Pathway To Canada For Pakistani Optometrist
To apply for a license as a Pakistani Optometrist in Canada, the primary degree required is your Bachelor of Optometry (BOptom) or Doctor of Optometry (OD) from a recognized university in Pakistan.
It must be from a university recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.
The duration of the program (e.g., 4 or 5 years) and its curriculum content are crucial during the assessment
Pathway for Internationally Trained Optometrists (including from Pakistan) in Canada:
Credential assessment by FORAC:
The Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC) evaluates international educational credentials to determine their equivalency to Canadian standards. This assessment is mandatory for those educated outside North America.
Internationally Graduated Optometrist Evaluating Examination (IGOEE)
Upon successful credential assessment, candidates are referred to the Internationally Graduated Optometrist Evaluating Examination (IGOEE), administered by Touchstone Institute. This exam assesses clinical knowledge and skills, ensuring readiness for practice in Canada.
Entry-to-practice examination
After passing the IGOEE: Two recognized examinations are:
A.Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OEBC) exam
B.National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam
Understanding the role of an optometrist.
Duties And Expertise Of Optometrists:
Optometrists are primary healthcare specialists responsible for examining, diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and disorders of the visual system. Their duties include:
1.Conducting comprehensive eye examinations.
2.Diagnosing vision conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
3.Prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses.
4.Detecting eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.
5.Providing pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgery.
6.Optometrists often collaborate with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic patient care.
Provisional Registration:
Provisional registration can be available for internationally trained optometrists, but it is typically granted after significant progress in the licensing process.
Important Note
Once you have successfully completed the FORAC assessment, IGOEE, and OEBC exam (and any required bridging programs), you can then apply to the specific provincial College of Optometrists where you wish to practice.
Provisional registration usually allows you to practice under supervision for a defined period, often while completing remaining requirements like the OEBC exam or a jurisprudence exam, or fulfilling specific clinical hours.
Applications for registration are valid for a maximum of two years (24 months) from the date the application is received by the College. The two-year application period automatically ends when you have successfully completed the requirements for registration.
The two-year timeline is provided only to give applicants adequate time to complete the registration requirements, not to allow successful applicants to delay the date they register. It is important to note that, regardless of the two-year application period, the Optometric Jurisprudence Examination must be successfully completed within 12 months of applying for registration.
Optometrist salary in Canada
Salaries for optometrists in Canada vary based on experience, location, and practice setting.The average annual salary is approximately $155,059, with entry-level positions starting at $84,754 and experienced professionals earning up to $180,000.
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