WEI new grad discount
Recent grads (2022–2026) of an accredited OD program can save 20% on their registration rate. Use code WEI26GRAD at checkout and please list your alma mater and graduation year so we can verify eligibility. Proof of graduation may be requested.
Join us in Markham, Ontario from November 6–8, 2026, for three days of high‑quality continuing education designed for optometrists and their teams. This event features a translational, evidence informed program that connects leading research with real‑world clinical practice.
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.
Awards
Dr. Mark Eltis
Dr. Mark Eltis received the Medico-Legal Society of Toronto Award. This award is the Society highest honour, recognizing outstanding contributions to the healthcare, legal and scientific communities.
Dr. Sophia Capo
Dr. Sophia Capo was named the Young Optometrist of the Year by the BC Doctor of Optometry. This award is presented to a prestigious provincial honour recognizing emerging leaders in the eye care profession.
Vision Champion Award
The Vision Champion award is a national honour presented by the Canadian Association of Optometrist (CAO). This year, the award was given to the Canadian College of Specialties in Optometry (CCSO). Their vision is to inspire excellence in optometric specialties and the provision of vision care services in Canada. Currently the CCSO Board of directors consists of:
- Dr. Jean Francious Bouchard
- Dr. Gordon Hensel
- Dr. Nasir Khan
- Dr. Julie-Andree Marinier
- Dr. Ben Thompson
- Dr. James Thompson
- Dr. Stanley Woo
Dr. Monica Bell
Dr. Monica Bell (OD ‘17) received the Early Career Alumni Award at our June CE Weekend. This award recognizes exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their industries, local communities, and the world at large.
Dr. Jessica Steen
Dr. Jessica Steen (OD ‘14) received the Alumni Award of Honour at our June CE Weekend. This award recognizes outstanding alumni who have distinguished themselves through professional achievements and community service celebrating their meaningful contributions to society and their fields.
Dr. Sheldon Pothier
Dr. Sheldon Pothier (OD ‘86) received the Distinguished Alumni Award at our June CE Weekend. This award is the highest accolade given as it recognizes graduates who have demonstrated excellence in their professional careers, contributions to society, and leadership in their communities.
Plan a class reunion at our 60th anniversary and the WEI grand opening
Our Continuing Education and Alumni Weekend in June were bustling with activity. We were pleased to have two classes join us on campus to celebrate their class reunions.
The Class of 1986 returned to campus to celebrate their 40th anniversary since graduation. Thanks to Dr. Kerby Kelly and Dr. Sheldon Pothier’s efforts close to forty alumni and their spouses from across the country traveled back to Waterloo to recognize this milestone with their classmates. The weekend celebrations included private guided tours of the Waterloo Eye Institute, a reception and re-meet and greet, and billiards, brews and forgotten flashbacks at the Huether Hotel. The reunion was extra special because one member of the Class of 1986 received the Distinguished Alumni Award. They had so much fun there was already talk of planning their 45th reunion.
The Class of 1986 reunion included a fundraising campaign to support the Waterloo Eye Institute. This generous bunch has raised $136,000 to date and their goal is to raise $150,000 by early next year. The Class of 1986 is challenging you and your classmates to do the same!
Not to be outdone members of the Class of 1976 returned to campus to celebrate their 50th anniversary since graduation. Thanks to Dr. Dennis Ruskin close to fifteen alumni and their spouses from across the province returned to Waterloo to recognize this significant milestone with their classmates. The rowdy group shared memories and laughter over lunch and retired faculty member Dr. Murchison “Murch” Callender joined them to reflect and reminisce with his former students.
If your class is recognizing a milestone year like 10, 20, 25 or 30+ years since graduation it’s time to celebrate! If you graduated in 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007 or 2017 you should consider reconnecting with your classmates to plan a reunion at the grand opening of the Waterloo Eye Institute in the summer of 2027.
This is your opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and reminisce with your classmates. We can help you connect with your classmates and support with planning your celebration.
Start by filling out the Class Reunion Form and we will be in touch!
In Memorial
Paul Lofthouse
Paul Lofthouse passed away peacefully in the Hospice Waterloo Region on June 6th. Paul was a staff member of the Optometry Family for 10 years as a Patient Care Coordinator working in the SNP clinic followed by HSOC for the later years of his tenure. He has been missed since his resignation due to medical reasons and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers for years to come.
Dagmar Otto passed away on June 11, 2026, at Waterloo Region Health Network. Dagmar recieved her Doctorate here in 1988 and went on to practice in Paris and Brantford. She retired in December 2020 after a distinguished career dedicated to caring for her patients. She will be missed by her two kids, Tara (Stephen) Parker and Joshua Otto, her twin grandsons Jamie and Andrew Parker, as well as our entire community.