Optometry Schools in Canada

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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

Optometry Schools in Canada: 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 CourseRequiredLab RequiredCredits Required
English✓X1 half course
Introductory Ethics✓X1 half course
Introductory Psychology✓X1 half course
Introductory Biology✓✓1 full or 2 half courses
Introductory Microbiology✓X1 half course
Physiology (human or mammalian)✓X1 full or 2 half courses
Introductory Chemistry✓✓1 half course
Introductory Biochemistry✓X1 half course
Introductory Organic Chemistry✓X1 half course
Calculus✓X1 half course
Statistics✓X1 half course
Introductory Physics✓✓1 half course
For a list of equivalent courses click here

GPA Statistics:

Optometry Schools in Canada: Université de Montréal École d

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 CourseRequiredLab RequiredCredits Required
Biology✓X1 full or 2 half courses
Chemistry✓✓1.5 full or 3 half courses
Mathematics✓X1 full or 2 half courses
Physics✓✓1.5 full or 3 half courses
For a list of equivalent courses click here

GPA Statistics:

Minimum Grade to ApplyAverage Grade of Accepted ApplicantsLowest Grade Admitted
N/AN/AN/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.