New Ontario Regulation Opens Doors for Foreign-Trained Graduates in Optometry
TORONTO, (September 17, 2012) – Ontarians will enjoy better access to eye health care as a new regulation came into effect on Sept. 14, 2012, allowing foreign-trained optometry graduates entry into the practice of optometry in Ontario. The regulation will allow foreign-trained individuals from recognized programs to seek entry into optometric practice in a fair and transparent process. This new regulation also meets the requirements of labour mobility, removing barriers to registration in Ontario for optometrists already registered to practise in other Canadian jurisdictions.
“This regulation is an important step to breaking down the barriers to practice for foreign-trained graduates and clarifies the College’s authority to recognize these individuals. It will ensure that all Ontarians will continue to have access to high quality optometric services,” says Paula Garshowitz, Registrar at the College of Optometrists of Ontario. The College continues to work closely with the Office of the Fairness Commissioner of Ontario to ensure openness, transparency, fairness and impartiality throughout the registration process.
The regulation, which is the culmination of the efforts of the College, the Office of the Fairness Commissioner, the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care and the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, recognizes the training of highly skilled immigrants and provides Ontarians with expanded health human resource options necessary for good eye health. With the new regulation in place, the College is ready to begin the assessment process. Information regarding the new process can be found on the College website at: www.collegeoptom.on.ca.
Ontario’s more than 2,000 optometrists are regulated by the College of Optometrists of Ontario. Optometrists are eye care professionals that must meet strict educational requirements to achieve and maintain registration in Ontario.
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For more information, contact:
Paula Garshowitz, Registrar
College of Optometrists of Ontario
Tel: 416.962.4071