Applying for Registration

Only registered members of the MAO may practise Optometry in Manitoba. The Optometry Act and Regulation (Manitoba) enunciate the qualifications for applicants for registration.

Requirements:

Section 4(1) of the Optometry Regulation stipulates the following:

  1. the applicant must have successfully completed an optometric education program from a designated educational institution;
    • Currently, the Manitoba Association of Optometrists accepts degrees awarded by optometry programs accredited by the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (see Accredited Optometry Programs).
  2. the applicant must have passed any examinations set or approved by the board at the time of application
    • Currently, all applicants must pass the Canadian Standard Assessment of Optometry (CSAO) administered by the Canadian Examiners in Optometry (CEO) as well as an examination on Manitoba Jurisprudence. The Board may accept another Canadian regulatory body's provincial board examination in respect of applicants who were registered prior to the CSAO requirement and who have maintained their practice in good standing.
  3. the applicant must not suffer from a physical or mental condition, disorder, or addiction to alcohol or drugs that makes it desirable in the public interest that he or she not practise optometry;
  4. if the applicant's first language is not English or French, the applicant must be able to demonstrate, in accordance with policies set by the board, appropriate skills in oral and written English or French with reasonable fluency.

Procedure:

Upon request to the MAO Office, you will receive an application for practice in Manitoba. Note that this form must be accompanied by:

  • a recent notarized photograph certifying proof of identity and current legal name;
  • original mark transcripts certifying your graduation from an approved Optometry program, as well as any degree program you intend to include with your signature as an Optometrist (eg. BSc);
  • evidence of good standing in every other jurisdiction in which you are, or have been, registered during the previous seven years;
  • the application and examination fees ($400 as of April 2010).

You must also apply to write the CSAO examination directly to:
Canadian Examiners in Optometry
6085 Main Street, Stouffville, Ontario L4A 3R4
phone: (905) 642-8035
fax: (905) 642-8037

The CSAO is held in May/June of each year at the University of Montreal (French) and University of Waterloo (English). A fall sitting is also scheduled in October at the University of Waterloo. Exact dates are available from the CEO (www.ceo-eco.org). The Manitoba Jurisprudence examination may be written in conjunction with either of these examination sittings.

Next Steps:

Contact the MAO Office (204-943-9811 or mao@optometrists.mb.ca) to request an application information package, or if you have any additional questions.

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