Program Overview

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Introduction to the Doctor of Optometry Program

The Doctor of Optometry (OD) program at the University of Waterloo is a second-entry program that requires applicants to complete a set of university-level courses prior to entry. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to become competent optometrists.

Academic Requirements

To be eligible for admission consideration, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:

• Complete three or more years of undergraduate-level science studies.
• Have a minimum overall university average of 75.0% at the time of application.
• Have successfully completed all prerequisite courses at the university level.
• Have successfully completed a minimum of six terms with a full course load.

Prerequisite Courses

The prerequisite courses for the Doctor of Optometry program include:

• English: 1 course
• Introductory Ethics: 1 course
• Introductory Psychology: 1 course
• Introductory Biology with Lab: 2 courses + 1 lab
• Introductory Microbiology: 1 course
• Physiology (Human or Mammalian): 2 courses
• Introductory Chemistry with Lab: 1 course + 1 lab
• Introductory Biochemistry: 1 course
• Introductory Organic Chemistry: 1 course
• Introductory Physics with Lab: 2 courses + 2 labs
• Calculus: 1 course
• Statistics: 1 course

Non-Academic Requirements

In addition to the academic requirements, applicants must also meet the following non-academic requirements:

• Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)
• CASPer Test
• Additional Required Forms
• Confidential reference forms
• Citizenship
• English language requirements
• Job shadowing, work, and volunteer experience
• Interview

Optometry Admissions Test (OAT)

The OAT is a standardized test administered independently by the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). The test consists of four parts: a survey of the natural sciences, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and physics.

CASPer Test

The CASPer test is an online test that assesses non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics. The test consists of 12 sections of video and written scenarios, and applicants are required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract.

Additional Required Forms

The additional required forms consist of short questions that help the admissions committee learn more about the applicant. The forms include:

• Declaration of Academic Experience form
• Doctor of Optometry (OD) Pre-requisite Courses form
• Doctor of Optometry (OD) Experiences form
• References Contact Form

Confidential Reference Forms

Two confidential reference forms are required for admissions consideration. The first reference should be from an optometrist, and the second reference can be from an employer, additional optometrist, supervisor, professor, coach, or minister.

Citizenship

Applicants must be Canadian citizens or legal residents of Canada for a minimum of 12 months prior to the first day of registration.

English Language Requirements

If an applicant's first language is not English, they must provide a passing score from an acceptable test of English proficiency.

Job Shadowing, Work, and Volunteer Experience

The admissions committee considers an applicant's experiences within and outside the field of optometry since leaving high school. A minimum of 8 hours of job shadowing with an optometrist is required.

Interview

Selected applicants will be invited to participate in an interview. The interview is an opportunity for the admissions committee to assess the applicant's communication skills, motivation, and fit with the program.

Indigenous Admissions Pathway

The University of Waterloo offers an Indigenous Admissions Pathway for Indigenous applicants. The pathway includes:

• Admission fees waived
• Consideration of applicants with a cumulative average between 70.0% and 74.9%
• Completion of all prerequisite courses
• Minimum one reference required
• No experience required, but a brief motivational statement is required

Post-Admission Requirements

Admitted students must meet additional conditions prior to starting the program, including:

• Criminal Record - Vulnerable Sector Check
• Proof of immunizations required to participate in clinic activities
• Providing official transcripts by mid-June of the year of entry
• Completing outstanding required courses by the end of the winter term in the year of entry

Deferred Offers of Admission and Transfers

The University of Waterloo's School of Optometry and Vision Science does not defer offers of admission or accept transfers from other schools of optometry.