This Site describes the CSAO and articulates the policies of CEO and administrative procedures for the CSAO. The Site is helpful in preparing for the CSAO and in applying for a license or certificate of registration to practice optometry in Canada.

It is imperative that you read and understand the contents of the Site before applying to take the CSAO. A signed application is an agreement to take the CSAO in accordance with the format, criteria, policies, and procedures of CEO and the CSAO.

Provincial regulators are not bound by CEO’s policies and procedures. To obtain specific information about practicing in a province in Canada, contact the regulator in the province(s) in which you intend to practise.

CEO continuously reviews its statements of understanding of optometric competence and the procedures used to assess competence. Accordingly, CEO reserves the right to alter the CSAO at any time prior to the administration of the CSAO. Appropriate notice of change is provided to applicants.

Preparing for the CSAO is quite different than studying for academic examinations. As the CSAO is a measure of professional abilities and competencies for practice, adding to and exercising one’s knowledge, skills, and judgement is the best preparation strategy. This can involve traditional study methods such as reading and reviewing textbooks, scientific papers, and other references relevant to the content of the CSAO. However, exercising one’s clinical skills and case management decision making processes are equally important.

Candidates are encouraged to compare their abilities and competencies to those identified by the architecture of the CSAO. CEO advises candidates to spend their preparation time concentrating on their weakest abilities and competencies.