Assessing International Qualifications-Optometry Paula Garshowitz, OD, Registrar College of Optometrists of Ontario

Optometric Education in Canada Two Canadian schools of Optometry Canadians also study in U.S.A. and U.K. 22 accredited schools in U.S.A. For the purposes of registration in Ontario, graduates trained in U.S.A. are not considered international graduates

Optometric Practice Around the World In other countries optometry may: –Have a different scope of practice –Be called something else –May not exist Is the applicant an optometrist or a member of a different profession?

Percentage Registered in Ontario in 2014

Registration of Internationally Trained Optometrists Advanced standing program at Waterloo- 1980s Credential Assessment-AQUA-2001 International Optometric Bridging Program (I0BP)-2005

International Optometric Bridging Program(IOBP) Credential assessment Prior Learning Assessment –Written –Clinical Bridging education (now) –Bridging 1 began as 4 weeks (now 14) –Bridging 248 weeks

Process Review-2012 Recognition of conflicts of interest Review of Academic Credential Assessment and PLAR Regulation Amendments-substantial equivalence

Working Together with Stakeholders Regulators regulate Educators educate Assessors assess

Current Pathway to Registration Credential Assessment Evaluating Exam Bridging Education Entry-to-Practice Examination Based on 4 principles: Transparency, objectivity, impartiality, fairness.

Credential Assessment Is it an optometry degree or optometry- related degree? Is it comparable in content and time to a North American degree? Determines eligibility to write the evaluating exam Database developed to gather statistics

Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities (FORAC) Current mandate is to assess credentials of internationally educated applicants Canadian Optometric Evaluation Committee Based on AQUA

Evaluating Exam Developed by Touchstone Institute Approved by provincial regulators First administration June 2015 Replaces the PLA

Bridging Program Provides education to bridge identified gaps in knowledge, skill and judgement Bridging One-10 weeks class/4 week externship Bridging Two-22 weeks class/ 26 week internship Occupation-specific language program

Future…. Statistics will assist in fine-tuning criteria for credential assessment Provide IOBP with feedback on program Determine if any applicants do not require bridging New competency profile-apply to credential assessment and evaluating exam

Paula Garshowitz, OD Registrar, College of Optometrists of Ontario Website: