Ontario Guide to Registration 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 diploma notarized 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 may be accepted in Ontario as an alternative exam. However, all three parts must be taken and passed successfully after January 18, 2019. Passing the TMOD is required in Part 2. 

• Please contact the College for latest policy to the NBEO. 

After the registrar determines that you have met the registration requirements, they will issue you an inactive registration number.

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Complete Payment of Pro-Rated Registration Fee (variable) + Certificate Fee ($29.38)

Apply for an OE Tracker # from ARBO or call: 866-869-6852

(needed to keep track of CE hours)

Proof of Professional Liability Insurance*

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Issuance of Active College Registration Number and Eligible Practise Date (process: ~10 business days)

Pro Tip: OAO members get a graduate special offer of $50 flat rate for first year of PLI. You will need to apply for membership with the OAO once you have your inactive college number. Typical yearly PLI rates can range from $600-800 per year. 

Once you have been issued your College registration certificate and is active, you may begin to work as an optometrist in Ontario.

You will need to report any new practice locations within 14 days to the College. It is your duty to keep the college informed of changes to your practice locations.

You may apply for OHIP number ONLY after you have been issued a copy of your registration certificate AND you have determined your location of practice(s)

• Application for OHIP Billing Number for Health Professionals
• You can expect to receive your billing number in approximately 15 business days (4-5 weeks).
• Don’t worry! OHIP billing claims can be backdated up to 6 months, so start practising!

Medical Claims Electronic Data Transfer (MC EDT) 

• Guide to Registering for MC EDT
• You will need to have an MC EDT account to submit your billings after being issued your OHIP number. 

Group OHIP Billing Numbers

• If you are working at a practice that has a group OHIP billing account, you will need to authorize payment to the group billing number by completing an application.

Your provincial association is your voice in the profession! The OAO work to increase awareness and understanding of the role that Doctors of Optometry through education campaigns and provide you with tools to do so through social media campaigns and EyeSee EyeLearn. The OAO meets with the provincial government on your behalf to advocate for OHIP coverage, optometric billing codes and expanding scope of practice. Other membership perks include:

• Discounted CE opportunities, select free CE webinars
• TPA Drug App (guide to know what drugs are available in Ontario
• Special Group Discounts (ie. Goodlife, Health Benefits etc)
• Billing App (to assist you with any OHIP billing issues)
• Professional Liability Insurance special rates
  • $50 flat rate for first year graduates!

• You may join the OAO after getting inactive College number.

Complete OAO Online Application Form

The OAO offers phased in membership fees for new grads:

2020 New Grad Membership Dues:

• Year 1 10% ($281.50)
• Year 2 25% ($703.75)
• Year 3 50% ($1407.50)
• Year 4 75% ($2111.25)
• Year 5 and beyond ($2815.00)