As of February 7, 2012, we have a new name, the School of Optometry and Vision Science.
The new updated name of “School of Optometry and Vision Science” was adopted by the University of Waterloo to better reflect the school’s undergraduate, graduate and research activity.
When the School of Optometry was established in Waterloo in 1967, there was only a small research program. It wasn’t long before the faculty at the School recognized the potential to grow through vision science research and developed optometry's M.Sc. (Master of Science) program in 1972 and Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) program in 1980.
When the Vision Science graduate program first began there were less than six students. Today, there are approximately 50 graduate students in vision sciences, 30 faculty members, 9 research groups and two internationally renowned research centres in contact lenses and low vision. We have grown to be one of the largest Vision Science graduate programs within an optometry school in North America and arguably the world. Our research expertise includes: healthcare, education & delivery, neurosciences, ocular biology & pathophysiology and technology and optics, biomedical sciences and clinical research.
While the optometry program is at the core of our activities, we recognize that there are strong synergies between the clinic and our research activities Graduate students and researchers work together to develop new techniques and technologies that will help to enhance vision care and rehabilitation. New theories and devices are regularly are tested through clinical studies and with patients in the clinic.
Therefore, we are proud to say that we are now the School of Optometry and Vision Science, optometry and vision science’s working together in the pursuit of excellence and innovation in patient care. Our new name will help us recognize and promote the school’s strength as both an academic and research institution nationally and internationally.