New Brunswick 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 New Brunswick.

The New Brunswick Association of Optometrists acts as both the regulatory college responsible for registration, as well as the provincial association representing its members.

Submit Application Fee $300 (includes jurisprudence fee) to receive Application Package

(Proof of Canadian Citizenship, Recent Photo, Forms)

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Submit 3 Confidential Assessment Forms (completed by eyecare professionals)

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Official Optometry and undergraduate transcripts

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Submit the RCMP Criminal Record Check

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Submit Original Exam Results from OEBC

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Complete NBAO Jurisprudence Exam

In order to prescribe therepeutic pharmaceutical agents, you must obtain a TPA license in New Brunswick, and complete a TPA application.  A $50.00 fee must accompany the application.

Proof of Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)

Tip: the CAO offers professional liability insurance (BMI) at $58 flat rate for first year grads! You need to have PLI before your first day of work.

Once you have gotten confirmation of meeting all requirements and paying annual registration fee ($1764.00 as of 2018) , you may begin to work in New Brunswick.

Provincial Coverage

Note: there is no provincial health coverage for vision care in NB.

Health Services Vision Program: eye exam and eyewear is provided to families with low income under the social development program by the province.