Contrary to many articles online, there are only two optometry schools in Canada, the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Université de Montréal École d’optométrie. This post breaks down all you need to know about both schools, including their contact information, requirements, and tuition.
For those currently deciding whether to apply to these programs, we encourage you to visit our free optometry admission test prep and look out for our upcoming post going in-depth into the optometry school requirements.
University of Waterloo School of Optometry
The School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, provides the only English optometric training in Canada leading to an accredited Doctor of Optometry degree. The school also provides a graduate program in Vision Science and Optometry.
Optometry School Requirements:
Prerequisite Coursework:
All students applying to the University of Waterloo School of Optometry must have completed at least 3 years of full-time undergraduate study by the matriculation date. They must include the following courses:
| Prerequisite Course | Required | Lab Required | Credits Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | ✓ | X | 1 half course |
| Introductory Ethics | ✓ | X | 1 half course |
| Introductory Psychology | ✓ | X | 1 half course |
| Introductory Biology | ✓ | ✓ | 1 full or 2 half courses |
| Introductory Microbiology | ✓ | X | 1 half course |
| Physiology (human or mammalian) | ✓ | X | 1 full or 2 half courses |
| Introductory Chemistry | ✓ | ✓ | 1 half course |
| Introductory Biochemistry | ✓ | X | 1 half course |
| Introductory Organic Chemistry | ✓ | X | 1 half course |
| Calculus | ✓ | X | 1 half course |
| Statistics | ✓ | X | 1 half course |
| Introductory Physics | ✓ | ✓ | 1 half course |
GPA Statistics:
| Minimum Grade to Apply | Average Grade of Accepted Applicants | Lowest Grade Admitted |
|---|---|---|
| 75.0% | 85% | 79% |
When calculating your GPA a simple average of all undergraduate degree courses will be taken. There are no exceptions or weighted GPA options for this university.
Standardized Testing:
Optometry Admission Test: The OAT must be taken within 24 months of the application deadline. Applicants must have obtained a minimum of 300 in all sections. The average score of accepted applicants is 380. Students looking to test their knowledge in preparation for the OAT can click on this link to access our free practice tests.
CASPer Test: The Canadian Professional Health Sciences test (CSP-10201) and Snapshot must be taken between August – November in the year of application submission.
Autobiographical Sketch
Applicants must provide a list of activities, in the following categories, completed after grade 11:
- Optometrist shadowing (8 hours required with many applicants having more)
- Academic awards
- Non-academic awards
- Work experience
- Volunteer experience
Reference Letters:
Two confidential assessment forms (CAF) are required as part of the application. CAF’s are letters of reference that ask referees specific questions. The two required CAF’s must come from:
- An optometrist with which applicants have had a minimum of 8 hours of job shadowing.
- An employer, supervisor, professor, coach, or minister who can vouch for our character.
- An optometrist with which applicants have had a minimum of 8 hours of job shadowing.
- An employer, supervisor, professor, coach, or minister who can vouch for our character.
Interview Invite:
After the initial application review, the Admissions Committee may invite applicants for a Meet & Greet. All applicants will receive an email. Not all applicants will receive an invitation to the Meet & Greet.
Tuition:
| Year | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Tuition | $18,000 | $18,000 | $18,000 | $24,00 |
| International Tuition | $62,000 | $62,000 | $62,000 | $62,000 |
| Books | $2,250 | $1,200 | $540 | n/a |
| Supplies and equipment | $3,500 | $5,600 | $400 | $570 |
Université de Montréal École d’optométrie
The Université de Montréal École d’optométrie provides the only French optometric training in Canada leading to an accredited Doctor of Optometry degree. The objective of the program is to train autonomous optometrists who will practice their profession according to the highest ethical and professional standards.
Optometry School Requirements:
Prerequisite Coursework:
All students applying to the Université de Montréal École d’optométrie must have completed at least 4 years of undergraduate study by the matriculation date. They must include the following courses:
| Prerequisite Course | Required | Lab Required | Credits Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | ✓ | X | 1 full or 2 half courses |
| Chemistry | ✓ | ✓ | 1.5 full or 3 half courses |
| Mathematics | ✓ | X | 1 full or 2 half courses |
| Physics | ✓ | ✓ | 1.5 full or 3 half courses |
GPA Statistics:
| Minimum Grade to Apply | Average Grade of Accepted Applicants | Lowest Grade Admitted |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
When calculating your GPA a simple average of all undergraduate degree courses will be taken. Your academic record will make up 60% of admission decisions. There are no exceptions or weighted GPA options for this university.
Standardized Testing:
CASPer Test: The Canadian Professional Health Sciences test (CSP-10201) and Snapshot must be taken between August – November in the year of application submission. The CASPer will make up 40% of admission decisions.
Interview Invite:
The faculty reserves the right to invite certain candidates to an in-person interview in French if deemed necessary. This decision will be based on the evaluation of the performance of these candidates on the CASPer exam. This interview can be eliminatory.