TBB and The Academy of Ophthalmic Education Launch New Partnership to Train and Place Displaced Talent in Canada's Eye Care Sector

[TORONTO, Canada] August 27, 2025 — Talent Beyond Boundaries (TBB), a global nonprofit connecting refugees with employers in need of their skills, today announced a new “train to hire” partnership with The Academy of Ophthalmic Education (AOE) in Canada. AOE is an accredited continuing medical education provider and recognized industry hub for training and workforce placement in the eye care sector, addressing the growing shortage of licensed opticians, optometrists, and auxiliary support staff across the industry.

This collaboration focuses on connecting employers with qualified displaced talent while addressing critical labour shortages in Canada's eye care sector. Through the partnership, AOE will develop pre-arrival job readiness and occupation-specific professional training programs for displaced  candidates who are eligible, preparing them to work as optometric assistants and optician technicians in Canada.

"Refugees with the skills and experience that employers need should be able to move internationally for work just like any other applicant," said Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at TBB. "AOE's specialized training expertise combined with our talent mobility platform will make it easier for qualified refugees to rebuild their careers in Canada's growing eye care industry."

The train-to-hire model will provide candidates with comprehensive training covering the Canadian ophthalmic sector, workplace culture, employee and employer rights and responsibilities, and occupation-specific knowledge and skills. AOE will also develop employer recruitment campaigns and organize regular information sessions to promote hiring through TBB.

This type of partnership enables TBB to expand its impact by addressing specific sector needs through targeted training programs. The combination of AOE's industry expertise with TBB's talent mobility experience will help meet critical workforce gaps while transforming lives through meaningful employment in the eye care sector.

"We are excited to partner with TBB to develop pathways that benefit both our industry and displaced professionals seeking new opportunities," said Yavar Ali Khan at The Academy of Ophthalmic Education. "There is strong demand across Canada for skilled, trained professionals in eye care, and this partnership presents an innovative way to meet that need while supporting workforce integration."

TBB has already helped more than 300 displaced individuals secure job offers globally. With support from specialized training partners like AOE, the organization aims to expand sector-specific pathways for skilled migration through targeted preparation programs.

Canadian employers in the eye care sector interested in learning more about hiring through TBB can visit: talentbeyondboundaries.org/employers