Explore unit group

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Optometrists perform 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 treatment (excluding surgery) to maintain, improve and correct vision and manage other ocular disorders
  • Prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses
  • Educate and advise patients on contact lens use and care, ocular hygiene, preventive care and maintenance, lighting arrangements, working distances and other safety factors
  • Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular or other diseases or conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

  Optometrists may specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact lenses or correcting special vision problems.

• Three years of university undergraduate studies in mathematics and sciences and A four-year university program in optometry are required.
• Licensing by the provincial or territorial regulatory governing body is required.

• Ocularists (in 3219 Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health))
• Ophthalmologists (in 3111 Specialist physicians)
• Opticians (3231)
• Orthoptists (in 3125 Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating)