Optometric Career Information
Becoming an Optometrist
Optometrists require 7-8 years of post-secondary education to obtain their professional designation, Doctor of Optometry (OD).
Educational requirements typically include:
- A minimum of three years of undergraduate education, preferably in the sciences
- A four-year university program in Optometry, accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education
- An increasing number of optometrists choose to do an additional year of residency training upon completion of their Doctor of Optometry degree
- Upon completion of the course in Optometry, the graduate is required to satisfy the provincial board requirements where the practice is to be established. Included in this process is a national examination administered by the Canadian Examiners in Optometry. Licensure by the provincial or territorial governing body is required. These requirements ensure the public receives the highest standards of optometric care.
Optometry Education
There are two schools of optometry located in Canada and seventeen in the United States that are accredited and recognized in Canada.
Canada
- The University of Waterloo, Ontario has 330 students.
- Optometry at the University of Montréal, Québec has 200 students.
US
The US schools offering Optometry training are:
- Ferris State College
- Indiana University
- Pennsylvania College (Salus University)
- Southern College
- University of Houston
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Southern California College of Optometry (Fullerton)
- Nova Southeastern University (Ft. Lauderdale)
- Inter American University (Puerto Rico)
Optometric Practices
Upon graduation most optometrists are employed as associates in an existing practice before buying in as partners, buying another practice or setting up a new practice. Established optometrists usually work in private practice and own or co-own their practices. They may also own or work from more than one location, known as "satellite" offices. A recent CAO survey revealed the following characteristics:
- Optometric practices in Canada average 2.3 optometrists per practice.
- Typically an average optometric practice handles about 2,800 patient consultations per year.
- In 1995, the average optometrist spent 41 hours a week in practice, with 35 hours devoted to patients and the balance to practice management.
Financial Considerations
Education Costs
The cost of studying Optometry in Canada ranges from $60,000 – $70,000 which may be financed by Canada Student Loans and/or personal bank loans. Costs for attending school in the US are significantly higher, ranging from $175,000 - $200,000.
Start Up Costs & Overhead Costs
To set-up a new practice, start up costs include capital costs for equipment and leasehold improvements.
The majority of overhead costs arise from the inventory of contact lenses, lenses, glasses frames, and contact lens solutions.
Revenue Sources
Optometrists are paid at the time services are provided. An optometrist's earnings are determined by several factors including: coverage under provincial medical programs, fee schedules, hours worked, practice location, services provided and patient population.
Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists
