Jenna BrightWaterloo University International Optometric Bridging Program

Plenary III: Reflections on the Success of Transition and Bridge Programs for IEHPs

Following the Yellow Brick Road: Reflections on the Pathway to Canadian Optometric Practice for Internationally

Optometric Graduates

Presented by: Jenna Bright, OD MSc

Program ManagerInternational Optometric Bridging Program

Optometry in Canada• Doctors of Optometry are independent primary

health care providers who provide comprehensive eye examinations that determine both quality of vision and the overall health of the eyes

• Approx. 6000 Optometrists in CAN• Provincially Regulated profession

• Scope of practice differs provincially

Optometry Training• Two Canadian Optometry Schools:

– University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science (WOVS)

– University of Montreal School of Optometry• Graduates earn a Doctor of Optometry

(O.D.) degree upon successful completion of a 4 year degree.

Background• International Optometric Graduates (IOGs)

are defined as individuals educated in Optometry outside of North America.

• Historically, WOVS would accept IOGs and place them in the 3rd year of the OD program– Spaces were very limited– Demand was very low

Background• In the early 2000’s the College of Optometrists of

Ontario (COO) approached WOVS about developing a pilot program for IOGs

• WOVS received government funding for development and in 2005 the first International Optometric Bridging Program (IOBP) was offered

• Agreement with Provincial Regulators to cap IOGs to 40 per year

Or…”The Pathway to Optometric Registration in Canada for IOGs”…

Follow the Yellow BrickRoad…

The First “Stop”Credential Assessment

– Past: Administered by IOBP then in 2013 the College of Optometrists of Ontario took it over.

– Present: Committee established by Provincial Regulators

• WES Authentication• Language Fluency• Academic Credential Assessment

– Comparison to WOVS OD Curriculum

–

CredentialAssessment

The First “Stop”Credential Assessment

– Future: Keeping up with “trends”• Develop a process for objectively quantifying work

experience, where appropriate• Regulators will need to continuously monitor

curriculum developments and changes to scope of practice

The Second “Stop”Prior Learning Assessment Recognition- Past: In 2005 the IOBP and Canadian

Examiners in Optometry (CEO) partnered to develop a PLA to assess the knowledge, skills and judgement of IOGs

- In 2013-14 College of Optometrists of Ontario collaborated with Touchstone Institute to develop an evaluating examination

PLAR

The Second “Stop”Prior Learning Assessment Recognition- Present: In 2015 Touchstone Institute offered

the first Internationally Graduated Optometrist Examination (IGOEE)

- Blueprint consistent with national optometry competency profile developed by CEO

- Results are used by the regulators to determine eligibility to apply for a bridging program

The Second “Stop”Prior Learning Assessment Recognition- Future: Monitor performance within and

post IOBP based on IGOEE performance- Curriculum revisions as appropriate - Adjust thresholds as necessary

The Third “Stop”IOBP Admissions- Past: Meeting minimum thresholds on the PLA

guaranteed placement into a bridging program. Present: Demand>Supply- Demographics are changing (greater number of

returning Canadians)- Admissions committee ranks candidates’ IGOEE

scores and sends offers of admission to highest ranked applicants

ADMISSIONS

The Third “Stop”IOBP Admissions- Future:

- Program capacity- Currently working with Touchstone Institute to

develop an occupation specific language assessment as an additional criteria used to rank candidates for admissions purposes

The Fourth “Stop”Bridging Programs

- Bridging One- Past: 4 weeks- Present: 10 week didactic lectures/labs + 2 week

examination period + 4 week externship = 16 weeks- Bridging Two

- Past & Present: 1 year (28 weeks didactic lectures/labs/exams + 2-10 week externships blocks)

BRIDGING PROGRAMS

The Fourth “Stop”Bridging Programs

- Future:- Research & Development regarding integrating

IOBP within the Doctor of Optometry program- Students would graduate with an O.D. degree- Continuous curriculum development

The “Fifth & Sixth Stops”• #5 Canadian Optometry Board

Examination

• #6 Provincial Registration– Jurisprudence examination We’re

almost there!

The “Emerald City”

aka “Canadian Optometric Practice”

IOBP Graduates• Approx. 360 IOGs have successfully

completed the IOBP and are licenced to practice Optometry in Canada

• 100% employment rate across Canadian province

Reflections• Participant-Focused Education• Adaptability• Communication & Collaboration

Thank you!

2017 Perspectives SymposiumMarch 2, 2017

#Perspectives2017