In Canada, the practice of optometry is conducted by optometrists and includes the assessment and care of people, the enhancement of their vision, the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions of their eyes and vision system, and the detection of related systemic conditions. Optometry is an autonomous health care profession providing a range of eye-related health services. Optometrists practice in a variety of public and private settings, and work cooperatively with other disciplines and health professions.

Optometrists in Canada are regulated by province or territory. In the provinces, optometrists govern themselves corporately by way of an incorporated provincial regulatory bodies directed by a Board or Council. These Boards or Councils are composed, at least in part, of individuals elected by the members of the profession in the province, and in some provinces include members of the public appointed by the government. Through these same regulatory bodies, optometrists are individually accountable to the public that they serve and to their colleagues.

Holding a license or certificate of registration to practice in a province or territory is required before commencing practice. Each province or territory establishes the criteria for issuing a license or certificate of registration. Among other requirements, Regulators require qualified individuals to demonstrate their competence in the profession before being granted a license or certificate of registration to practice. Passing the CSAO is accepted as a valid indication of an individual’s competence to practice the profession.

Optometrists are required to adhere to minimum statutory and legal requirements for practice in the provincial or territorial jurisdiction in which they practice.

Optometrists individually and collegially strive to maintain and enhance their competence and quality of practice. These efforts are made in order to improve the clinical outcomes for patients.

Principles of Practice

Optometrists in Canada practise in accordance with fundamental principles. These principles are relied upon to instruct appropriate practice conduct. The principles that the profession of optometry in Canada claims include the following.

• Optometrists practise based on expert and current knowledge of and skills and judgment in the life, health and clinical sciences.
• Optometrists practise ethically.
• Optometrists practise in consideration of the individual rights, interests, and consent of their patients.
• Optometrists practise to achieve appropriate outcomes in the interest of individual patients.
• Optometrists maintain fiduciary relationships with their patients.
• Optometrists maintain the confidence and privacy of patients.
• Optometrists are accountable to their patients individually.
• Optometrists are accountable to their colleagues corporately.