News

For over 50 years the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science has been working to enhance quality of life for our community through their vision.  With the knowledge that 80% of all blindness is preventable, the School makes it a priority to bring awareness to the importance of safeguarding their vision and addressing eye care needs. The Kitchener-Waterloo Community Foundation recognizes how important this is and has generously supported the School’s Seeing is Belonging program, which provides essential vision care and resources to identified at-risk groups within our community.

In honour of the School’s 50th Anniversary since moving to Waterloo in 1967, we are excited to present our Name Your Seat campaign to support clinic equipment and technology for the advancement of optometric education and research.

The School of Optometry and Vision Science held a retirement celebration for Dr. Murray Turnour on Tuesday, August 29th. Dr. Turnour has provided leadership and passionate support for the International Optometric Bridging Program (IOBP) over the past 5 years, in addition to teaching as a lecturer for the School, beginning in 1975. From 1975 – 1982, he was a Clinical Instructor and then continued on as an associate professor in undergraduate teaching, delivering a course in optometric jurisprudence to optometry students. The University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science is also pleased to announce that Dr. Jenna Bright has accepted the position of Director of the IOBP program.  She brings a wealth of experience to the position having served as IOBP Program Manager for the past 6 years.

The Canadian Optometric Education Trust Fund (COETF) is a federally registered charitable organization supporting optometric research, education and professional development through unrestricted cash awards to individuals and institutions in Canada. The COETF has supported the University of Waterloo School of Optometry infrastructure and research programs through the provision of more than $1,000,000.00 in funding since 1980.

Eye care professionals (ECPs) have to juggle demands on their time and may not always have opportunities to seek continuing education via peer-reviewed journals or attendance at scientific conferences. ContactLensUpdate.com is an educational resource developed and maintained by Centre for Contact Lens Research, recently renamed the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) to more accurately reflect the breadth of its reach. In addition to conducting clinical and bioscience research, CORE is dedicated to providing education for eye care practitioners worldwide. Contact Lens Update.com is its flagship project. 

In mid-October, hundreds of the world’s foremost eye care professionals, researchers, students and industry leaders created a mural at the American Academy of Optometry’s annual meeting in Chicago, celebrating the launch of the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE). During a packed celebration last evening, the work was unveiled and permanently installed at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science.

University of Waterloo optometrist Elizabeth Irving and research assistant Cristina Yakobchuck-Stanger have demonstrated that a lens using an alternative design reverses induced myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness.

The 2017 Optometry Rack Pack team completed the 'CIBC Run for the Cure' on Sunday October 1, 2017 to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. In their fifth year as a team, there were 31 “Rack Pack” members including optometry faculty, staff and students  –  as well as family and friends of UWOVS - who walked or ran the 1km/5km race at Conestoga College, Doon Campus in Kitchener. The Optometry Rack Pack fundraised over $9,452 this year, bringing their five year total to over $50,000 – which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the School of Optometry & Vision Science!

This Fall saw the culmination of many months of planning for our 50th Anniversary celebration weekend, and thanks to the support of our alumni, friends and corporate partners, it was a great success!

The School of Optometry & Vision Science celebrated many award winners in 2017, not only for students, staff, and faculty, but also through our expanded alumni awards this year. The School is pleased to provide recognition to our valued awardees!