Saskatchewan 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. 

 

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* 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

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• 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

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The NBEO Exam

The NBEO is NOT accepted in Saskatchewan for registration. 

The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO) has a dual function. It acts as BOTH the college/regulatory board responsible for registration, as well as the association representing optometrists.

 

Link: SAO Licensing Application Package

 Submit the “Application for Licence to Practice Optometry”, “Candidate for Licensure Application”, “Jurisprudence Identity Confirmation”, Notarized Appendix A (Application of Professional Certificate) and $500.00 Registration/Jurisprudence Exam Fee with notarized documents (application, copy of government photo ID/passport), 2 Testimonials of Good Character and Conduct

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Submit Official University Transcripts

(submit undergrad transcript, current transcript (if in school), then submit final transcript of OD designation when obtained)

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Confirm attendance at the SAO Jurisprudence Exam and Orientation (2020 postponed)

(closed book, MCQ exam, 1 hour)

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Submit Vulnerable Sector Check (dated within 60 days from application)

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Proof of CPR certification- minimum of Level B

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Submit Notorized Appendix A affivafit & Notarized Appendix B (Application for License)

Submit OEBC Board Exam Transcript

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Payment of Pro-Rated License/CAO Fees

Proof of Professional Liability Insurance ($2 million liability insurance per practitioner per occurrence)

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Issuance of College Registration Certificate 

SAO full license fees for 2019 is $3,195:

Note: there is only one collective membership fee (college/association/CAO/public ad campaign) in SK.

Once you have been issued your registration certificate, you may begin to work as an optometrist in Saskatchewan!

After obtaining your license, the SAO will notify the SK Ministry of Health on your behalf.

The Ministry will then contact you for paperwork to issue you a billing number.

Don’t worry!  SK Health Billing claims can be backdated, as your temporary number may not be active right away.

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First Nations & Inuit Health’s Non-Insured Health Benefit Program (NIHB)

You may encounter a large indigenous population in Saskatchewan. Examination and glasses/contacts may be covered by the Federal government, under the First Nations & Inuit Health’s Non-Insured Health Benefit Program (NIHB), To learn more about getting started, click here.

Provider Application