As I look back over the past year, I can’t help but be proud of everything the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science has achieved. Not that I’m claiming credit personally – I only started as director in July, and more importantly, these achievements are the work of many faculty members, staff and students who have pulled together in the interests of the School and the profession. It’s that teamwork I’m proud of.
One recent team achievement was the Waterloo Eye Institute Fall Conference and Trade Show, held in Markham, Ontario. It was our fourth time running the event and this edition was the best attended yet. As always, it was full of great, evidence-based continuing professional development and good times. We held hands-on workshops for the first time, in amniotic membrane insertion and office-based gonioscopy and laser procedures. If you attended, I hope you enjoyed the conference. If you didn’t, please consider joining us in Markham next year from November 6 to 8, 2026!
Curriculum changes have been approved by both the University of Waterloo Senate and the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE). These changes, which will affect future classes starting in September 2026 (Class of 2030), add a term of study between what’s now the second and third years, but they also do much more. They rebalance the curriculum, add a little academic breathing room and provide more and earlier clinical experience. For more details, check out the article about the curriculum changes, which includes an FAQ.
More exciting news: we have hit the milestone of $30 million raised to build the Waterloo Eye Institute! That means there’s only $5 million left to hit our fundraising goal of $35 million. During this season of giving, why not consider helping us raise the last $5 million? Every dollar helps build the state-of-the-art education, research and patient care facility that will help define the future of optometry in Canada. Donate to the WEI now.
In this issue of our alumni newsletter, you will find a feature on the Waterloo Differential Acuity Test, a new, precise vision test that can be used on toddlers under the age of three. There is an article about the significant role Dr. Debbie Jones and CORE played in bringing myopia control soft contact lenses into use worldwide. You will also learn about Dr. Kerry Salsberg (OD ’94), who runs one of the largest optometric practices in Toronto as well as a health-care software company.
Looking ahead, particularly with the National Strategy on Eye Care due to be tabled in the summer of 2026, I’m confident the year ahead will bring good things to the world of optometry and vision science. In the meantime, have a wonderful holiday season.
Warmly,
Ben Thompson
Director, School of Optometry and Vision Science