OEBC Written Examination — Information & Free Practice

About OEBC Written Examination

OEBC Written Examination · CA

Key exam facts

Provider

Optometry Examining Board of Canada (OEBC) administers the examination; practising optometrists develop/select content under psychometric guidance. MonitorEDU supplies remote proctoring.

Format

One-day, computer-based, remotely proctored, closed-book case-based multiple-choice examination incorporating digital media. OSCE excluded.

Time limit

Remote proctoring instructions specify three parts with 2.5-hour answer timers (7.5 hours total), with 30-minute breaks between sessions; the Written Candidate Guide lists three 3-hour scheduled windows and notes extra time. Individual group schedule is emailed to candidates.

Passing score

Criterion-referenced; Written standard set using Angoff. Passing standard normalized to 1.000; not a fixed percentage correct.

Exam fee

CAD 2,360 for the Written Examination Component, effective June 1, 2026 for the 2026–2027 examination cycle. Written plus OSCE is CAD 5,900; extended registration adds a non-refundable CAD 500 fee.

Topics covered

• Assessment (1.1-1.3) (31%)

  • 1.1 Obtain and document a comprehensive patient history, integrating ocular, visual, systemic, familial, social, medication, allergy, and lifestyle factors. Adapt approach to patient context.
  • 1.1.1 Apply questioning techniques to elicit a comprehensive ocular medical history.
  • 1.1.2 Elicit non-medical factors that contribute to patient needs.
  • 1.1.3 Elicit information about visual needs associated with vocational and avocational requirements.
  • 1.1.4 Adapt patient history-taking approach in response to the patient’s physical, psychological, cognitive, linguistic, socio-economic and cultural background. Adaptation of care based on patient context is further addressed in Domain 4 (Patient‑Centred Care) and, where applicable, Domain 8 (Cultural Competence).
  • 1.1.5 Adapt patient history-taking approach in response to emerging information.
  • 1.1.6 Identify and classify ocular conditions amenable to diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, such as fluorescein, tropicamide, and proparacaine.
  • 1.1.7 Select the appropriate diagnostic, pharmaceutical agent, dosage, and route of administration for the diagnostic purpose.
  • 1.1.8 Administer diagnostic pharmaceutical agents using proper technique, monitoring, and documentation.
  • 1.1.9 Manage potential complications and adverse events of diagnostic pharmaceutical agents.
  • 1.2 Apply clinical judgment and diagnostic assessments to formulate an initial, secondary, and differential diagnosis based on the initial case history.
  • 1.2.1 Analyze the presented information to determine an initial diagnosis.
  • 1.2.2 Identify potential risk factors based on case history.
  • 1.2.3 Identify components of a problem-specific assessment to form a differential diagnosis.
  • 1.2.4 Develop a problem-specific assessment to investigate differential diagnosis further.
  • 1.2.5 Identify and classify ocular conditions amenable to therapeutic laser procedures, such as peripheral iridotomy, selective laser trabeculoplasty, and capsulotomy.
  • 1.2.6 Identify and classify benign minor skin lesions of the eyelids and periocular area.
  • 1.3 Identify urgent ocular and medical conditions requiring urgent vs. emergency care and triage accordingly.
  • 1.3.1 Recognize signs and symptoms of ocular or systemic medical conditions requiring immediate attention and action or urgent intervention.
  • 1.3.2 Apply protocols to prioritize and manage urgent and emergency care.

• Diagnosis & Planning (1.4-1.6) (28%)

