Program Overview

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Doctor of Optometry (OD) Program

The Doctor of Optometry (OD) program at the University of Waterloo is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in optometry, preparing them for a successful career in the field.

About the Program

The program is committed to providing students with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of optometry, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.

Admission Criteria

The Admissions Committee uses a holistic approach to evaluate applicants, considering both academic and non-academic requirements. The selection criteria include:

• Evidence of ability to handle a course load of five courses (plus labs) per term, throughout their undergraduate education.
• Service to the community and university, work experience, and interpersonal skills.
• In the interview, consideration is given to knowledge of the profession, motivation toward a career in optometry, ability to think clearly and logically, poise, self-confidence, warmth, and verbal expression of ideas.
• Job shadowing with an optometrist (observing eye exams), to ensure a strong understanding of the profession of Optometry. Time spent volunteering or working at an optometrist's office will be considered, with a minimum of 8 hours required, but most applicants have many more hours.
• Proof of academic ability and achievement as well as personal qualities, leadership, integrity, resiliency, motivation, initiative, social awareness, well-rounded background, personality, and the ability to work with others.

Profile of Past First-Year Students

The profile of past first-year students includes:

• Total applicants: 250 (2019), 245 (2020), 295 (2021), 295 (2022), 269 (2023), 267 (2024)
• First-year class size: 90 (2019), 90 (2020), 90 (2021), 91 (2022), 89 (2023), 91 (2024)
• Overall average: 88 (2019), 86 (2020), 87 (2021), 87 (2022), 89 (2023), 88 (2024)
• Range: 79-95 (2019), 80-95 (2020), 79-96 (2021), 80-98 (2022), 80-96 (2023), 78-95 (2024)
• Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Scores:
  • Average: 381 (2019), 380 (2020), 383 (2021), 384 (2022), 386 (2023), 366 (2024)

Selection Process

The selection process involves an initial review of applications, followed by an interview for selected applicants. The Admissions Committee reserves the right to deny admission to an already admitted student if their academic performance falls below acceptable standards.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit their application, including all required documents, by the specified deadline. The application requirements include:

• Registering for the CASPER test
• Activating your Quest account
• Notifying your referees
• Completing the Admission Information Form
• English language requirements
• Submitting transcripts
• Communication and checking your document status
• Interview selection and decision timelines

Financial Considerations

All offers of admission are conditional upon successful completion of the current academic year and requirements. Students admitted must maintain their level of academic performance.

Research Areas

The University of Waterloo is committed to research and provides opportunities for students to engage in research projects. The research areas include:

• Centres and groups
• Research seminars

Residencies

The University of Waterloo offers various residency programs, including:

• Dr. Gina Sorbara Cornea and Contact Lens Residency
• Ocular Disease Residency: Emphasis on Glaucoma
• Vision Rehabilitation Residency: Emphasis on Low Vision Rehabilitation
• Affiliate Residency Program - Pediatric Optometry Residency: Emphasis on Vision Therapy and Vision Rehabilitation
• Residency FAQs

Optometry Clerkship Program

The Optometry Clerkship Program provides students with hands-on experience in a clinical setting, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world environment.

Student Associations

The University of Waterloo has various student associations, including:

• American Optometric Student Association
• Canadian Association of Optometry Students
• University of Waterloo Optometry Student Society
• Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity

Continuing Education

The University of Waterloo offers continuing education opportunities for optometrists, allowing them to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

Alumni and Friends

The University of Waterloo has a strong alumni network, with various events and activities for alumni and friends, including:

• Class reunions
• Seeing beyond 20/20
• Ways to give
• WEI and the Profession
• Seeing Beyond 20/20 news
• Alumni Awards of Honour
• Class champions
• Alumni & Donor Spotlights
• Bobier, Woodruff and Larkworthy lectures

Patients

The University of Waterloo Optometry Clinic provides eye care services to patients, with a team of experienced optometrists and state-of-the-art equipment. The clinic has moved to a new location at 419 Phillip St., Unit C, and will be open until late 2026 while the Waterloo Eye Institute is under construction. The downtown Kitchener location (Health Sciences Optometry Clinic) remains open with no change to service.