Insight

Celebrating Our 50th Anniversary and Looking to the Future

Director's Report

Serving as Director for the past 5 months at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science has been amazing.  The tide of goodwill began with a warm welcome from Drs. Barry Thienes and Michael Dennis and Ms. Laurie Clement, Executive Director, at the Canadian Association of Optometrists biennial meeting in Ottawa that coincided with the 150th anniversary for Canada Day. 

We rode the wave right into the School’s 50th anniversary festivities, which included a wonderful gala, astronaut/optometrist Larry DeLucas, and recognition of distinguished alumni from across the decades.  The School strategic planning process was underway, and facilitating breakout groups enabled me to learn about the wonderful activities, people, and opportunities in eye, vision, health care, and vision science research.  What an incredible time to join the team! 

At the Federation of Optometric Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FORAC) meeting in Calgary, I gained a better understanding of the range of issues facing the profession, including scope of practice, development of sub-specialization, and assessment for registration.  Dr. Paul Chris, Executive Director of FORAC and the Vision Institute, was very helpful in my orientation, and I am grateful for the hospitality of Drs. James Thompson, Gordon Hensel, and the Alberta College board.  Drs. Pooya Hemami and Paula Garshowitz of the College of Optometrists of Ontario met with me to discuss topics that promote the protection of the public, and Dr. Jeff Guthrie has been a wonderful source of knowledge about the Ontario Association of Optometrists.  Though we are located in Ontario, the School recognizes the broader role we may serve across Canada.  

At the annual general meeting of the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO), I learned of the AAO’s successes, unique challenges, and gained some key insight.  Dr. Jim Asuchak, Mr. Brian Wik, CEO and the board were gracious hosts.  The “can-do” spirit in Alberta was reminiscent of my own experience with friends and colleagues from Texas and Oklahoma.  I feel that same spirit around the School, as well.    

The Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists AGM extended a generous invite, but alas, a flight cancellation threw a wrench into those plans.  Undeterred, we do plan to meet with each provincial college and association to learn about their needs, plans, and hopes for the future.  The collaboration between the associations, colleges and our school has great potential to advance the profession, to serve the public need for timely access to quality eye and vision care, and to promote optometry’s integral role as a member of the health care team. 

Among our top priorities is the education and training of our graduates for the contemporary practice of optometry anywhere in North America.  To that end, I have been impressed with the innovation and knowledge faculty have brought into the classroom, labs, and clinics.  Efforts to promote interprofessional education and collaborative practice continue to build momentum as our students learn, study, and care for patients together with practitioners in family medicine, pharmacy, ophthalmology, and other health care professions.  While there remains much work to do, I am optimistic that we will embrace technology and partnership opportunities to deliver an unparalleled, state of the art experience for our students and our patients.   

As the depth and breadth of optometry continues to develop, we seek to expand residency training in sub-specialty areas of optometry.  Drs. Susan Leat and Lisa Prokopich are spearheading ACOE-accreditation efforts at UWaterloo while also seeking out partners to meet the growing demand for residency training based in Canada.    

Clinical and vision science research at the School has an enviable history and reputation.  Working across the 4 major themes of 1) neurosciences, 2) ocular biology and pathophysiology, 3) technology and optics, and 4) healthcare education and delivery, we have evolved to be among the largest graduate programs in vision science. 

Within the School, the Center for Contact Lens Research (CCLR) has rebranded as the Center for Ocular Research and Education (CORE).  Long recognized as one of the most productive and successful clinical research centers in the world, under the leadership of Dr. Lyndon Jones, CORE has expanded capabilities in biological sciences that will open up new research pathways including nano-particles, novel drug delivery systems, and bio-materials.

I am especially appreciative of our alums, industry partners, and benefactors who help to provide the resources essential to our success.  Some recent examples of philanthropy include:  Shire Pharma Canada ULC is a first of its kind sponsor of our residency in Ocular Disease; CooperVision pledged $250,000 in support of our capital campaign; and a lecture series for student enrichment has support from Shire and Alcon, with others on the way.  For the many who participated in support of the successful 50th Anniversary Celebration we cannot thank you enough for your time, treasure, and heart.    The generosity of our alums is particularly touching as those who have had a prosperous career in the profession pay it forward through the School to support to the next generation of optometrists.      

With the celebration of our past behind us, we are now looking beyond to our next 50 years.  Our strategic planning process is entering its penultimate stage, and we are eager to have another round of engagement with our students, faculty, staff and external stakeholders.  Aligning the strategic plan with our budget process and resource allocation will bring the School together and promote collaboration across the spectrum of clinical and basic science priorities.  The future for the School of Optometry & Vision Science is exciting.  I am delighted to be a part of the team, and we look forward to sharing our plans for next steps in the New Year. 

Best wishes to everyone for a happy, safe, and prosperous holiday season and New Year.