Waterloo Eye Institute

Close up of man’s blue eye overlaid with images of a grid and data points,

It is our responsibility as stewards of the gift of sight to be bold and innovative with our vision for the future

At the School of Optometry & Vision Science, our goals are to:

Put education before legislation to instill in graduates a desire to provide increased patient access to full-scope, contemporary practice across Canada.

Use our expertise in imaging to strike out in new directions, to discover techniques and treatments that will enhance the vision care we provide patients.

Embrace inter-professional education and collaborative practice with ophthalmology, family medicine, pharmacy, and other health professions.

Reimagine the patient pathway to ensure we are fully serving our patient needs from wellness to surgery, from ages 1 to 101.

We will achieve this through the creation of the Waterloo Eye Institute

The goal is to help advance the provision of vision care across the country by ensuring that optometrists are trained to the highest scope of practice in North America. This is complemented by inspiring and innovative research that looks to answer questions that will influence policy and health care delivery.

Our vision includes

Ambulatory Surgical Center

Ophthalmological services for medical and surgical treatment to alleviate bottlenecks at hospitals for operating room access.
Increase patient access, decrease wait times and promote interprofessional models of care.
Collaborative clinical training that inspires a progressive learning environment for students.

Clinical Programs/Services

Reimagined patient pathway to improve experience and efficiency.
Elevate profile to highlight breadth of expertise and position as a referral centre.
Expansion of services in growing areas such as vision therapy, concussion, myopia and dry eye.
Introduction to patient contact earlier in the program, starting in first year.

Diagnostic Imaging Centre

Centre of Excellence for telehealth, e.g., reading center for diabetes, AMD, glaucoma.
Increase access for patients from underserved areas to diagnostic services.
Resource for clinical education and continuing professional development.

Advancement of the profession

Expansion of continuing education to include accredited specialization training and certification for ALL optometrists.

Ocular Imaging Centre

Detection and monitoring of eye and brain disease using retinal imaging and eye movement analysis (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetic retinopathy, genetic diseases).
New treatments for vision loss that focus on improved neural processing of residual visual input to the brain (AMD, stroke and amblyopia).
The eye as a window to the brain (mechanisms of neuron death and regeneration).
New imaging methodologies (adaptive optics, quantum technologies for imaging, machine learning).

Investing in the future

To make this bold vision a reality, we need the support of our alumni, the profession and the community.

Facilities and equipment – create a clinical and research environment that inspires excellence in the delivery of vision care, learning and innovation.

Students – Support the leaders of tomorrow in optometric practice and research.

Innovation – boost research discovery to put us at the forefront of patient care.

This is a reimagined, expanded and rebranded version of our clinic renovation project. Our new vision will push the boundaries and will position the School as leaders for generations to come.

Please consider a gift to the Waterloo Eye Institute.

For more information, please contact:
Andrea Carthew
Associate Director, Advancement
School of Optometry & Vision Science