Science Teaching Complex (STC) and Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC) Buildings Located on Waterloo's Campus.
Conduct research to generate new knowledge and be part of the academic excellence that’s at the heart of the School of Optometry & Vision Science with the PhD in Vision Science program.
You’ll study under our award-winning faculty members who are recognized both nationally and internationally for their research and teaching. Some of the world's most renowned research initiatives concerning the eye are underway here, and our graduate students play a vital role in making the program one of the best vision research institutions in North America and beyond.
You’ll be prepared to pursue employment in academia, research labs, in health care as a highly specialized clinician, or industry.
Research areas and degree options
- Applied Studies
- Fundamental Bioscience
- Societal Impact
Program overview
Department/School: School of Optometry and Vision Science
Faculty: Faculty of Science
Admit term(s): Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April), Spring (May - August)
Delivery mode: On-campus
Program type: Doctoral, Research
Length of program: 48 months (full-time)
Registration option(s): Full-time, Part-time
Study option(s): Thesis
Application deadlines
- February 1(for admission in September)
- June 1(for admission in January of the following year)
- October 1(for admission in May of the following year)
Key contacts
Angela Hare at graduatestudies.optometry@uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567, ext. 35039
In the program, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Paul Murphy, a renowned expert in the field of anterior eye care, along with the other outstanding individuals. The decision to select Waterloo as my academic destination has been a rewarding decision.
Supervisors
- Review the finding a supervisor resources
Admission requirements
- The program is open to students holding an MSc degree (or equivalent), which included a substantial research thesis in an area relevant to the proposed program in Vision Science.
Degree requirements
- Review the degree requirements on the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, including the courses that you can anticipate taking as part of completing the degree
- Check out Waterloo's institutional thesis repository - UWspace to see recent submissions from the School of Optometry and Vision Science graduate students
Application materials
- Resume
- Supplementary information form (SIF)
- The SIF contains questions specific to your program, typically about why you want to enroll and your experience in that field. Review the application documents web page for more information about this requirement
- If a statement or letter is required by your program, review the writing your personal statement resources for helpful tips and tricks on completion
- Transcript(s)
- References
- Three academic references are required
- Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
- TOEFL 90 (writing 25, speaking 25), IELTS 7.0 (writing 6.5, speaking 6.5)
Tuition and fees
- Visit the graduate program tuition page on the Finance website to determine the tuition and incidental fees per term for your program
- Review living costs and housing
- Review the funding graduate school resources for graduate students