  • 1.4 Conduct eye examinations to assess and diagnose refractive disorders, diseases, and dysfunctions of the eye and vision system.
  • 1.4.1 Develop an appropriate assessment plan integrating evidence-based knowledge, clinical judgment, clinical skills, and diagnostic equipment.
  • 1.4.2 Obtain and document informed patient consent for assessment and management strategies, treatment, or procedures, as described in Domain 2 (Communication).
  • 1.4.3 Obtain informed consent whenever a procedure is considered invasive.
  • 1.4.4 Adapt clinical testing approach to the patient’s physical, psychological and cognitive conditions.
  • 1.4.5 Apply clinical reasoning to interpret assessment data and identify the risk of developing ocular conditions.
  • 1.4.6 Make appropriate laboratory and diagnostic imaging referrals based on the case history and the patient’s abilities, needs and contraindications.
  • 1.4.7 Conduct in-office procedures (e.g., diagnostic imaging) and make appropriate laboratory and other diagnostic testing referrals based on the case history and the patient’s abilities and needs.
  • 1.5 Formulate a final diagnosis based on the patient's data and differential diagnosis.
  • 1.5.1 Apply clinical reasoning to interpret objective and subjective outcomes to determine a diagnosis.
  • 1.5.2 Recognize that the differential diagnosis must be revised and refined based on evolving information.
  • 1.5.3 Modify assessment strategies and techniques based on emerging information and patient reactions.
  • 1.5.4 Interpret assessment results to determine relative risks of developing ocular conditions.
  • 1.5.5 Incorporate knowledge of special populations to guide assessment strategies.
  • 1.6 Formulate and modify a treatment and management plan considering patient responses, priorities, limitations, and past treatments.
  • 1.6.1 Form a treatment plan.
  • 1.6.2 Form a management plan.
  • 1.6.3 Select the appropriate laser type, settings, and delivery system for the therapeutic laser procedure.
  • 1.6.4 Identify and classify ocular conditions amenable to therapeutic pharmaceutical agents, such as antibiotics, steroids, antivirals, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, antihistamines, immunomodulators, and prostaglandins.
  • 1.6.5 Select the appropriate therapeutic pharmaceutical agent, dosage, administration route, and treatment duration for the ocular condition.
  • 1.6.6 Prescribe or administer therapeutic pharmaceutical agents diligently, using proper technique, monitoring, and documentation for treating ocular conditions or diagnosed diseases.
  • 1.6.7 Manage potential complications and adverse events of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.
  • 1.6.8 Identify and classify ocular conditions amenable to injectable pharmaceutical agents, such as epinephrine, lidocaine, and botulinum toxin.
  • 1.6.9 Select the appropriate injectable pharmaceutical agent, dosage, and route of administration for the ocular condition.
  • 1.6.10 Administer injectable pharmaceutical agents using proper technique, monitoring, and documentation.
  • 1.6.11 Manage potential complications and adverse events of injectable pharmaceutical agents.
  • 1.6.12 Where a drug has been prescribed, identify contraindications, including drug allergies and systemic conditions.
  • 1.6.13 Understand the potential adverse drug effects that may contraindicate the prescribing of medication and choose appropriately.

• Patient Management (1.7-1.11) (29%)

