As we look back upon 2018, we have much to be thankful for at the School. We have a vision that has united us ̶ faculty, staff and students ̶ that of Helping People See.
We help our students see a bright future in optometry, serving the public by providing the gamut of eye and vision care.
We help people see vision science research in a different light by reaching across disciplines to translate theory into practice and create new tools and treatments.
Finally, like you, we help patients see by being good stewards of the gift of sight, each and every day.
The completion of our strategic planning exercise has focused our attention and efforts on creating the Waterloo Eye Institute and all the ways it will help people see. The addition of ophthalmological services. Plans for an ambulatory surgical center. Enhanced interprofessional clinical education and training opportunities for students. Continuing professional development. Increased interdisciplinary research collaborations both at home and abroad. All of these make for an ambitious agenda in the year ahead.
In this issue of Insight, you can read more about the ways we are working to better serve students, patients and optometry as a whole.
For example, curriculum changes are underway that will provide students with hands-on clinical experience earlier in their academic careers. That experience will be augmented by new simulation technology, which will enable students to practice their diagnostic skills. These initiatives will help to ensure our graduates are prepared to fill the needs of our profession, no matter where they choose to practice.
On the research front, the University of Waterloo recently signed an agreement with Hong Kong Polytechnic that could lead to collaboration between our School faculty and colleagues in Hong Kong to develop new technologies to detect, prevent and treat ocular and neurological diseases.
Closer to home, our researchers continue to contribute to our knowledge of conditions ranging from amblyopia to myopia. In the latter case, we are leveraging partnerships with contact lens manufacturers and our extensive experience in orthokeratology to advance the treatment of progressive myopia, a condition that’s rapidly becoming more prevalent.
We are continuing our outreach efforts to provide care to under-served populations. With the help of generous industry sponsors, we were once again able to provide free eye exams and glasses to kids in Toronto’s Jane and Finch neighbourhood. We are in discussions with a First Nations community to provide vision care at their location. And we will continue to add our voices to the call for accessible eye care for every Canadian.
As 2018 closes, we wish all of you ̶ our alumni, colleagues and partners ̶ a safe and peaceful holiday season. And we look forward to working with you in 2019 as, together, we help people see.
Sincerely,
Stanley Woo, OD, MS, MBA, FAAO
Director
