We asked Cheryl to share why the Waterloo Eye Institute is a project close to her heart.
As an alumnus of the University of Waterloo, what inspires you to give back to your alma mater?
My experience at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science was fundamental in my development as an optometrist, and as a member of my community at large.
Not only did I receive an excellent clinical education during my studies at Waterloo, I was also very fortunate to have the opportunity to interact with many leaders in the optometric community who demonstrated the importance of being involved in the world of optometry outside of the exam room. Their passion and tireless dedication to the work of not only the School, but also their Colleges, and provincial and national associations has inspired me to follow in their footsteps.
Optometry has given me a fulfilling professional and personal life and I feel privileged to be able to give back to my alma mater and support the education of my young colleagues who are the future of our profession.
Why does supporting the Waterloo Eye Institute matter to you?
Optometry has already evolved significantly since my graduation in 2008 and it will continue to do so, as long as we continue to be inspired to push it forward. The presence of the Waterloo Eye Institute - a facility that is able to educate the up-and-coming members of our profession to the highest level of scope - is essential for the continued growth of our profession.
How do you think the Waterloo Eye Institute will benefit optometrists across the country?
"Education before Legislation" is a commonly used phrase when talking about expanding scope of practice. In most cases, governments want to see that many members of the profession are already trained and ready to use an expanded scope before they are willing to grant it.
The Waterloo Eye Institute will be able to provide new graduates with training in the highest scope and provide an environment for more experienced optometrists to learn new skills.
Why do you think others should get behind this important initiative?
All optometrists in Canada, regardless of where they practice or graduated from, will benefit from having a state-of-the-art facility that is able to provide the highest level of education to students and continuing education to established members of the profession.
As the population ages, our patients will be depending on optometrists to be able to use all our skills, technology, and clinical judgement to help them preserve their vision and ocular health in order to continue to enjoy and interact with the world around them.