News

Quantum technology has the potential for application in a wide range of disciplines, including vision science. Dr. Ben Thompson of the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry & Vision Science recently spoke about how the technology has impacted his work at the launch of a new quantum research program.

Did you know that more than 290 million contact lenses end up in Canadian landfills or waterways every year? The lenses break down into microplastics that can harm the environment.

You can now recycle your used contact lenses at the University of Waterloo’s Optometry Clinic.

Waterloo alumnus Kristine Dalton (OD ’07, MSc ’10) is helping to develop a sport-specific classification system that will level the playing field (or in this case the ski hill) for Paralympic athletes.

The American Academy of Optometry held its 98^th annual meeting (along with the 3rd World Congress of Optometry) in Orlando, Florida last week and the School of Optometry & Vision Science was well-represented. Both students and faculty shared their research and expertise over four days of lectures, workshops and poster presentations. In addition, a number of our members receive awards, designations and other recognition and we welcomed 200 people to our annual Canadian Alumni and Friends reception.

Here are the highlights from Academy 2019!

Dr. Patricia Hrynchak has been appointed Senior Teaching Fellow in the Faculty of Science for a 3-year term starting November 1, 2019.

Evidence shows that there is a wide choice of preserved artificial tears which can be recommended within a larger treatment plan for mild to moderate dry eye disease.

According to researchers at the University of Waterloo, while preservative-free drops are best for severe dry eyes, they are not the only option to consider in the management of more mild stages of the disease.

Multiple scientists and researchers within the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE), have been named as part of Expertscape’s top 60 Expertise in Contact Lenses: Worldwide. Topping the list at number one is the director of CORE, Lyndon Jones, PhD, DSc, FCOptom, FAAO.

This year, the Canadian Optometric Education Trust Fund (COETF) awarded funding to 13 research projects conducted by faculty and graduate students at the School of Optometry & Vision Science. This article is part of a series that highlights some of these projects.

The symptoms of dry eye disease (DED), which affects an estimated 30% of Canadians, include irritated eyes and blurry vision. People who use extended-wear contact lenses may also experience similar symptoms.

Testing contact lens components on humans and animals can be expensive and controversial, and conventional testing using vials doesn’t adequately represent the structure of the eye or a lens wearer’s experience.