A Century of University Education in Optometry in Canada: The Contribution of the Université de Montréal — Part 1: 1925–1990

Abstract

In Canada, 2025 marks a century of university education in optometry. In June 1925, l’Université de Montréal welcomed le Collège d’optométrie, administered by l’Association des optométristes et opticiens de la province de Québec. This centennial is an opportunity to trace the history of l’École d’optométrie de l’Université de Montréal (ÉOUM) and appreciate how far it has come as a teaching and research institution. The first part of this historical overview covers 1925 to 1990 and presents the avenues taken by l’ÉOUM to transition from a simple vocational school to an institute aligned with other North American schools of optometry.