On December 2nd, optometry alumnus Dr. Marta Witer (OD 1979) was honoured with a 60th Anniversary Alumni Award from the University of Waterloo.
Dr. Witer was selected as one of 10 outstanding alumni to be recognized for their commitment to the University of Waterloo for exemplified citizenship to the University through activities such as volunteering, mentoring, involvement with committees, boards or panels, philanthropic support, or advocacy. She received her award from UW President Feridun Hamdullahpur at the University of Waterloo’s 60th Anniversary Gala.
These 10 individuals were selected in honour of the University of Waterloo’s 60th Anniversary to build on the legacy created during our 50th Anniversary in 2007, where alumnae Drs. Judy Brisson and George Woo were honoured. Dr. Witer also received one of the School’s 40th Anniversary Distinguished Alumni of Honour Awards in 2007.
Dr. Witer, is a member of the University of Waterloo board of governors, sits on the Ontario College of Optometrists Council, works closely with the Vision Institute and is a passionate advocate and champion for optometric education and the School of Optometry & Vision Science. She and her husband Ian Ihnatowcyz are generous donors whose significant contribution to the School's new addition resulted in the naming of the Witer Learning Resource Centre in recognition of their support.
We are extremely proud to have had Marta honoured in this way, joining a group of outstanding individuals from across the campus. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Witer and expressing our appreciation for her tremendous contributions to the University of Waterloo, the School of Optometry & Vision Science, and the profession!
Lyndon Jones named a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Lyndon Jones, a Professor at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, and Director of the Centre for Contact Lens Research at the University of Waterloo, has been awarded a Fellowship of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS).
Induction as a Fellow is “considered one of the highest honors within Canada’s academic community. CAHS Fellows, who serve as unpaid volunteers, are nominated by their institutions and peers and selected in a competitive process based on their internationally recognized leadership, academic performance, scientific creativity and willingness to serve.”
Lyndon is also a Fellow and Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), and he has been awarded a number of national and international awards, including the 2014 “Glenn Fry Award” from the AAO, 2014 “Donald Korb Award” from the American Optometric Association, 2013 “Max Schapero Award” from the Cornea and Contact Lens Section of the AAO and the 2011 “George Giles Memorial Lectureship” from the British College of Optometrists.
Distinguished professors emeriti
The Distinguished Professor Emeritus/a designation is made to faculty members who have had a distinguished record of service in teaching and research in the University. The honorary award is granted upon, or shortly after, retirement.
John G. Flanagan, PhD, DSc hc, FCOptom, FAAO, FARVO
John Flanagan spent 29 years as a professor at the University of Waterloo. He completed his optometry education and earned his doctorate from Aston University, UK, before moving to Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science in 1985. Prior to being appointed dean of the Optometry School at the University of California, Berkeley in 2014, John was also a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto and a senior scientist at the Toronto Western Research Institute. His academic focus has been in the field of glaucoma research, and he has been the recipient of numerous awards while also receiving invitations to lecture to academic and professional audiences worldwide.
J. Graham Strong, OD, MSc
Graham Strong is a joint graduate of the College of Optometrists of Ontario and the University of Waterloo where he earned his OD and MSc degrees. Promoted to full professor in 1996, he thrived in many roles in the school including as director of clinics, director of the school and associate dean of science, as well as founder and director of the Centre for Sight Enhancement. Published widely in the area of low vision rehabilitation, he has developed innovative high-technology devices to improve the quality of life for persons with low vision. His profound contributions include public policy development, assistive devices innovations, and vision rehabilitation as well as his indelible impact on his students and the optometric profession.
