Newfoundland & Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Newfoundland & Labrador College of Optometrists acts as the regulatory board responsible for registration.

Link: NLCO Applicants

Submit Application Form & Fee ($225), Statutory Declaration, notarized photo, notarized proof of CDN Citizenship

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Verification of Graduation from Optometry School

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Submit Two Character Reference Letters (not relatives)

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Submit a current Criminal Record Check (Royal Newfoundland
Constabulary, RCMP or other policing agency)

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Canadian Red Cross Level C CPR/AED Certification

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Submit OEBC Exam Results

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Complete the NLCO Jurisprudence Exam (open book, via email)

Once your application is approved by the board, you will need:

Proof of  professional liability insurance coverage at least $2 million

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.

Payment of annual registration fee, as required by the Board.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists represents your voice in optometry and advocates on your behalf, including scope changes and public education campaigns. You will also automatically be part of the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), enjoying member discount and perks in insurance, travelling, car rentals, liability insurance and much more!

Membership in the NLAO is mandatory to be a registered optometrist in NL.

Notification of membership in the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists must be received by the Registrar within 30 Days of the date the license is issued. Failure to receive such
notification will cause the license to be cancelled after 30 days.

Contact the NLAO to join:

Newfoundland & Labrador Association of Optometrists
PO Box 8042 St. John’s, NL A1B 3M7
Email: nlao@bellaliant.net

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

Provincial Health Coverage

There are no insured eye services in Newfoundland and Labrador at this time.