Optometrist
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Optometrists examine eyes to assess and diagnose ocular diseases and disorders. They prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders. They work in private practice, clinics and community health centres. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis (includes video) - Alberta-based occupational information
- Sokanu: Optometrist - career information and videos
- Role of an Optometrist - Canadian Association of Optometrists
- A Day in the Life of an Optometrist - The Princeton Review
- Interview: Optometrist at a family practice and laser eye institute - StudyinCanada.com
Education
The University of Manitoba does not offer training in Optometry, but students may complete their required undergraduate study at the university before applying to an accredited program out of province. View the links below for a list of Canadian and U.S. schools.
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Exploring Optometry Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis: Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - U.S. job outlook
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO)
- Manitoba Association of Optometrists
- American Optometric Association
- American Academy of Optometry
- World Council of Optometry
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- University of Manitoba Undergraduate Leaders in Healthcare - campus student group
- Canadian Association of Optometry Students
- Is the career of Optometry for you? - OptometryStudents.com
- Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) information - from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
- Optometry & Vision Science - journal from the AAO
- Optometry Examining Board of Canada - National Competency Profile
- Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity
- Health Data & Reports - Canadian Centre for Health Information
- Health Care Career Guide - from TalentEgg.ca