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Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Health and Social Services

Optometrist

Optometrists assess, diagnose, treat, and correct disorders and diseases of the human eye.

Contact

Alberta College of Optometrists (ACO)
#102, 8407 Argyll Road NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6C 4B2
Canada

Call: 780-466-5999
Toll-free: 1-800-668-2694
Fax: 780-466-5969
Website: collegeofoptometrists.ab.ca

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Health Professions Act [pdf], Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation [pdf], and Optometrists Profession Regulation [pdf], registration with the Alberta College of Optometrists (ACO) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations. This includes those who:

  • Meet identified competency requirements and provide professional services directly to the public
  • Teach the practice of the profession to members or students of the profession
  • Supervise registered members
  • Use the titles and initials: optometrists, O.D., or optometric contact lens practitioner

What You Need

To register as an optometrist in Alberta, you must successfully complete:

You must apply for registration within 3 years of completing all requirements.

Applicants who have been out of practice for a period of time also may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practice. The required academic training usually takes at least 7 years to complete.

For details about all registration requirements, contact the ACO or visit the ACO website.

Working in Alberta

Optometrists who are registered by and in good standing with a regulatory body elsewhere in Canada may be eligible for registration in Alberta.

For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the ACO website.

The certification information in this profile may change at any time and without notice. Before making any career decisions, we advise you to contact the regulatory organization or visit their website for the most updated information.

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