How to become an Optometrist
Official title: Optometrists
Also called: Optometrist, Doctor of optometry (od)
Optometrists examine eyes to assess and diagnose ocular diseases and disorders. They 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, hospitals, clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, the optical industry, government and universities.
Main tasks
- Examine patients' eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments to determine ocular health and visual efficiency
- Prescribe and provide treatment (excluding surgery) to maintain, improve and correct vision and manage other ocular diseases and disorders
- Prescribe, dispense and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses and other visual aids
- Educate, counsel and advise patients on contact lens use and care, ocular hygiene, surgical and non-surgical options, and preventive care and maintenance related to occupation and lifestyle
- Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular diseases or conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Collaborate with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgeries such as laser vision correction
- May prescribe from a limited list of medications
- Conduct research and promote advancement in the visual sciences
How to become one
Three years of university undergraduate studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program in sciences and a four- to five-year university program in optometry are required. Licensing by the provincial or territorial regulatory governing body is required.
Ways in
- University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 15 universities in Canada
- University: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 9 universities in Canada
- Licence or registration: Licensing by the provincial or territorial regulatory governing body is required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $81,000 a year The middle half earn $50,400 to $122,000.
- About 6,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 8,200 are projected by 2033. (+28.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: strong risk of shortage.
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Questions people ask
How do I become an Optometrist?
Three years of university undergraduate studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program in sciences and a four- to five-year university program in optometry are required. Licensing by the provincial or territorial regulatory governing body is required.
How much does an Optometrist earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $81,000 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $50,400 to $122,000.
Is an Optometrist a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 28% by 2033, from about 6,400 to about 8,200 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an Optometrist?
Usually. 100% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03