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:
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- 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/ submit the following:
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- Application Form
- 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.
- An unofficial copy of your undergraduate transcripts
- Official copy of final optometry school transcripts (sent directly from the school by mail or verified electronic format)
- A current resume
- Two letters of reference from individuals who can speak to the candidate’s suitability as an optometrist (clerkship supervisors, professors, etc.).
- Photo identification
- An original vulnerable sector and criminal record check – to be sent by mail, hand delivered or sent from source in a secure electronic format
- 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:
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- Letters of support are not required
- Entry to practice exams may vary and results are not required
- Certificates/letters of good standing from ALL licensing bodies and jurisdictions in which the applicant is currently or has previously been licensed.
- For applicants who graduated prior to 2015 proof of completion of a Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agent Certification and an Advanced Scope of Practice Certification course, or equivalent may be required.
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 for CE requirements. Please consult the CE Changes and FAQ – Reporting Cycle Jan 1, 2023 – Dec 15, 2025 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 2024 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 |