Director's message
Dr. Ben Thompson’s summer message highlights celebratory moments, recent losses and the strong connection between our alumni community and the School. This edition features information about the School’s premier continuing education event, progress on the Waterloo Eye Institute, research impact and faculty updates. Be sure to read the P.S. to learn about an opportunity to sing, dance and celebrate with the optometry’s favourite band.
Features
Join us at the 2026 WEI Fall Conference
Registration is now open for the Waterloo Eye Institute Fall Conference and Trade Show, taking place November 6-8, 2026 in Markham, Ontario. This year’s theme, TPA in Action: Modern Approaches to Primary Eye Care, explores the evolving role of optometrists in delivering therapeutic, evidence-based primary eye care.
Early bird pricing is now available, with discounted rates for recent grads, clinical supervisors (preceptors) and optometric staff. Learn more and register today.
Research profile: How Smoking Threatens Your Eyesight
The harm smoking has on your heart and lungs are extremely well known due to the public health campaigns that the Canadian Government has launched. However, there is an awareness gap about the damage that smoking has on your ocular health. We learn directly from Professor Ermita, Dr. Marlee Spafford to get a full understanding of what exactly happens to the eye when you smoke Tabacco. We also hear from Melinda Szilva, a low vision rehabilitation counselor shares how the Waterloo Eye Institute can help you move forward in your quitting process.
Grad Ball
Our Grad Ball was truly a night to remember! Following the Convocation ceremony, graduates, faculty, staff and guests gathered at FED Hall for the annual Grad Ball to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026. More than just a celebration, it marked the transition from students to alumni and future colleagues.
News and events
The dry weather has been a benefit allowing the construction of the Waterloo Eye Institute to advance at a rapid pace. The exterior façade is nearly complete, insulation installation is underway, and all but a few windows have been fitted. Several exam rooms in the primary care clinic have been completed and sound testing is being conducted for patient privacy purposes. The interior drywall work continues and painters are laying the first coat of undercoat and paint. It’s hard to believe that construction is set to be completed by the end of 2026 and the grand opening is scheduled in the summer of 2027. Watch for more construction updates in the fall edition of the newsletter.
Plan a class reunion at our 60th anniversary and the WEI grand opening
If your class is recognizing a milestone year like 10, 20, 25 or 30+ years since graduation it’s time to celebrate! If you graduated in 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007 or 2017 you should consider reconnecting with your classmates to plan a reunion at the grand opening of the Waterloo Eye Institute in the summer of 2027.
This is your opportunity to reconnect, rekindle and reminisce with your classmates. We can help you connect with your classmates and support with planning your celebration.
Start by filling out the Class Reunion Form and we will be in touch!
New Faculty
The Waterloo Eye Institute’s enhanced research and clinical infrastructure have positioned Waterloo to recruit world-leading scholars. We are pleased to announce five new faculty members will join the School of Optometry & Vision Science this year. Their specializations include Binocular Vision Specialty Contact Lens, Myopia Mechanisms, Extended Reality and Visuomotor Control and Neurophysiology. Look for the fall edition of the newsletter where we will feature our new faculty members.
Class notes
Learn what your classmates have been up to and get inspired by the activities of alumni from other cohorts!
Stay connected
We want to hear from you! Stay up to date on events, continuing education, the Waterloo Eye Institute and more!