  • 1.7 Recognize ocular, visual or systemic conditions that require other professionals' assessment, co- management or management.
  • 1.7.1 Identify ocular conditions requiring general or subspecialty ophthalmology assessment and management.
  • 1.7.2 Identify systemic conditions and symptoms, including neurological or psychological conditions, which require assessment and management by other healthcare providers.
  • 1.7.3 Identify conditions requiring surgical interventions and refer them to the appropriate specialist.
  • 1.7.4 Have an alternate plan when referral options are limited.
  • 1.8 Prescribe spectacle, contact lens therapy, vision therapy, myopia control, and visual training for refractive disorders.
  • 1.8.1 Apply the patient’s refraction, visual requirements and other findings to determine the spectacle and/or contact lens prescription and lens form/type.
  • 1.8.2 Prescribe spectacle or contact lens correction according to regulations.
  • 1.8.3 Educate the patient on the use of spectacles and the importance of follow-up.
  • 1.8.4 Educate the patient on contact lens safety, proper use, proper hygiene and proper insertion and removal techniques.
  • 1.8.5 Apply the patient’s refraction, visual requirements and other findings to develop a plan for vision therapy.
  • 1.8.6 Apply the patient’s refraction, visual requirements and other findings to determine surgical options.
  • 1.8.7 Apply the patient’s refraction, visual requirements and other findings to prescribe topical pharmaceutical therapies.
  • 1.9 Educate the patient regarding treatment and management options in support of shared decision‑making, as described in Domain 4 (Patient‑Centred Care).
  • 1.9.1 Explain the potential adverse effects.
  • 1.9.2 Explain actions to take if experiencing adverse effects.
  • 1.9.3 Explain contraindications.
  • 1.9.4 Explain the use of drops.
  • 1.9.5 Explain the use of products and devices.
  • 1.9.6 Explain all treatment options available.
  • 1.10 Educate the patient about lifestyle choices and their impacts on ocular health.
  • 1.10.1 Educate the patient about consumption habits and their effects on ocular health.
  • 1.10.2 Educate the patient about chronic illness on ocular health
  • 1.10.3 Educate the patient about the impact of environmental conditions/exposure on ocular health
  • 1.10.4 Educate the patient about work and recreational activities on ocular health
  • 1.10.5 Educate the patient about the risks and benefits of in-office surgical procedures, including possible side effects, of the various treatment options for their disorder, to facilitate an informed choice.
  • 1.10.6 Advise the patient on candidacy and choices for in-office surgical procedures.
  • 1.10.7 Educate the patient on the need for and importance of, as well as the frequency of, follow-ups on in-office surgical procedures.
  • 1.11 Prescribe therapeutic pharmacological agents, conduct in-clinic therapeutic treatments, or refer for surgical interventions to treat ocular conditions as appropriate to provincial regulation.
  • 1.11.1 Prescribe a pharmaceutical prescription for the treatment of ocular conditions or diagnosed diseases.
  • 1.11.2 Where a drug has been prescribed, identify contraindications, including drug allergies and systemic conditions.
  • 1.11.3 Understand the potential adverse drug effects that may contraindicate the prescribing of medication and choose appropriately.
  • 1.11.4 Educate the patient about the risks and benefits, including possible side effects, of the various treatment options for their disorder to facilitate an informed choice.
  • 1.11.5 Advise the patient on candidacy and choices for surgery.
  • 1.11.6 Co-manage with ophthalmology pre-op and post-op.
  • 1.11.7 Educate the patient on the need for, and importance of, frequency of follow-up on certain conditions.
  • 1.11.8 Perform in-clinic therapeutic treatments

• Collaboration (5%)

  • 3.1 Identify the appropriate optometrist(s) and other healthcare professional(s) for patient referral and consultation.
  • 3.1.1 Network and share information about optometry and its services.
  • 3.1.2 Recognize optometry colleagues whose practice is focused on specific areas of optometry and include them in a referral network.
  • 3.1.3 Recognize appropriate healthcare and other professionals in the community to include in a referral network.
  • 3.1.4 Establish and maintain a network of healthcare professionals for patient referral and consultation purposes.
  • 3.1.5 Establish an appropriate system to record and maintain contact to make referrals.
  • 3.2 Refer patients for secondary, specialized care who may need further treatment or management outside the scope of optometry practice.
  • 3.2.1 Understand your role and the role of those in other professions and use this understanding to inform patient referral and consultation decisions.
  • 3.2.2 Identify conditions beyond the scope of optometry requiring referral or co-management.
  • 3.2.3 Make referrals to appropriate healthcare professionals in the community.
  • 3.2.4 Make referrals to optometry colleagues whose practice focuses on specific aspects of vision and eye care.
  • 3.2.5 Understand what information is appropriate and essential to include in communication to facilitate collaborative care.
  • 3.2.6 Ensure the patient gets clear and concise information regarding referrals and consultations.
  • 3.2.7 Act in a consultative role to other physicians and health professionals.
  • 3.3 Co-manage patients with other healthcare professionals in the circle of care when appropriate.
  • 3.3.1 Facilitate effective communication with other healthcare professionals for collaborative patient care.
  • 3.3.2 Recognize roles and responsibilities of co-managing healthcare professionals.
  • 3.3.3 Give and receive information and feedback in a way that supports the goals of the circle of care.
  • 3.3.4 Understand your role and the role of those in other professions and use this understanding to inform interprofessional interactions.
  • 3.3.5 Establish follow-up procedures with members in the circle of care to ensure continuity of patient care.
  • 3.3.6 Protect patients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality and their application in co-management arrangements.
  • 3.3.7 Co-manage with ophthalmology pre-op and post-op.

