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Registration

International Graduates

To help international graduates meet the academic equivalency requirement for registration, the College of Optometrists with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry developed the International Optometric Bridging Program. The program includes a comprehensive assessment process to identify qualified candidates for Bridging One, an eight-week orientation program, or Bridging Two, a 48-week structured academic and practical program.

The College has submitted a proposed Registration Regulation to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). The draft includes a provision that allows internationally educated optometrists who have completed a bridging program in Ontario to be eligible for registration. College recognition of optometrists who have been educated in another jurisdiction and whose knowledge, training, skill and judgment are equivalent to a graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, is in the best interest of the public of Ontario. Unfortunately, until the proposed Registration Regulation takes effect, the College cannot recognize the academic qualifications of internationally educated optometrists who require bridging in Ontario. Related to this, the Council believes that in order to meet the educational requirement for registration, an applicant must have a degree in optometry.

The Council has decided that an applicant who does not have a degree in optometry will still be eligible for registration in Ontario upon successful completion of the IOBP Bridging One or IOBP Bridging Two as long as their application was completed, submitted and accepted by the IOBP prior to June 15, 2011. An internationally educated applicant who does have a degree in optometry will still be eligible for registration in Ontario upon successful completion of the IOBP Bridging One or IOBP Bridging Two as long as their application was completed, submitted and accepted by the IOBP prior to September 1, 2011. For more information, please contact Ms. Hanan K. Jibry, Director, Office and Membership Services.