As the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, known as ophthalmic medicine, steadily grows in complexity, the demand for health care workers with specialized knowledge and skills in ophthalmic medical technology is growing as well. Ophthalmic medical technologists work with leading-edge equipment, including lasers and imaging systems, to provide quality patient care.
This bachelor's degree program provides students with a two-year foundation in core sciences, followed by third- and fourth-year studies that specialize in ophthalmic medical technology and visual science. The academic training of students registered in the third and fourth years of the program takes place at the University of Ottawa Eye Institute, located on the general campus of the Ottawa Hospital. This program combines clinical, hands-on experience with theoretical training.
Acceptance into the third year of this bachelor's degree program is competitive and includes an interview with the admissions committee. To be considered, students must have successfully completed two full years of prerequisite courses (60 units) with a minimum CGPA of 6.0. The committee selects candidates on the basis of many factors, and it may consider strong, well-rounded candidates from a science background who may or may not have completed all the prerequisites. Each year, a maximum of four students are selected and students should be aware that meeting the basic requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.
The first two years of this program are offered in English and in French. The last two years are only offered in English.
September 2025
University of Ottawa
75 Laurier Avenue East,
OTTAWA,
Ontario (ON),
K1N 6N5, Canada
Generally, to be admitted to an undergraduate program, you have to meet the following criteria:
• You have obtained or are in the process of obtaining your secondary school diploma or your country’s equivalent diploma.
• You are registered in or have passed at least five courses at the highest secondary school level available to you.
• You are completing all the prerequisites for the program you are applying for. You must complete all prerequisite courses for a program at the highest secondary school level available to you, unless otherwise indicated.
English language requirements:
TOEFL Internet-based (IBT) - 86
IELTS - 6.5
CAEL - 70
PTE - 60
These are the scores required for direct entry admission without any language conditions. Depending on your test results, you may receive a conditional admission offer either requiring that you enrol in one or two ESL courses during your first year or that you enrol and successfully complete our English Intensive Program (EIP).
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.