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NOC 31111: Optometrists
NOC 31111 is a TEER 1 occupation. It counts as skilled work for Express Entry under FSW and CEC. It is on the 2026 Healthcare and social services category list. The latest round for that category (#441, September 4, 2026) invited 3,500 candidates at a CRS cutoff of 475.
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Optometrists examine eyes to assess and diagnose ocular diseases and disorders. They prescribe and fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and recommend treatments such as exercises to correct vision problems or ocular disorders. They work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, community health centres, rehabilitation centres, the optical industry, government and universities.
Job titles filed under this code
Official example titles
- doctor of optometry (OD)
- optometrist
Not this code
Close occupations that have their own code
- Ocularist → 32129 Other medical technologists and technicians
- Ophthalmologist → 31101 Specialists in surgery
- Opticians → 32100
- Optometric technician → 33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services
- Optometrist assistant → 33109 Other assisting occupations in support of health services
- Orthoptist → 31303 Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals
- Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating → 31209
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Examine patients' eyes, conduct tests and use ophthalmoscopes, biomicroscopes and other specialized instruments to determine ocular health and visual efficiency
- Prescribe and provide treatment (excluding surgery) to maintain, improve and correct vision and manage other ocular diseases and disorders
- Prescribe, dispense and fit eyeglasses, contact lenses and other visual aids
- Educate, counsel and advise patients on contact lens use and care, ocular hygiene, surgical and non-surgical options, and preventive care and maintenance related to occupation and lifestyle
- Refer patients to ophthalmologists or other physicians and surgeons for treatment of ocular diseases or conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and systemic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Collaborate with ophthalmologists and other healthcare professionals to provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing eye surgeries such as laser vision correction
- May prescribe from a limited list of medications
- Conduct research and promote advancement in the visual sciences.
Optometrists may specialize in fitting visual aids for people who are partially blind, fitting contact lenses or correcting special vision problems.
What this code means for Express Entry
TEER 0–3 work counts toward the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
One year of this work in Canada can qualify for the Canadian Experience Class.
Not in a Federal Skilled Trades group.
Category-based rounds that list this code
| Category | Latest round | CRS | Invitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare and social services occupations | #441 · Sep 4, 2026 | 475 | 3,500 |
To be invited in a category round you need at least 12 months of full-time work in a listed occupation within the last 3 years, on top of qualifying for Express Entry.
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Employment requirements
- Three years of university undergraduate studies or, in Quebec, completion of a college program in sciences and a four- to five-year university program in optometry are required.
- Licensing by the provincial or territorial regulatory governing body is required.
Codes in the same group
Official sources
- noc.esdc.gc.caNOC 2021 Version 1.0: 31111 Optometrists
- statcan.gc.caStatistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 Version 1.0
- canada.caIRCC: Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC)
- canada.caIRCC: Express Entry, who can apply
- canada.caIRCC: Express Entry category-based selection