collegeoptom.on.ca
Web Site: www.collegeoptom.on.ca
Other Contact Information: Information for internationally trained individuals is available on the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration website.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]

Ministries and Departments of Education

Education is the responsibility of the ten provinces and three territories. Each has its own ministry (sometimes called "department") that oversees the organization, delivery and assessment of education.

Distance Learning

Distance learning lets you study via the Internet or other methods such as cable TV or correspondence. It also opens virtual doors for students who cannot study away from home.

Visit CanLearn for a list of Canadian colleges, universities and other institutions providing thousands of courses at a distance.

[ Source: CanLearn - HRSDC ]
Information for Newcomers

Fact Sheets for Internationally Trained Individuals

Are you an internationally trained individual looking for guidance on foreign credential recognition in your profession in Canada? These occupational fact sheets can help you by providing information on:

  • the general requirements to work in your profession
  • the steps that you can take to find the most reliable sources of information

Optometrist (PDF Format - Size: 962 KB)

[ Source: Foreign Credentials Referral Office - CIC ]
Please consult the Northeast Region and Canada tabs for more useful information related to education and job requirements.