Doctor of Optometry (OD) - Application timeline

Future Doctor of Optometry students

After you apply (in OUAC)

You'll get an email with next steps and details about:

  • Registering for the CASPER test
  • Activating your Quest account
  • Notifying your referees
  • Completing the Admission Information Form
  • English language requirements
  • Submitting transcripts
  • Communication and checking your document status
  • Interview selection and decision timelines

The deadlines and requirements on this page pertain to the Doctor of Optometry admission cycle for September 2026 entry and are subject to change on an annual basis.

Stage 1

  1. 2025
    1. Sep
      1. September 18

        Application opens

        Apply through OUAC.
      2. September 30

        Deadline to write the OAT for September 2026 admission

        Scores do not have to be received at the School by this date; however, this is the last day to write the OAT for September 2026 admission. 

        OAT scores from August 31, 2023 to September 30, 2025 will be considered for September 2026 admission.
    2. Oct
      1. Casper test dates

        Approved Casper test dates for the Doctor of Optometry program: 

        • September 23, 2025 – 8:00PM

        • October 4, 2025 - 7:00 PM

        • October 9, 2025 - 8:00 PM

        • October 15, 2025 - 8:00 PM

        • October 15, 2025 - 6:00 PM

        • October 16, 2025 - 8:00 PM

        • November 6, 2025 - 8:00 PM

        NOTE: All test dates occur before the program application deadline. If any additional test dates are posted before November 6 due to high demand, as long as they list the same test identifier below, scores will be accepted.

        All times/dates are ET - Eastern Time

        When signing up for a test date, use the following test identifier: CSP-10211 Canada Casper 2.

        If you do not have a Waterloo ID number yet, you can start the process, but you will have to update your file with your accurate Waterloo ID number by November 13. Ensure you have selected University of Waterloo Optometry for distribution before the application deadline.

        Casper can only be taken once per year. 

    3. Nov
      1. November 13

      2. November 13

        Application closes

        Last day to apply through OUAC. 

    4. Dec
      1. December 11

        Confidential Reference Forms (x2) deadline

      2. December 15

        Week of December 15
        Interview invitations for stage 2, and first-round refusals

Stage 2

  1. 2026
    1. Jan
      1. Mid-late January

        Virtual interview weekend 

      2. January 31

        Fall 2025 transcript deadline for applicants who received an interview invite.

        • Upload unofficial transcripts through Quest.
        • Official transcripts are accepted but not required at this stage. Allow 2-5 business days for official transcript to be received. 
        • Current University of Waterloo students do not need to upload transcripts - grades are visible to admissions team.

    2. Mar
      1. End of March

        All admissions decisions will be communicated via email

    3. May
      1. May 8

        Deadline to complete winter 2026 courses, including any remaining prerequisites

    4. Jun
      1. June 22

        Final official transcript deadline

    5. Sep

      1. Start of academic year

Deadlines will be 11:59 pm EDT on the day posted. Applications that do not meet deadlines will not be considered.