Licensing Requirements

Licensing Requirements

Licensing in Saskatchewan

The Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists (SAO) regulates optometrists in Saskatchewan and membership in the Association is mandatory to practice optometry in Saskatchewan. 

New members must complete the application (here) or found on the top right corner of our website to apply for a license with the SAO. There are two types of applications:

  • New Applicant – for applicants that have not licensed/practiced optometry in another Canadian jurisdiction
  • Labour Mobility – for applicants that have licensed/practiced optometry in another Canadian jurisdiction

International Applicants – for applicants that did not graduate from an ACOE Accredited Program (link to list) and have not completed the Optometry Examining Board of Canada entry-to-practice exam (https://oebc.ca/) you are not eligible to apply directly to the SAO. Please visit the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC) website https://www.forac-faroc.ca/international-applicants/ for information on the credential assessment process.

New Applicants
In order to complete the new applicant application, you will need to upload the following:

  • Two letters of support for individuals who can speak to your skills as a Doctor of Optometry (e.g., a university professor or clerkship supervisor)
  • An unofficial copy of your undergraduate transcripts
  • Photo identification
  • Proof of liability insurance
  • A liability insurance authorization letter (the form can be downloaded within the applicant portal)
  • A valid CPR certificate for a course that includes Infant, Child and Adult CPR and use of an AED.
  • A resume

You will also need to submit the following:

  • An original vulnerable sector and criminal record check – to be sent by mail, hand delivered or sent from source in a secure electronic format
  • Official transcripts – Doctorate of Optometry – to be sent by mail, hand delivered or sent from source in a secure electronic format

New applicants must also:

  • Successfully complete the Optometry Examining Board of Canada entry-to-practice exam to be licensed. This consists of two components: (a) a written exam, and (b) a practical exam known as the “OSCE” an objective structured clinical evaluation.
  • Successfully complete the SAO Jurisprudence Exam
  • Pay the licensing fee in effect at the time of licensure
  • Attend an Orientation session with the SAO

Labour Mobility Applicants
For labour mobility applicants the process is much the same as above with the following exceptions:

  • Letters of support are not required
  • Entry to practice exams may vary and results are not required
  • Certificates of Standing are required for each jurisdiction you have practiced in (the form can be downloaded within the applicant portal)
  • Proof of Advanced Scope may be required for practitioners that graduated before 2015 (if not indicated on your certificate of standing)

If you have been previously licensed in Saskatchewan and are wanting to re-license please contact the SAO office for more information admin@saosk.ca or 306-652.2069.

Practicing applicants must also provide satisfactory evidence of participation in continuing education courses or lectures and of the hours of attendance in such courses or lectures during the year.

Refer to Standard of Practice SP-LR-4a Continuing Education Requirements (Updated 2023) for CE requirements. Please consult the 2023 CE Changes and FAQ for more information. 

SP-LR-1 Jurisprudence Examination
SP-LR-2 CPR-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification
SP-LR-3 Advanced Scope of Practice Certification
SP-LR-4a Continuing Education Requirements
SP-LR-5 Professional Corporation Registration & Renewal
SP-LR-6 Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check
SP-LR-7 Malpractice Insurance
SP-LR-8 License Application

 If you have any questions, please email us or call 306-652-2069.

Sample Associate Agreement – for employment consideration.

Fees

The 2023 license fee of $3,195 is payable to the SAO. Your license fee includes:

SAO *includes the FORAC & OEBC levies     $2,180
Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) $415
SAO Provincial Public Education & Awareness $600
Total $3,195