In order to practice optometry in Alberta, it is mandatory to be a regulated member of the Alberta College of Optometrists (ACO). The registration and licensure requirements for the various categories of applicants follow. If you are not sure of your application category, please contact the ACO Registrar at registrar@collegeofoptometrists.ab.ca

> List of Accredited Schools of Optometry

A. New Graduate from an Accredited School of Optometry

Graduates of approved Schools of Optometry in North America are now allowed to apply directly to the Canadian Examiners in Optometry (CEO) to challenge the Canadian Standard Assessment in Optometry (CSAO) exam. Please visit the CEO website www.ceo-eco.org for application and cost information. If you are a candidate in this category. Please review and complete the attached application checklist, preliminary registration form and statutory declaration form.

B. New Graduate from a Non-Accredited School of Optometry

Graduates of non-approved Schools of Optometry (outside of North America) are required to successfully complete the International Optometric Bridging Program (IOBP) at the University of Waterloo before being allowed to challenge the CSAO exam. Please visit their web-site www.optometry.uwaterloo.ca/iobp for application and course information. If you are a candidate in this category, please review and complete the attached application checklist, preliminary registration form and statutory declaration form.

C. Existing Practitioner from Another Province in Canada

All regulatory authorities in Canada have entered into a labour mobility agreement which allows easy transfer of practitioners from one province to another. If you are a candidate in this category, please review and complete the attached application checklist, preliminary registration form and statutory declaration form.

D. Existing Practitioner from Another Jurisdiction in the United States

As no mutual recognition agreement exists between any of the jurisdictions in the United States and Canada. If you are a candidate in this category, please review and complete the attached application checklist, preliminary registration form and statutory declaration form.

E. Existing Practitioner from Another Jurisdiction Outside of Canada or the States

As no mutual recognition agreement exists between any of the jurisdictions elsewhere in the world and Canada. If you are a candidate in this category, please review and complete the attached application checklist, preliminary registration form and statutory declaration form.

F. Retired Practitioner

If you are a candidate in this category, please review and complete the attached application checklist, preliminary registration form and statutory declaration form.

> Download 2009 Application for Practice Permit

Preliminary registration must be completed before an application for a practice permit can be made to the ACO.