Practicing in Newfoundland and Labrador
Become a member of the College
In order to practice optometry in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is mandatory to be a Regulated Member of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Optometrists (NLCO). The following list summarizes the registration and licensure requirements for the various categories of applicants. If you are not sure of your application category, please contact the NLCO Registrar at info@nlco.ca.
Applications can be obtained by e-mailing the office of the Registrar
Applicants graduated from an approved optometry school in the US or Canada or Existing Practitioner from Another Province in Canada
Contact the college for an Application and Checklist.
New Graduate from a Non-Accredited School of Optometry
Graduates of non-accredited Schools of Optometry (outside of North America) are required to successfully complete a credentialing process at FORAC and successfully complete the International Optometric Bridging Program (IOBP) at the University of Waterloo before being allowed to challenge the OEBC exam. Please visit the FORAC website at www.FORAC-FAROC.ca and the IOBP web-site www.optometry.uwaterloo.ca/iobp for application and course information.
Optometry Student Registration
An extern is defined as an unregulated student of an accredited university optometry program, an unregulated student of a non-accredited optometry program; or, an unregulated graduate of a non-accredited optometry program who is currently enrolled in the International Optometric Bridging Program. All students must work under the supervision of a Regulated Member.
An Extern Application Form must be completed and signed by the supervising optometrist, a representative of the student’s School of Optometry or a representative of the International Optometric Bridging Program. The Newfoundland and Labrador College of Optometrists also requires that the supervising optometrist either add the student extern to their liability insurance coverage or obtain a copy of the School of Optometry’s global insurance coverage for students which specifies the coverage for students under their program. The extern student should also be clearly identified to the public and other staff (e.g. via a name tag).
The Optometry Act 2012 states that a student who is enrolled in a program of optometry approved by the Council may perform the restricted activities specified in the regulation. The supervising optometrist would be required to meet the following conditions:
- Must be a regulated member practicing full time in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Must provide direct on-site supervision during examination procedures.
- Must review and verify as required all examination results and alter, if required, all recommended treatment procedures.
- Sign the examination record and prescription form prior to the patient leaving the office.
- Maintain liability insurance in the minimum amount of $2 million.
All Externship Programs must be approved by the Registrar, Newfoundland and Labrador College of Optometrists. The term of the extern program must be clearly listed on the Extern Application Form and any change to the term of the Externship Program must also be approved by the Registrar.