Financial Inequities in Optometric Education in Canada: A Comparison of Two Optometry Programs

Abstract

ABSTRACT SIGNIFICANCE The advancing age of the population will require increased access to eye care services to manage eye diseases and vision correction. Optometric education requires a sound financial plan to manage student debt. This study evaluates the financial inequalities of optometric programs in Canada and how this may impact the provision of eye care professionals. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to compare the financial inequities in optometric education in Canada from the 2020 graduating class. METHODS A cross-sectional study assessed monetary variables related to the study of optometry in Canada, including academic and personal expenses, and overall debt and expenses related to the COVID-19 lockdown for the 2020 graduating class. RESULTS A total of 108 optometry students from the 2020 graduating classes of the University of Montreal and the University of Waterloo responded, with 68 (female/male respondents, 53:15; mean [standard deviation] age, 25.66 [2.01] years) completing the study. Waterloo students spent more years in university (P < .001), had higher academic fees (P < .001), spent more on traveling to their family residence (P = .007), and received more provincial (P = .002) and federal (P < .001) loans than Montreal students. Overall debt before optometry was similar among students but differed (P < .001) at the end of their program, with Waterloo students having a higher debt burden. CONCLUSIONS There is a financial inequity in optometric education in Canada depending on the chosen program. Cumulative optometry student debt for the 2020 graduating class in Canada ranges from Can $0 to $189,000 with an average of Can $65,800 and a median of Can $50,000. The results of this study can assist financial and government agencies, and future optometry students to better understand the financial burdens and establish a financial plan to study optometry in Canada, to respond to the growing eye care needs of the public.