The Waterloo Eye Institute and our profession

At the School of Optometry & Vision Science, we believe we’ve found a better way to deliver eye and vision care; one that gives optometrists the tools to deliver a new level of patient care.

The Waterloo Eye Institute will help us better serve patients here in Waterloo-Wellington and across the country by pushing the boundaries of clinical care, optometric education and vision research. With your support, we will

• promote inter-professional education and collaborative practice – embracing relationships with ophthalmology, family medicine, pharmacy, and other health professions.

• reimagine the patient pathway – fully serving our patients’ vision care needs, from wellness through surgery to rehabilitation, from ages 1 to 101.

• harness expertise in ocular imaging research – expanding our understanding of the connections between the eye and brain to discover techniques and treatments that will enhance health care.

• prepare students and the profession for the highest scope of practice in North America, and expand access to vision care for patients across Canada.

For more information on how to get involved in alumni fundraising, please visit our Class champions page or contact:

Kelsey Gagnon
Associate Director, Advancement
School of Optometry & Vision Science
kelsey.gagnon@uwaterloo.ca
519-888-4567 ext. 46319

What your gift makes possible:

Advanced eye and vision care services

We will advance eye and vision care services by

• leveraging our expertise in ocular disease (glaucoma, diabetes and AMD), pediatrics, contact lens and low vision rehabilitation, and

• increasing patient access to specialized care in growing areas such as vision therapy, concussion, myopia control, and dry eye disease.

Increased infrastructure in tele-optometry

We will increase access to eye and vision care for communities across Canada by 

• creating a vital hub for diagnosing eye disease, and

• allowing patients in remote or under-serviced areas to receive care via teleoptometry technology.

Enhanced clinical education

The Waterloo Eye Institute will build a paradigm that empowers optometrists to deliver a new level of patient care by

• creating a model of collaborative practice that can be replicated across Canada to improve access and efficiency in patient care.

• using telehealth technology to diagnose and connect patients with providers.

• training optometrists to the highest scope of practice in North America so they’re prepared to meet their patients’ needs, no matter where they practice.

• providing unique learning opportunities for students to work side-by-side with other health care professionals.

• expanding continuing professional development opportunities, so that all optometrists in Canada can expand and update their skills.

Innovation through vision research

The Waterloo Eye Institute will harness the University’s powerful research network to bring new techniques and treatments from the lab to the clinic and to enhance the delivery of patient care.

By embracing “the eye as the window to the brain,” we’ll create an ocular imaging research centre that builds on our expertise in eye-brain interaction. Through this centre, we will

• encourage collaboration among experts in imaging, artificial intelligence, vision science and brain health from across the University of Waterloo and around the world.

• develop new tools for optometrists and other healthcare providers to diagnose, monitor and treat eye and brain conditions such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, diabetic retinopothy and genetic diseases.

• create new treatments for vision loss that focus on improving neural processing to potentially restore sight in patients with AMD, stroke and amblyopia.

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.