From differential visual acuity to amblyopia and reading, Doctor of Optometry and grad student Supriya Aryal is researching it all.
By Kavya Piraba
Dr. Supriya Aryal is a first-year MSc student at the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science and a 2025 OD graduate. During her OD studies, she worked with Dr. Susan Leat and others on the Waterloo Differential Acuity Test (WatDAT), earning first-author status on the latest paper of the project. The project focuses on using cognitively simpler tests for children under three to improve early detection of visual disorders. WatDAT, which the researchers are working to commercialize, has gained significant attention, with Leat interviewed by media organizations including CBC and CTV.
Aryal is continuing her pediatric research now supervised by Drs. Krista Kelly and Ben Thompson, investigating the potential causes and functional impacts of slow reading speed in individuals with amblyopia (lazy eye). She hopes to develop this work into a PhD.
Where are you from and why did you choose Optometry?
I’m originally from Nepal and moved to Windsor, ON when I was 11. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Honours Biological Sciences at the University of Windsor.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue healthcare. I chose optometry after being inspired by my own optometrist, who showed me that the profession is about far more than prescribing glasses. I also recognized the vital role of optometrists in providing accessible eye care, given the limited accessibility and availability of ophthalmologists.
What inspired you to pursue a master’s in vision science after completing your OD?
I’ve always been curious and passionate about science. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted molecular biology research involving fruit flies, but I was keen to explore more clinically oriented research. I found that opportunity the summer after my first year of optometry school, when I joined the WatDAT project with Dr. Susan Leat. It was an incredible experience that gave me valuable exposure to research.
During optometry school, I started to notice gaps in evidence and the need for more evidence-based guidelines in a rapidly evolving profession. I also saw a disconnect between clinicians and researchers, and felt that my optometry background positioned me well to help bridge that gap.
How was your experience working on the WatDAT project?
Initially, I helped recruit participants and conducted study visits with Dr. Leat, never imagining I would eventually become the first author. I was eager to continue contributing and grateful that Dr. Leat welcomed my involvement in the next steps, allowing me to assist with data analysis and eventually draft sections of the manuscript. Later, I had the chance to work alongside other esteemed professors, including Drs. Elizabeth Irving, Lisa Christian, Debbie Jones, and Daphne McCulloch, while editing the manuscript. It was an honour and a pleasure to be a part of this project.
What sparked your interest in research originally? Did you have any mentors?
The chance to make an impact beyond direct patient care was very appealing to me. While it is rewarding to help the patients you see, research allows you to make a bigger impact through the patients you may never meet. Through research, I aspire to move the profession forward and push the boundaries of optometry.
Dr. Leat has been a key mentor. She has encouraged me to pursue my passion for research and hearing her describe how fulfilling it was to be both a clinician and a researcher inspired me to follow a similar path. Dr. Elizabeth Irving also played an important role in shaping my research interests. She sparked my love for binocular vision and challenged me academically—something I truly appreciated. Both Dr. Leat and Dr. Irving have kept clinical impact at the heart of their research, and that’s something I want to carry forward in my own career.
How does your most recent publication affect your long-term career?
While the publication itself strengthened my academic record, the experience of working on the project was even more meaningful. Having never participated in clinical research before, being involved from start to finish—from recruiting participants to drafting the manuscript—gave me invaluable exposure. It allowed me to collaborate with outstanding professors and provided the hands-on experience I needed to pursue a career in academia and research.
What would you say to someone thinking about doing their master’s in vision science?
This path will keep you intellectually engaged and allow you to explore clinically relevant research. The close-knit program offers strong support, but success requires curiosity, perseverance and a focus on long-term goals. It’s challenging yet immensely rewarding and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.