Optometry

If you have recently graduated from a Recognized School of Optometry and wish to apply for licensure to practise optometry in British Columbia, you are required to successfully complete the application process summarized below.

• Open the Applicant Portal and sign up by entering your e-mail address. Once you have logged in, select the appropriate licence class. Please complete the online Form 7: Registration Application (PDF), pay the application assessment fee, and send the following to registration@chcpbc.org:
  • Copies of two pieces of notarized government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, healthcare card)
  • Authorization for a criminal record check (for applicants who have resided in another jurisdiction, an authorization for a criminal record check in that jurisdiction or a criminal record report in a form satisfactory to the registrar)
  • Proof of professional liability insurance in an amount of at least $2,000,000 per claim or occurrence
    (Insurance coverage must be continuous, i.e., without interruption for the duration of licensure.)
• Arrange for your academic transcript (graduate), to be sent directly to the College at registration@chcpbc.org.
• Provide a copy of the OEBC Exam Pass Letter confirming successful completion of both the written exam and the OSCE.
• Arrange for a completed Certificate of Standing (PDF) or a Letter of Good Standing to be sent directly to CHCPBC at registration@chcpbc.org from each regulatory body that has previously registered, licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized you to practise optometry or another health profession. The letter must be dated within 60 days of your licence number being issued by CHCPBC.

If you are an internationally trained optometrist who has graduated from a school other than one listed as a Recognized School of Optometry, you are required to successfully complete the credential assessment by the Federation of Optometry Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC). You may contact FORAC directly by calling (647-746-2050) or email credentialing@forac-faroc.ca. Upon completion of the credential assessment by FORAC, you will be required to complete the application process summarized below.

• Open the Applicant Portal and sign up by entering your e-mail address. Once you have logged in, select the appropriate licence class.  Please complete the online Form 7: Registration Application (PDF), pay the application assessment fee, and send the following to the College at registration@chcpbc.org:
  • Copies of two pieces of notarized government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, healthcare card)
  • Authorization for a criminal record check (for applicants who have resided in another jurisdiction, an authorization for a criminal record check in that jurisdiction or a criminal record report in a form satisfactory to the registrar)
  • Proof of professional liability insurance in an amount of at least $2,000,000 per claim or occurrence
    (Insurance coverage must be continuous, i.e., without interruption for the duration of licensure.)
• Arrange for your academic transcript (graduate), to be sent directly to the College at registration@chcpbc.org.
• Arrange for a completed Certificate of Standing (PDF) or a Letter of Good Standing to be sent directly to CHCPBC at registration@chcpbc.org from each regulatory body that has previously registered, licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized you to practise optometry or another health profession. The letter must be dated within 60 days of your licence number being issued by CHCPBC.
• Arrange for your academic transcript (graduate), to be sent directly to the College at registration@chcpbc.org.
• Arrange for a letter from FORAC confirming your successful completion of the credential assessment.
• Provide a copy of the OEBC Exam Pass Letter confirming successful completion of both the written exam and the OSCE.

If you are currently licensed to practise optometry in another jurisdiction and have graduated from a Recognized School of Optometry, you are required to successfully complete the application process summarized below.

• Open the Applicant Portal and sign up by entering your e-mail address. Once you have logged in, select the appropriate licence class.  Please complete the online Form 7: Registration Application (PDF), pay the application assessment fee, and send the following to the College at registration@chcpbc.org:
  • Copies of two pieces of notarized government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, healthcare card)
  • Authorization for a criminal record check (for applicants who have resided in another jurisdiction, an authorization for a criminal record check in that jurisdiction or a criminal record report in a form satisfactory to the registrar)
  • Proof of professional liability insurance in an amount of at least $2,000,000 per claim or occurrence
    (Insurance coverage must be continuous, i.e., without interruption for the duration of licensure.)
• Arrange for your academic transcript (graduate), to be sent directly to the College at registration@chcpbc.org.
• Arrange for a completed Certificate of Standing (PDF) or a Letter of Good Standing to be sent directly to CHCPBC at registration@chcpbc.org from each regulatory body that has previously registered, licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized you to practise optometry or another health profession. The letter must be dated within 60 days of your licence number being issued by CHCPBC.
• Arrange for your academic transcript (graduate), to be sent directly to the College at registration@chcpbc.org.
• Provide a copy of the OEBC Exam Pass Letter confirming successful completion of both the written exam and the OSCE.

CHCPBC Fee schedule

Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OEBC)

Canada

The Criminal Records Review Act (the “CRRA”) imposes an obligation on the College to ensure that every licensee consents to a criminal record check in accordance with Part 4 of the CRRA. Section 15(1)(a) of the CRRA imposes a duty on the licensee to undergo a criminal record check at least once every five years.

To complete a criminal record check online, send your request to the College through the Contact Us form.

The College will either send you an email invitation or provide you a secure link with an access code that will direct you to the online criminal record check application.

For more details please visit the BC Government page: Criminal Records Review Program – Applicants.

United States

Contact the College to receive a secure link to Sterling BackCheck to initiate a criminal record check online.

International

Arrange for your international criminal record check to be sent directly to the College. If the criminal record check is sent directly to you, you must forward the document to the College in its original sealed envelope. Opened or unsealed envelopes will not be accepted.

Applicant FAQ (PDF)

See Regulatory Policies for a list of CHCPBC’s licensure policies under the Health Professions and Occupations Act.