Indian Optometrist Seeking Advice on Practicing in Canada: Navigating FORAC and Waterloo's Bridging Program

[BuddingOptometrist]

Hello everyone,

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Optometry from India and have been practicing for the past three years. I've recently obtained Permanent Canadian Residency and am planning to move to Canada soon.

I'm reaching out to seek guidance from fellow optometrists who have transitioned from practicing in India to becoming licensed in Canada. Specifically, I'd like to learn about your experiences with the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC), the credential assessment process, the bridging program at the University of Waterloo, and the licensing examinations.

From my research, I understand that FORAC is the first step toward practicing optometry in Canada for internationally educated optometrists. However, I've heard that applicants from India often face challenges during the credential assessment. In India, we can enroll directly into a Bachelor's of Optometry program after high school (Grade 12), whereas in Canada, students typically complete a Bachelor of Science before pursuing a Doctor of Optometry degree, totalling about 7-8 years of education.

Given this difference, I'm concerned that FORAC might not recognize my qualifications, despite having a four-year degree and three years of full-time professional experience. I'm eager to know:

• Has anyone from India successfully navigated this process and had their credentials recognized by FORAC?
• What steps did you take to meet the requirements and become eligible for the Internationally Graduated Optometrist Evaluating Examination (IGOEE)?
• Are there any alternative pathways or additional courses that can help bridge the educational gap?

Any insights, advice, or shared experiences would be incredibly helpful. Thank you in advance for your support!

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[Optogal]

I don't think you can get any really good answers here. I know that the bridging process into Canadian optometry has undergone many changes in the last 15 years.

I *believe* that if you do bridge into optometry in Canada, the current pathway will require you to attend the last 2 years of optometry school at Waterloo (so you "bridge" into the 4-year optometry program at Waterloo as a 3rd year student), and you graduate with an OD degree conferred to you. My understanding is that there are very few spots available every year for this and the selection is very competitive.

 

[BuddingOptometrist]

I don't think you can get any really good answers here. I know that the bridging process into Canadian optometry has undergone many changes in the last 15 years.

I *believe* that if you do bridge into optometry in Canada, the current pathway will require you to attend the last 2 years of optometry school at Waterloo (so you "bridge" into the 4-year optometry program at Waterloo as a 3rd year student), and you graduate with an OD degree conferred to you. My understanding is that there are very few spots available every year for this and the selection is very competitive.

Thank you so much for your helpful response! I really appreciate it. I’m aware of the University of Waterloo bridging program, but my main concern is the uncertainty around FORAC's credential assessment. If you have any insights or tips on that part of the process, I'd love to hear them.

 

[Optogal]

Thank you so much for your helpful response! I really appreciate it. I’m aware of the University of Waterloo bridging program, but my main concern is the uncertainty around FORAC's credential assessment. If you have any insights or tips on that part of the process, I'd love to hear them.

I don't know anything about it.