Optometrist
Excellent work-life balance, strong income, and consistent demand - a hidden gem of healthcare careers.
Optometrist Salary in Canada
Optometrists in Canada earn about $90,000 at entry level and around $200,000 in senior roles.
- Entry level: $90,000
- Senior level: $200,000
Practice owners often earn at the higher end. Urban vs rural practice also affects income significantly.
About the Career
Canada has only 2 schools of optometry - Job Bank rates prospects very good in most provinces.
Job Outlook
High Growth demand. Canada has only 2 schools of optometry - Job Bank rates prospects very good in most provinces.
How to Get There
- 3-4 yr undergrad (science) + 4-yr OD (Doctor of Optometry) program
- Time to career: 7-8 years post-Grade 12
Degrees That Lead Here
- Biology – mid to high 80s at most schools
- Health Sciences – 95%+ average plus strong supplemental - Canada's most competitive undergrad
Key Skills
- Vision Assessment
- Ocular Disease Detection
- Precision & Manual Skill
- Patient Education
- Practice Management
Typical Employers
- Private optometry practices
- Optical retail chains
- Hospitals & eye clinics
- Public health vision programs
High School Roadmap
- Take Biology. Research optometry vs ophthalmology. Visit your optometrist and ask about their path.
- Continue Biology and Chemistry. Shadow an optometrist if possible.
- Aim for 85%+. Research Waterloo's School of Optometry - Canada's top program and one of only two.
- Apply to science undergrad. Waterloo's optometry program accepts students from 3rd year of undergrad.
Insider Tips
- University of Waterloo and Université de Montréal are Canada's only two optometry schools.
- Waterloo's optometry program is world-renowned - it accepts students from 3rd year of an undergrad science degree.
- Optometrists can now prescribe certain medications in most Canadian provinces - the scope of practice is growing.