Sorry - don't get it.....

If you check my previous post I'm from bc studying optometry in the UK with the intent of coming back to Canada.

I'm woorried the program is not big enough only 18 seats and many kids are going from UK to Canada to study...makes it tough because not enough spaces.

Unfortunately that is a problem faced by any Canadian citizen, whether that be by birth or naturalization, or PR who chooses to study in a medical field overseas.

People who left Canada to get a medical degree in the Caribbean or at another overseas university, even Ireland, have long had trouble getting accepted on to a Resident's Programme back here in Canada. They had to compete for places with those who had gone the "accepted" route, ie a Canadian programme.

Yes, it's hard, even though there are now more spaces in, eg Family Practice Resident's programmes, but unfortunately that is what happens if you study outside the country, ANY country.

We knew on leaving the UK back in 1967 that OH would not be able to return to the UK university system for a period of years, ie until he had "made his name", once he left the system. Luckily for us, we found a better place to live to work, and have never regretted making the choice.

Not completely true, Ireland is one of the Approved jurisdictions:

Recognized Training | Alternative Pathways to Certification in Family Medicine | Education | The College of Family Physicians Canada

now, yes ...................... the major part of that Approved jurisdiction has only been in operation since 1994, so far as I can find out.

Doctors training overseas and then wishing to return to Canada has been a problem for at least 30 years.

I just know of some Canadian students who were directed away from Ireland back in the 80s because of the problem they would, or might, face in getting residencies in Canada.

Australia there too.
apparently it is just the optometrist who are suffering !!

if Australian doctors can practice, then why cannot the optometrists!!

No point asking us, we're just Canadians

I would suggest that you contact the optometrists associations in every province and ask them that question!


But I would note that doctors from Australia, Ireland, UK etc don't just waltz in and take a job ...... they have to jump through some hoops, take some assessment tests, etc. That also applies to nurses and other medical personnel.

I know that, I was asking out of frustration.

I just think the optometrists association is not being reasonable..

Just because they make us jump through hoops doesnt make it right. The system could be much simplified in many cases without the registration colleges lowering their standards. The lack of sufficient optometrists training locations for Canadians is ridiculous and should be remedied. The prices they charge too are outrageous. I understand KenA's frustration and annoyance especially after spending money on getting PR. It snt worth moving to Canada with those prospects

This is why it is SO important to do due diligence and research what the requirements are to register / become certified and work in your profession... prior to putting in an application for Permanent Residency.

I couldn't agree with this more especially if working in your field is going to involve a pretty sizable investment.

I know a lot of Indians, Chinese and other nationalities do this because they're just looking for any route into a first world country but as Britons we kind of have less of an excuse.

It is still a shame that Canada wastes so much talent though. At least if Britain or America accept you as an immigrant doctor then most of the time that is what you will be doing when you get there.

Found this which might help shed more light on this. forums.premed101.com/topic/98870-optometry-school-in-the-uk-warning/

There's no light to be shed, but thank you for the thought.

Simply put, the OP perhaps did not look into the certification / registration requirement and the process for Internationally trained Optometrists and perhaps didn't realise the steps involvled. They were also confusing the ECA points for immigration and the Provincial Regulatory requirements, prior to moving to Canada.

Optometrist Bridging Program is a rip off
Is the simple explanation.

hi
well, I know I am late responding to your concerns but I couldn't help not to offer my experience.
I was an ophthalmologist before I came to Canada. I opted to become an optometrist and I have done all the required steps including education assessment and evaluating exam. I am enrolled in the bridging program which will start in January 2019. I can offer you and your wife answers to your inquiries if you want. The main point that I want to say is that YOUR WIFE CAN SKIP THE BRIDGING PROGRAM IF SHE EXCELS IN THE EVALUATION EXAM. this is very important to know. And perhaps you have read that not all of the people who pass the exam get an admission in the bridging program, it is competitive. So here is how the scenario goes : among people who pass the exam :1- some of them ( 18 eye care prifessional for this year ) will be eligible for the bridging program, 2- some who have passed but not with high grades can retake the exam next year or keep their grades till next year, 3-AND Only few optometrists who really do way above the average can be exempted from the bridging program. ( I don't know how many optometrists have achieved that this year).
if you or your wife would like to ask more questions I will be happy to offer answers based on my experience.
Good luck

How hard was the evaluating exam? What type of score did you receive on it? Whats a succesful score? Were there many younger people writing the exam?

Thanks!