Future Focus Webinar Addresses Cross-Border Pathways for Canadian Optometry Students
Wednesday, March 11 2026 | 08 h 07 min | News
As the number of Canadian students pursuing optometry education in the United States continues to rise, questions around immigration, licensing, and career planning have become increasingly complex. The Future Focus: Cross-Border webinar was developed to address these challenges, offering Canadian students practical guidance on transitioning from U.S. education to professional practice in Canada.
The program was structured around three interconnected sessions: legal and immigration considerations, early career pathways, and returning to practise in Canada. This framework reflected the reality of student decision-making, where choices related to immigration timing, board examinations, and pursuit of employment opportunities can have long-term implications. Attendees represented 15 U.S.-based optometry schools, spanning all class cohorts.
The opening session focused on immigration and work authorization, providing accurate, up-to-date information and emphasizing careful planning amid an evolving regulatory environment. The second session adopted a moderated group-discussion format, featuring senior optometry student Nyah Miranda alongside Canadian practitioners Dr. Allison Scott, President of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, and recent graduate Dr. Alexandra Baille. Discussions explored early career decisions, practice models, and differences between U.S. and Canadian clinical environments.
The final session, led by Dr. Amanda Olsen of the Optometry Examining Board of Canada, outlined the Canadian regulatory landscape, national competency standards, and licensing timelines.
Sponsor-hosted breakout sessions and live Q&A encouraged engagement and networking. Overall, the webinar underscored the importance of early preparation, credible information, and adaptable planning for Canadian students navigating cross-border optometric careers. The event was made possible by the generous support of Visionary Sponsors, including Eye Recommend, FYI doctors, OSI Group and Specsavers Canada.
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