PEI Guide 2020

Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming an OD in Canada.

Only graduates from an ACOE-accredited school* are recognized for registration. If you studied in Canada and USA, chances are your school is accredited. 

 

For international applicants (including UK, Australia), please consult FORAC for the latest requirements.  International applicants may require further education. 

Make sure you have a copy of your university transcript and ready to submit.

* As of 2020, the only schools that have not received full accreditation are Chicago College of Optometry and Kentucky College of Optometry (Preliminary Approval). Their status may change in the future. 

The OEBC Written Exam and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is recognized by all 10 provinces for registration.

The OSCE is an objective assessment that has been widely adopted by health profession examining boards across the country and its aim is to provide a fair and standardized experience for all candidates. It includes 12 stations, where the candidate has two minutes to read a case and eight minutes to interact with a standardized patient (SP). 

Application Process:

• Total cost is $5100 for both written and OSCE. 
• Spring 2020 examination has been delayed due to the pandemic. Registration opens June 25 2020 for Fall 2020 exam.  Please check the OEBC website for the latest updates

• Option 1: Complete the OEBC Written Exam in the Fall Session of 4th year and challenge the OSCE practicals in Spring Session after 4th year
• Option 2: Complete the OEBC Written Exam AND OSCE practicals both in the Spring Session after 4th year

The NBEO Exam

• The NBEO is NOT accepted in PEI. 

The PEI College of Optometrists (PEICO) is the regulatory board responsible for registration.

Submit New Grad Application and Application Fee $200 with recent photo

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Submit 3 Confidential Assessment Forms (assessors of your choice)

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Original Optometry and undergraduate transcripts (Sent directly by the universities)

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Submit the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) Criminal Record Synopsis (dated within 6 months)

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Submit valid CPR certificate

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Submit Original Exam Results from OEBC

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Acquire Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)*

(at least $2 million liability insurance per practitioner per occurrence)

Tip: the CAO offers professional liability insurance (BMI) at $58 flat rate for first year grads! 

Once all documents are received and approved, proceed to the next steps:

Arrange to write the Jurisprudence Exam ($100 fee)

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Pay Pro-rated Registration Fee ($1100, yearly)

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Receive Registration License

(assume a 2-4 week process to complete entire after all steps fulfilled)

Important Contacts for Application

• email at info@pe.doctorsofoptometry.ca for details

Once you have been issued your College registration license, you may begin to work as an optometrist in PEI.

Provincial Health Coverage

There is limited coverage available for eye visits in PEI:

1. kindergarten eye exam + free pair if needed (EyeSeeEyeLearn)
2. red eye and dry eye visits (treatments extra)
3. diabetics (type 1 annual, type 2 bi-annual), refraction services require co-pay

The PEI Association of Optometrists is the provincial association that represents your voice in optometry and advocates on your behalf, including scope changes and public education campaigns.

• You will also have access to the EyeSeeEyeLearn program.
• You will also become a member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), receiving member benefits in discounts and perks for insurance, travelling, and PLI.

Contact the PEIAO to join