• Patient-centered Care (3%)

  • 4.1 Collaborate with the patient to develop management options that align with their overall well-being, general health, lifestyle, and socioeconomic realities.
  • 4.1.1 Integrate patient case history, including physical, psychological, cognitive, linguistic, socio-economic and cultural needs, with eye and vision health in the decision-making.
  • 4.1.2 Recognize patients’ physical, psychological, cognitive, linguistic, socio-economic and cultural needs.
  • 4.1.3 Engage in dialogue with the patient to bring about understanding and cooperation with the management plan.
  • 4.1.4 Facilitate informed patient decision-making through education.
  • 4.2 Include the patient in a shared decision-making process that will determine the course of treatment and follow-up.
  • 4.2.1 Engage the patient in decision-making regarding all aspects of care.
  • 4.2.2 Elicit patient needs and preferences regarding care.
  • 4.2.3 Modify communication methods for patients with diverse physical, psychological, cognitive, linguistic, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
  • 4.3 The principles and documentation of informed consent are addressed in Domain 2 (Communication) and are applied here in the context of shared decision‑making and substitute decision‑maker involvement. Recognize when a patient’s family, caregivers, or substitute decision‑maker should be involved with decision‑making and obtain valid consent.
  • 4.3.1 Recognize indicators for including family, caregivers or substitute decision-makers in the patient’s care decisions.
  • 4.3.2 Interpret and apply legal requirements for involving substitute decision-makers.
  • 4.3.3 Obtain valid verbal or written consent when recognizing that a patient’s family, caregivers, or substitute decision-maker should be involved with treatment, management and care decisions.
  • 4.3.4 Prepare the patient and the equipment following infection control and safety protocols.
  • 4.4 Ensure patient participation in the shared decision-making model for ongoing treatment and management plans.
  • 4.4.1 Share responsibility with the patient, their family or caregiver as appropriate.
  • 4.4.2 Observe ethical obligations to provide appropriate care, irrespective of the patient’s diagnosis and treatment.
  • 4.4.3 Provide information in a manner that is easily understood and considerate of language and cultural needs to ensure patients’ ability to make informed decisions.
  • 4.5 Educate patients about their overall health and how it, along with lifestyle factors, affects the health of their eyes and vision.
  • 4.5.1 Demonstrate empathy, compassion and respect when engaging in education regarding lifestyle factors.
  • 4.5.2 Identify and communicate systemic conditions and diseases that impact the eye and vision system.
  • 4.5.3 Identify and communicate the adverse effects of different medical conditions and medications on the eye and vision system.
  • 4.5.4 Identify and communicate the implications of eye and vision health on vocational and avocational requirements.
  • 4.6 Promote patient health and safety, incorporating considerations of patients’ ocular and visual health and overall physical, psychological, and general well-being.
  • 4.6.1 Identify when collaboration with social services will be beneficial for the patient.
  • 4.6.2 Identify and make referrals to social services that support patient objectives and needs when indicated.
  • 4.6.3 Identify situations where optometrists are legally obligated to make mandatory reports to social services, public health or government agencies.
  • 4.6.4 Apply quality improvement to identify hazards in patient care to improve outcomes.
  • 4.6.5 Performs technical procedures creating an environment of care, safety, cooperation, and excellence.

• Scholarship (2%)

