NOC 31111: Optometrists
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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
NOC 31111 (Optometrists) is a TEER 1 occupation, so it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It is not on IRCC's high-wage list. It is eligible for Healthcare category draws.
TEER
TEER 1
Skilled for Express Entry
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
Healthcare
IRCC 2026 lists
| NOC 2021 code | 31111 |
|---|---|
| Title | Optometrists |
| Broad category | Health occupations |
| TEER | TEER 1 — usually requires a university degree |
Category-based draws
- Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3 — have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) — this experience does not need to be continuous (in a single occupation listed in the table below (no matter your primary occupation); in Canada or abroad).
Example job titles
- doctor of optometry (OD)
- optometrist
Main 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.
Your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties to use this NOC — check the full profile on the official NOC site.
Related occupations
- NOC 31100 — Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine
- NOC 31101 — Specialists in surgery
- NOC 31102 — General practitioners and family physicians
- NOC 31103 — Veterinarians
- NOC 31110 — Dentists
- NOC 31112 — Audiologists and speech-language pathologists
- NOC 31120 — Pharmacists
- NOC 31121 — Dietitians and nutritionists
- NOC 31200 — Psychologists
- NOC 31201 — Chiropractors
← NOC 31110 Dentists · NOC 31112 Audiologists and speech-language pathologists →
Calculate your CRS score → · All NOC codes · High-wage list
TEER 1 also matters for work permits: see the spousal open work permit (TEER rules for spouses of workers), LMIA explained and the Atlantic Immigration Program (job offers in TEER 0–4).
Sources: Statistics Canada NOC 2021 V1.0; IRCC high-wage occupations; IRCC category-based selection; IRCC who can apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is NOC 31111 eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 31111 is a TEER 1 occupation. IRCC counts work in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class, as long as all other program requirements are met.
Is NOC 31111 a high-wage occupation?+
No. NOC 31111 isn't on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage occupations list, so it doesn't earn the extra high-wage or job offer CRS points. Canadian work-length points can still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Which Express Entry category draws include NOC 31111?+
As published by IRCC: Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3. Candidates generally need have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) — this experience does not need to be continuous.