Perhaps you know him as your kindly lab instructor or clinic supervisor; or, perhaps you know him as the saxophonist for the School of Optometry & Vision Science’s resident band, the Lost Faculties.
Either way – the time has come for the School of Optometry & Vision Science to wish Dr. Ken Hadley a very happy retirement after nearly 40 years on campus!
The best teaching job in the world
Dr. Hadley’s journey at Waterloo began back in the late 70s as a student, graduating from the Doctor of Optometry program in 1979. He says pursuing optometry was always a natural choice for him. “I’ve always been really interested in how the human body worked – and when I discovered what optometrists do, it just seemed the right fit for me,” says Dr. Hadley.
After running his own private practice in Haliburton Village for the first six years of his career, Dr. Hadley decided to return to his alma mater to pursue teaching. A lab instructor for over forty years, he has long been a student favourite, having been named a recipient of the University of Waterloo’s Optometry Student Society’s annual Distinguished Lab Instructor Award in multiple years.
For Dr. Hadley, the most rewarding part of teaching has always been watching his students have ‘lightbulb moments’ during a lesson. “Our students are so intensely motivated to learn. They're talented, they're bright, they're personable, and they're fun people to be around,” says Dr. Hadley. “I’ve been really lucky to have had the best teaching job in the world!”
Combining two passions in music and optometry
Alongside optometry, music has been a constant passion for Dr. Hadley. A talented saxophonist, Dr. Hadley helped to form the infamous UWOVS band, The Lost Faculties, featuring many past and present UWOVS staff and faculty.
With his bandmates, Dr. Hadley has provided entertainment at many School events and global optometry conferences since the early 90s.
“It’s been a cool situation to have my music and optometry careers intersect [with The Lost Faculties],” says Dr. Hadley. “Friends ask me how I got to play in places like England, Holland, San Francisco. And I always tell them - the key is to have bandmates who are famous visual scientists!”
The next chapter
While Dr. Hadley has not entirely left the School – he still comes in on Mondays and Fridays to help first- and second-years with lab demonstrations in pre-clinic – Dr. Hadley is looking forward to the freedom that retirement offers.
With more free time to pursue music, Dr. Hadley has already turned his spare bedroom into a music writing and recording space. When he’s able, he is also looking forward to exploring more of Canada – where he is sure to spot some familiar names.
“I love being able to drive through small-town Canada and see former students’ names on the local optometry practices,” said Dr. Hadley. “It’s been awesome to play a small part in so many students’ journeys toward the profession.”
The School would like to congratulate Dr. Ken Hadley on his well-deserved retirement, and thank him for his years of dedication, leadership, and commitment to our students.