  • 6.1 Maintain and continuously update professional knowledge through scientific literature reviews supporting evidence-based practice.
  • 6.1.1 Establish and maintain a practice of continuous learning.
  • 6.1.2 Select and critically review scientific literature to determine quality, appropriateness, reliability and relevance for practice.
  • 6.1.3 Reflect on the researched evidence about your practice and patient needs.
  • 6.1.4 Maintain objectivity in using researched information received to avoid inadvertent financial and other incentives.
  • 6.1.5 Investigate and critically evaluate the care of patients, appraise and assimilate scientific evidence, and continuously improve patient care based on perpetual self-evaluation and life-long learning.
  • 6.2 Integrate and apply newly acquired evidence-based optometric knowledge, clinical skills and techniques in your practice.
  • 6.2.1 Apply an evidence-based approach as the foundation for making clinical decisions.
  • 6.2.2 Apply evidence to a patient case by integrating clinical experience and patient values.
  • 6.3 If relevant and within scope, critically review and apply information from other healthcare disciplines to enhance your practice and patient care.
  • 6.3.1 Recognize new knowledge and promising practices from other healthcare disciplines to inform and enhance your practice and patient care.
  • 6.3.2 Critically review new knowledge and promising practices from other healthcare disciplines to determine relevance to practice and fit with professional scope.
  • 6.3.3 Select and apply new information to inform and enhance your patient care.
  • 6.4 Enhance professional practice with ongoing learning and continuing education in keeping with provincial regulatory requirements.
  • 6.4.1 Update clinical knowledge and proficiently use relevant instruments/tools to diagnose and treat ocular disorders accurately.
  • 6.4.2 Reflect on practice challenges to identify areas of clinical knowledge and skills to improve.
  • 6.4.3 Seek continuing education when a knowledge deficiency is identified.
  • 6.4.4 Participate in continuing education courses, seminars and local/national conventions to keep knowledge current.
  • 6.4.5 Recognize the importance of staying informed about populations' changing needs, emerging information about social determinants of health, and related new social programs.
  • 6.5 Share information and knowledge on clinical practice, new procedures and emerging technologies to contribute to the practice of others and promote the profession.
  • 6.5.1 Evaluate the benefits of technical advances to optometric equipment.
  • 6.5.2 Recognize the relevance of staying current regarding advances in optometry education and the socio- political factors that influence professional practice.
  • 6.5.3 Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and professional commitment through participation in academic, community, industry and professional development events.
  • 6.5.4 Participate in prescription monitoring programs.
  • 6.5.5 Participate in a qualified clinical data registry.

• Practice Management (2%)

  • 7.1 Provide services consistent with the optometric needs of the community.
  • 7.1.1 Maintain an effective appointment system.
  • 7.1.2 Ensure timely provision of emergency optometric care.
  • 7.1.3 Ensure compliance with the requirements of municipal and local authorities relevant to business operations.
  • 7.2 Ensure the availability of physical and human resources required for practice.
  • 7.2.1 Recruit, train and supervise support personnel to ensure effective performance.
  • 7.2.2 Maintain a system for referral to other healthcare professionals.
  • 7.3 Manage workflow effectively.
  • 7.3.1 Provide procedures to ensure hygiene and infection control.
  • 7.3.2 Maintain triage procedures.
  • 7.3.3 Ensure sound financial and business management.
  • 7.3.4 Maintain a system of continuous quality improvement.
  • 7.4 Recognize and adhere to relevant legislation in optometric business practice.
  • 7.4.1 Comply with legal requirements relevant to optometric business practice.
  • 7.4.2 Maintain a system of patient record management and security.
  • 7.4.3 Maintain a system for the transfer of patient records to other healthcare professionals.
  • 7.4.4 Prepare an optometric surgical procedure report following the standards of the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care.
  • 7.4.5 Maintain an appropriate patient fee structure.
  • 7.4.6 Maintenance of procedure logs in various practice settings.
  • 7.4.7 Report adverse outcomes in ophthalmic surgery as part of quality assurance.
  • 7.5 Maintain insurance and risk management procedures relevant to optometric business practice.
  • 7.5.1 Maintain appropriate commercial liability insurance.
  • 7.5.2 Maintain appropriate disability insurance.
  • 7.5.3 Maintain appropriate professional liability insurance.
  • 7.6 Demonstrates knowledge and application of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, and social-behavioural sciences to patient care.
  • 7.6.1 Knowledge and application of basic and clinical sciences specific to optometry and ophthalmic surgery.
  • 7.6.2 Knowledge and application of evidence-based medicine.
  • 7.6.3 Knowledge and application of outcomes-based registries.

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources and references

• OEBC Entry-to-Practice Exam Blueprint 2026

  Printed p.1, Table 1; printed p.3, Table 2

• OEBC National Competency Model 2026

  Purpose, Scope, and Intended Use, printed p.1

• OEBC Scoring the Exam

  Scoring the Written Exam

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.