For September 2012 Entry to the Optometry Program:
The on-line OUAC application for September 2012 admission was September 26. Applications are no longer available.
Applications for September 2013 admission will be available on July 03, 2012.
Accredited, professional, 4-year Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree
The University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry offers an accredited, professional, 4 year Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. The School is the only provider of English language instruction of optometry in Canada (the only French language school is the École d'Optométrie at the Université de Montréal).
These pages provide:
- general information about the profession of optometry
- general information about our program
- detailed information about the admission process
For additional help, please first review all the pages of the Prospective Optometry Student site. If you still have questions, contact the appropriate resource from our contact page Need some answers? We’re here to help!
Looking to become an optometrist?
- Optometry as a career:
- What does an optometrist do?
- What is the daily routine of an optometrist?
- Where do optometrists work?
Before our program: information for high school students
The process starts in high school; choosing high school courses and then choosing a university for your optometry prerequisite courses.
About our program
After completing the prerequisites, the next stage to becoming a licensed optometrist is to obtain a Doctor of Optometry degree.
After our program
Upon graduation from our OD program, candidates are ready to write the certification exams and begin their career practicing optometry.
- After our program: Licensing and jurisprudence exams, finding a place to practice, residencies, and post-graduate options
Admission requirements
The OD program is a second-entry program meaning entrants require a number of university courses prior to entry. There are also non-academic requirements that must be met.
- Optometry Admissions Test (OAT), Citizenship, English Language Requirements, Non-academic Application Sections, Interview
- Selection criteria
- Profile of past first-year students
- Factors not considered by the admissions committee
- Application Fee, Tuition Fees & Supplies, Housing, Meals, and Other Costs, Financial Aid & Student Awards
The application process
With the academic and non-academic requirements in hand, the prospective optometry student will start by applying to the program on-line the year before you wish to enter. You will then be emailed an Application for Admission to the School of Optometry. Submit the Application and all material directly to the School by the deadlines.
The optometry program begins in September of every year. Start the application process the year before you wish to attend. We encourage you to apply early.
