News

In his first message as director of the School of Optometry and Vision Science, Dr. Ben Thompson provides an update on the building of the Waterloo Eye Institute, welcomes new students and faculty, and details his own warm welcome both at the School and at the Canadian Association of Optometrists Congress in Halifax this summer. 

Trained in physics and vision science, Dr. Jennifer Hunter (BSc '99; MSc '01; PhD '07) develops advanced fluorescence imaging techniques to examine individual retinal cell layers, which have historically been difficult to image without harming the eye. Her work could lead to earlier detection of retinal diseases and better testing and monitoring of ocular drugs. 

Dr. Alexa Hecht (OD ’21) is an optometrist and social media influencer who emphasizes eye health and safety when it comes to educating the public, especially about beauty trends. She’s also a podcaster, speaker and brand ambassador building a not-so-traditional career alongside providing clinical patient care. 

The Waterloo Eye Institute at Surrey Place project is bringing eye care to a highly underserved population – people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The project not only provides accessible patient care, it also trains the next generation of optometrists to see patients with special needs and researches the vision needs and outcomes of this special patient population.

Learn what your classmates have been up to and get inspired by the activities of alumni from other cohorts! Want to submit an update of your own? Please use the Class Notes form to tell us your news and include an optional photo. 

Dr. Alex Müntz (PhD ’17) became head of the Institute of Optometry at a Swiss university just six years out from his PhD. His journey took him from Romania to Germany, Canada and New Zealand before Switzerland. He credits his success to his network and his willingness to be flexible and jump on opportunities.

The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) is expanding its scope by applying its nearly 40 years of research experience to a broader range of fields. As part of this shift, a steering committee will take over from Dr. Lyndon Jones, who is stepping down as director and moving to a new position of principal scientist.

Incoming director Dr. Ben Thompson has a record of research excellence and visionary leadership. A professor at the School since 2014, he is committed to further advancing the goals laid out in the School's strategic plan, continuing its strong partnership with the optometric profession and increasing the School's research impact.

In his last director’s message for this newsletter, Dr. Stanley Woo looks back over his eight years leading the School of Optometry and Vision Science – and at the spirit of collaboration that enabled many accomplishments and set in motion multiple developments that promise to advance optometry and vision science in Canada.