An Optometrist's Journey From Ontario to Nova Scotia

A short time ago, I began an incredible adventure...

 With an SUV packed as tight as a Tetris game, my husband, and two VERY confused cats, we set out on a 20-hour drive to Southwest Nova Scotia, where we would be living and working for the foreseeable future.

I would describe those first few days living in Nova Scotia as surreal. We had been planning and researching the move for so long that finally embarking on this journey almost didn’t feel like it was actually happening. Now that we have started settling into the “East Coast Lifestyle,” I can honestly say that this move was one of the best decisions of my life.

I had been an optometrist in Ontario for 5 years prior to the move out East, and I didn’t expect optometry to be that different in Nova Scotia versus in Ontario. I mean, I was still in Canada! A double-double from Tim’s tasted the same in Ontario as it did in Nova Scotia. So, how different could optometry be?

This blog is going to touch on a couple things: How to become an optometrist in Nova Scotia, some differences I’ve noticed practicing optometry in Nova Scotia versus in Ontario, and some of my favourite aspects of East Coast Living!

How To Become an Optometrist in Nova Scotia

There was a formal process I had to undergo to become an optometrist in Nova Scotia, even though I was just transferring my optometry license to a different province. For starters, I had to provide proof that I had written and passed the Canadian licensing exam. I also had to submit my optometry school transcripts as proof that I had graduated from an accredited school. A letter of good standing from the Ontario College of Optometry was also required. One of the more difficult parts of the application was that I had to study for and write a jurisprudence exam to show that I understood the laws of optometry in Nova Scotia. All in all, the application process took me approximately 2 months to complete. For those considering practicing in Nova Scotia, the checklist of requirements can be found here.

A New Definition of Rural

When I was in Ontario, I considered myself a rural optometrist. I was located about an hour and a half from Toronto in a small city and when I referred patients for specialty ophthalmic care they usually had to drive about 45 mins to an hour to access this care. The area was supported for urgent eye care and standard referrals by 4 local ophthalmologists.

Working in Nova Scotia has re-defined my definition of rural optometry. Patients in Southwest Nova Scotia who require specialty ophthalmic care (ex. retinal detachments) often must drive for over 3 hours to Halifax. Locally, there are between 1 and 2 ophthalmologists for emergency care support and standard referrals.

Because of this difference in access to care, I manage ocular emergencies myself whenever possible. This difference in access to care in rural Nova Scotia has highlighted the importance of optometric scope expansion in Nova Scotia. If optometrists were able to do more procedures (such as removing small lid lesions or ordering bloodwork), it could help reduce wait times across the province and improve patient care.

I didn’t truly comprehend the ruralness of Yarmouth Nova Scotia until I was actually living here. To put it in perspective, the nearest Starbucks is about two and a half hours away! Still, the benefits of rural living often outweigh any potential cons. Because the community is so far from Halifax, it is self-sustainable and has its own independent food shops, grocery stores, clothing stores and more. I love seeing so many cool, independent stores that are so completely unique from the big box stores I was used to in Ontario. The locally owned coffee shops are better than Starbucks, too!

Enjoying a "Yarmouth Fog" at Studio Yarmouth Cafe

 What I Love About Southwest, Nova Scotia

Where to begin? Nova Scotia is so different from Ontario and Southwest NS is such a beautiful, unique area. I could probably write another whole blog about why I love being here, but let’s just look at the hits!

1)    The Seafood

Cheesin' with our home-cooked scallops

I grew up my entire life not liking fish. I didn’t like that it tasted “fishy,” and would only eat it when there weren’t any other food options available (usually after dousing it with an excessive amount of lemon juice to disguise the flavour). Living in Nova Scotia has made me realize how good seafood can be! Haddock, lobster and scallops are now some of my favourite meals. There’s a huge Lobster Crawl Fest on the South Shore throughout the month of February so I’m looking forward to having the chance to try all the local restaurants and vote on the best lobster roll.

2)    The Weather

When I first told my friends and family I was moving to Nova Scotia, I was told over and over again about the dreaded Nova Scotian winters. What is so interesting about Southwest Nova Scotia is that weather-wise it is much milder. It can be rainy, but it is not as cold as Ontario, and it rarely snows.

3)     The People

Moving to Nova Scotia was scary at first! But, I am not exaggerating when I say that every person I’ve met so far has been kind and helpful. People have helped us with dinner recommendations, given us advice while house hunting, watched our cats, and even patiently taught us how garbage and recycling works (it’s complicated!). I’ve already made some good friends and I've loved learning about the community.

4)    The Views

For those who haven’t been to Southwest Nova Scotia, it is beautiful out here. There are so many incredible beaches and the sunsets are incredible. I saw the most beautiful sunset of my life just casually driving home from work one day! We are also relatively close to Kejimkujik national park, which we haven't had the chance to explore yet but have heard great things about. Another favourite spot of ours is the Cape Forchu Lighthouse. We are still in awe at the natural beauty of the region!

I'm so looking forward to what the summer will bring (hopefully lots of sunshine and beach times). If anyone has any questions about relocating to Nova Scotia from Ontario, feel free to reach out! Thanks for reading!