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Doctor, Eye Doctor
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
In general, optometrists:
Optometrists may also:
Optometrists work in a variety of settings. They may work in rural or urban areas. Many are self-employed and work in offices. Others work in shops. Some work evenings and weekends. Optometrists with established practices tend to stay at the same location throughout their careers.
They most often work with receptionists, ophthalmic assistants, and opticians. They spend most of their working hours in artificial lighting.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Optometrists
2023 OaSIS: 31111.00
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Optometrists need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 15 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Sep 16, 2022 and Nov 07, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Prescribe treatment to conserve, improve and correct vision and other ocular disorders | 15 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Examine patients' eyes, conduct tests and use specialized instruments to determine visual efficiency | 15 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Licensure by provincial or territorial authorities | 14 |
| Work Setting: Clinic | 13 |
| Tasks: Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons when ocular or other diseases are found | 10 |
| Attention to detail | 9 |
| Tasks: Advise on use and care of contact lenses | 9 |
| Work Setting: Private practice | 9 |
| Tasks: Prescribe and administer medications and treatments | 8 |
| Manual dexterity | 8 |
The minimum requirement for optometrists is a 4-year doctor of optometry (OD) degree. Many applicants for optometry programs have a 3- or 4-year bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree. Several universities and colleges in Alberta offer B.Sc. programs and courses that will satisfy entrance requirements to optometry programs.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
The optometry degree program is also offered in French at the University of Montreal in Quebec.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
Optometrists assess, diagnose, treat, and correct disorders and diseases of the human eye.
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:
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Optometrist.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
After graduation, an optometrist may:
If they have joined a practice, they may become a partner or owner. They may save enough funds to set up their own practice. Optometrists who continue their education can move into research or teaching roles. They may also work in vision science or the biomedical sciences.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Optometrists
2016 NOC: 3121
92.7% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Income levels for optometrists in partnerships or group practices increase every year after graduation. Income levels for those employed by others remain quite flat.
Alberta Association of Optometrists website: www.optometrists.ab.ca
Alberta College of Optometrists website: collegeofoptometrists.ab.ca
Canadian Association of Optometrists website: opto.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
