Our Grad Ball was truly a night to remember! Following the Convocation ceremony, graduates, faculty, staff and guests gathered at FED Hall for the annual Grad Ball to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.
Public health campaigns have warned about the dangers smoking poses to the heart and lungs. But one area often overlooked is eye health, yet the consequences can be just as threatening.
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.
Dr. Ben Thompson’s summer message highlights celebratory moments, recent losses and the strong connection between our alumni community and the School. This edition features information about the School’s premier continuing education event, progress on the Waterloo Eye Institute, research impact and faculty updates. Be sure to read the P.S. to learn about an opportunity to sing, dance and celebrate with the optometry’s favourite band.
The dry weather has been a benefit allowing the construction of the Waterloo Eye Institute to advance at a rapid pace. The exterior façade is almost complete, insulation is being installed and all, but a few windows have been fitted.
We are pleased to announce five new faculty members will join the School of Optometry & Vision Science this year.
Director Ben Thompson’s spring message reflects on a season of renewal, recent loss, and the strength of the School’s community. The update looks ahead to upcoming learning opportunities, research impact, and continued progress on the Waterloo Eye Institute.
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.
Dr. Ben Thompson looks back over some recent achievements of 2025, including having raised $30 million out of the $35 million goal to build the Waterloo Eye Institute, having received approval for curriculum changes for the OD program that include an extra term of study, and the success of the Waterloo Eye Institute Fall Conference and Trade Show.
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.