Optometrists
Occupation · NOC 2021 31111 · Canada
- NOC 2021 code
- 31111
- TEER
- 1
- Positions on positive LMIAs, all lists
- 12
- Median wage, Canada
- C$81,000 per year
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 279
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About this occupation
Optometrists examine eyes to assess and diagnose ocular diseases and disorders. They prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders. They work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, the optical industry, government and universities.
Example job titles
- doctor of optometry (OD)
- optometrist
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Examine patients' eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments to determine ocular health and visual efficiency
- Prescribe and provide treatment (excluding surgery) to maintain, improve and correct vision and manage other ocular diseases and disorders
- Prescribe, dispense and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses and other visual aids
- Educate, counsel and advise patients on contact lens use and care, ocular hygiene, surgical and non-surgical options, and preventive care and maintenance related to occupation and lifestyle
- Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular diseases or conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Collaborate with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgeries such as laser vision correction
- May prescribe from a limited list of medications
- Conduct research and promote advancement in the visual sciences.
- Optometrists may specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact lenses or correcting special vision problems.
Employment requirements
- Three years of university undergraduate studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program in sciences and a four- to five-year university program in optometry are required.
- Licensing by the provincial or territorial regulatory governing body is required.
Temporary foreign worker positions (LMIA)
Positions on positive LMIAs in ESDC employer lists, by year of the list.
Approved positions by year
Data table
| 2017 | 1 |
| 2018 | 1 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 |
- PEC Vision Ltd.2
- Shaun Waayenberg Professional Corporation2
- FYi Eye Care Services and Products Inc.2
- Dr. Amit Mathur Optometric Corporation1
- Penumbra Enterprises Ltd1
- IRIS, Le Groupe Visuel (1990) Inc.1
- TC Winslade OD Inc1
- Groupe Vision New Look inc1
- Dr. A.K Jeannotte & Dr. K.A Goods Optometric Corporation1
Permanent residence
Admissions of permanent residents by intended occupation and Express Entry invitations by occupation (IRCC).
New permanent residents by year
Data table
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2025 | 35 |
| 2026 | 15 |
- Federal Skilled Worker310
- Provincial Nominee Program75
- Canadian Experience Class5
Wages
Median wage by province and territory (2025 release). Hourly unless marked per year.
| Area | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | C$32,867 | C$81,000 | C$162,000 |
| Alberta | C$32,867 | C$84,000 | C$178,000 |
| British Columbia | C$37,929 | C$69,500 | C$145,000 |
| Manitoba | — | C$119,000 | — |
| Nova Scotia | — | C$85,000 | — |
| Ontario | C$37,561 | C$78,000 | C$156,000 |
| Quebec | C$33,109 | C$97,000 | C$178,000 |
| Saskatchewan | — | C$68,500 | — |
- Job Bank postings, Jan–Sep 2026
- 279
- Vacancies advertised
- 298
- Median advertised minimum hourly wage
- C$100.00
Official data, not advice. Visa Atlas publishes figures from government registers and statistics. It does not assess eligibility or give immigration advice; for advice, consult a regulated adviser. Read more