31111

Optometrists

TEER 1 — Usually require a university degree

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: Yes
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Health

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Definition

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, hospitals, clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, the optical industry, government and universities.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Examine patients' eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments to determine ocular health and visual efficiency
Prescribe and provide treatment (excluding surgery) to maintain, improve and correct vision and manage other ocular diseases and disorders
Prescribe, dispense and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses and other visual aids
Educate, counsel and advise patients on contact lens use and care, ocular hygiene, surgical and non-surgical options, and preventive care and maintenance related to occupation and lifestyle
Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular diseases or conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
Collaborate with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgeries such as laser vision correction
May prescribe from a limited list of medications
Conduct research and promote advancement in the visual sciences.
Optometrists may specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact lenses or correcting special vision problems.

Example job titles

•doctor of optometry (OD)
•optometrist

Overview

Optometrists in Canada are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 code 31111, which falls under TEER category 1. These highly skilled healthcare professionals are responsible for examining eyes, diagnosing ocular diseases and visual disorders, prescribing corrective lenses, and providing specialized treatments. Because of the ongoing demand for healthcare services across Canadian provinces, qualified optometrists can utilize several primary immigration pathways, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program under the Express Entry system, category-based Express Entry selection draws for healthcare occupations, and targeted Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

To practice optometry in Canada, candidates must meet strict educational and licensing requirements. This includes completing a three-year pre-optometry university program followed by a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree program. Internationally trained optometrists must undergo a rigorous credential assessment process and pass the national board examinations to obtain registration and licensing from the regulatory body of the specific province or territory where they intend to practice. Securing provincial licensing is critical, as it often significantly enhances an applicant's profile under various provincial immigration streams.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional immigration advice. For official and up-to-date guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration professional.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

Commonly confused codes

32100Opticians

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.