Education · 1 of 5

The path

University, an admission test, then a four-year professional doctorate.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry, physics, calculus and English.

2. 2

   University science

   3 to 4 years

   At least 3 years, and most successful applicants finish a 4-year degree. Specific prerequisites include organic chemistry, physics, statistics and psychology.

3. 3

   OAT (optometry admission test)

   One day, during university

   A computer test of biology, chemistry, physics, reading and quantitative reasoning.

4. 4

   OD (doctor of optometry) degree

   4 years

   4 years. Waterloo is the only English-language program in Canada; Université de Montréal teaches in French. Many Canadians study in the US instead.

5. 5

   OEBC (Optometry Examining Board of Canada) exams and provincial licence

   A few months

   A written exam and a hands-on skills exam, then register with your provincial college.