Now that ground has been broken on the Waterloo Eye Institute and construction is about to start in earnest, the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science is moving its Waterloo campus clinic and all its specialty services to a convenient nearby location.
During the two-year construction process, all patient care services will move to 419 Phillip St. Unit C, Waterloo, a three-minute drive or 10-minute walk away. The interim location will open to the public on October 21, 2024.
The Waterloo Eye Institute is a $53 million initiative to build Canada’s premier optometric centre that will push the boundaries of eye and vision care, optometric education and vision research. A once-in-a-generation project, it will create 68,000 square feet of new and renovated space.
“While this is a temporary home for us, everything will be business as usual — if not better,” says Dr. Andre Stanberry, the clinic director. “We will continue to provide leading-edge care using state-of-the-art equipment, including some brand-new equipment. We’ll be honouring previously booked appointments as well as inviting new patients to try us out.”
Just as the current location does, the interim location of the clinic will provide comprehensive eye exams and eyewear to patients ranging from infants to seniors, including people with special needs.
The interim location will continue providing a range of specialized services, including vision rehabilitation and care for people with ocular disease, low vision, brain injuries and conditions that affect the two eyes’ ability to work together. Myopia control treatment for children, advanced contact lens services, ocular imaging and diagnostics will also be available in the same place.
Standberry’s advice to current patients is, “If you have an appointment before October 21, please go to the current location at 200 Columbia St. W., Waterloo. If you have an appointment on or after October 21, please go to 419 Phillip St., Unit C, Waterloo. Your appointment time will be the same.”
The renovated and expanded Waterloo Eye Institute is expected to reopen at the current location in fall 2026. For more information, visit the Waterloo Eye Institute website.
The Health Sciences Optometry Clinic, located in downtown Kitchener will continue its normal operations throughout, providing comprehensive eye exams and optical dispensing to the public.
The campaign to build the Waterloo Eye Institute continues, with $28 million raised out of a $35 million fundraising goal. To learn more or to help give the gift of sight, visit our Seeing Beyond 20/20 campaign site.
