Optometry programs in Australia are offered at the undergraduate level.

International Graduates

International graduates are individuals who have obtained their optometric education from a school other than those accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE).

International graduates may be eligible to obtain a license or certificate of registration to practice in a province or territory in Canada and should contact the optometric regulator in the province or territory in which they are interested to determine if they are eligible.

Academic credentialing is processed by the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC). Please visit the FORAC website for information.

The Internationally Graduated Optometrist Evaluating Exam (IGOEE) is administered by Touchstone Institute. Information on the evaluating exam is available here.

Please note that admissions for the upcoming 2020 International Optometric Bridging Program is closed, and there will not be a program running in 2021. The University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science is currently aiming to transition the bridging program to an Advanced Standing program. The earliest this Advanced Standing program would be offered is 2022 (subject to change) and no details are available at this time. Please continue to check the University’s website for updates.

A Doctor of Optometry is required in order to go through the licensing process to practice in Canada.