In this section of the Insight alumni newsletter, we invite you to share your personal updates with other Optometry & Vision Science alumni, up to a maximum of 100 words, with an optional photo. We’d all love to hear about your weddings, babies, retirements, achievements, milestones and anything else you’d like to share. Please submit your updates using the Class Notes form.
Dr. Aaron Barrie (OD'07)
Aaron Barrie recently opened a new optometry clinic in Vernon, B.C., called Monashee Optometry. His wife, Lauren, is operations manager. Learn more
Dr. Mark Eltis (OD’03)
The College of Optometrists of Ontario recently elected its executive committee and approved the committee slates for 2024 and Mark Eltis is continuing as president. Mark was also recently featured on Global News with advice on how to view the upcoming solar eclipse safely.
Dr. Austin Roorda (PhD'96)
Austin Roorda, who completed his PhD in Vision Science and Physics under the supervision of Drs. William Bobier and Melanie Campbell, was among four scientists who were awarded the 2024 Rank Prize for Optoelectronics. With Drs. Junzhong Liang, Donald Miller and David Williams, he developed instruments that use adaptive optics technologies to capture high-resolution images of the living human retina. Learn more
Drs. Alex Kennedy and Gordon Wong (OD’94)
Former classmates Alex Kennedy and Gordon Wong, both based in B.C., will be participating as supervisors on the University of Waterloo Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) chapter’s trip to Senegal this August. Between the OD students and the supervising optometrists, hundreds of patients who may not otherwise be able to access care will be seen. The team also raises funds to cover surgical costs for those who are identified to have severe cataracts. Thanks to Gordon and Alex for volunteering!
Dr. Patricia Hrynchak (OD’83)
After 37 years of teaching at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, Patricia Hrynchak retired at the end of February. She is, however, remaining active in research and is working on a new edition of the Procedures in Clinical Optometry manual. Learn more
Class of 1974
Drs. James Holmes and John Cappell are spearheading the planning a 50th anniversary reunion at Alumni Weekend in Waterloo this June. For more information, contact Kelsey Gagnon.
Maureen Fitzgerald
While she’s not an alum, some of you might remember Maureen Fitzgerald, who worked at the School for years until her retirement in 1996. Sadly, she passed away in February. See her obituary here.
