Optometrists specialize in the examination, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases and disorders of the eye. They prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend therapies to correct vision problems. They work in private practice, clinics and community health centres.
This profession is regulated in Manitoba by the Manitoba Association of Optometrists.
Note: The association conducts the licensing process in English only. Thus, all requested documents must be translated into English.
To practise optometry in Manitoba you must:
You must complete the following steps:
STEP 1: Contact the Manitoba Association of Optometrists and tell them you are an internationally educated optometrist and would like information on how to become licensed to practise in Manitoba.
Manitoba Association of Optometrists
200B - 392 Academy Road
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3N 0B8
Phone: 204-943-9811
Fax: 204-943-1208
E-mail: mao@optometrists.mb.ca
Website: optometrists.mb.ca
STEP 2: Contact the International Optometric Bridging Program to have your education assessed.
International Optometric Bridging Program
School of Optometry
University of Waterloo
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1
Phone: 519-888-4567, extension 7882
Fax: 519-725-0784
Website: optometry.uwaterloo.ca
E-mail: iobp@optometry.uwaterloo.ca
STEP 3: Complete the International Optometric Bridging Program.
STEP 4: Complete the Manitoba Association of Optometrists application form.
You must submit the following:
* If documents are not in English or French, notarized translations are required.
** If this document is not in English or French, notarized translations are required. If this document is not available, please advise the Manitoba Association of Optometrists with your application. It may be possible to consider other evidence of standing in the jurisdiction(s) in which you have been licensed to practise. Reasonable evidence on why the documentation is not available will be required.
STEP 5: Complete the Canadian Standard Assessment of Optometry and the Manitoba jurisprudence examination.
STEP 6: When all requirements have been met and fees paid, you will be registered to practise as an optometrist in Manitoba.
Additional information
The application form to enrol in the bridging program can be obtained by writing or e-mailing the School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo.
The fee for the International Optometric Bridging Program ranges from C$5,000 to C$30,000, depending on your qualifications. The length of time required to complete the IOBP ranges from six weeks (Bridging 1) to one year (Bridging 2). The decision to assign candidates to Bridging 1 or Bridging 2 depends on the candidate's qualifications. In addition to the fee for registration in the bridging program you will need to purchase or provide books and optometric equipment.
Get information on the bridging program from its website: optometry.uwaterloo.ca or e-mail: iobp@optometry.uwaterloo.ca.
In order to be admitted to the bridging program candidates must provide their credentials and undergo a prior learning assessment at the University of Waterloo, in Waterloo, Ontario.
The applicant must travel to Waterloo for the assessment and to take Bridging 1 or Bridging 2. The cost of travel to Waterloo and accommodation and food must be paid for by the applicant, in addition to the fees for the bridging program itself.
Certified translations of diplomas, registration documents and any other documents required by the IOBP as evidence of credentials must be provided if these documents are not in English. The IOBP does not cover the cost of these translations. They must be obtained and paid for by the applicant.
Depending on the date of the prior learning assessment and the next offering of the Bridging 1 or Bridging 2 programs, the candidate may have to wait as long as one year between being admitted to the IOBP and the beginning of Bridging 1 or Bridging 2.
The Canadian Standard Assessment of Optometry fee is C$3,300. The Canadian Examiners of Optometry administers the examination. Examinations can usually be written in May or June of each year at two Canadian optometric program sites (University of Montreal or University of Waterloo) and in October at one of the university sites.
The Manitoba jurisprudence examination fee is included in the Manitoba Association of Optometrists application fee. The certificate fee (payable at the time of initial registration) is C$50.
Manitoba Association of Optometrists annual registration fee is C$3,100.
Language: As part of your work, you are required to have intermediate or advanced English language skills in the four basic language areas - listening, speaking and reading and writing comprehension. Therefore, you should be able to:
Revised October 2011
Assistance for newcomers in Manitoba
