Alis – Helping Albertans make informed decisions about their careers, learning, and employment

Share

This website uses cookies to give you a better online experience. By using this website or closing this message, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. More information
Alberta
alis
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Guest Account Sign In Sign Up
Add this page to a custom guide
Optometrist: Certifications in Alberta - alis
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
Create a New Guide
Give your guide a nickname
Only you can see this nickname.
or cancel
Please complete the recaptcha and try again.
Choose a guide...

There was an error. Please try again.

This page is already listed in your guide. Please choose a different page to add.

Create New Guide What is an alis guide?
Alert

New service for Albertans! Connect with an alis career coach to get personalized advice and actionable next steps for your career, learning, or work. Book your career coach today.
OCC info
Certifications in Alberta
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
Call toll-free in Alberta: 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:

  • An approved doctor of optometry (O.D.) degree program within the last 3 years

  • The Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OEBC) Entry-to-Practice Exam

  • The ACO Jurisprudence Exam

  • Basic Life Support CPR certification

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

As a registered optometrist, you may then apply for advanced procedures designations if you wish to perform:

  • Laser procedures

  • Minor surgical procedures and injections

You can apply for 1 or both designations by completing:

  • The OEBC Laser & Minor Procedures Exam, if you graduated in 2025 or later

  • A certified training course and exam, if you graduated before 2025

  • A clinical supervision program

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.

Was this page useful?
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