About us

The Waterloo Eye Institute, formerly known as the University of Waterloo Optometry Clinics or the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science Clinics, is one of Canada's largest centres for optometric care. Part of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, it offers a comprehensive range of eye and vision care services to the public in Waterloo Region and beyond. It’s also where upper-year optometry students are clinically trained to the highest standard and where we carry out cutting-edge research that ends up informing clinical care.

Learn about the School of Optometry and Vision Science's vision, mission, values and strategic plan.

The University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science has its roots in the College of Optometry of Ontario, which began in the 1920s and was located in Toronto. The School of Optometry opened at the University of Waterloo in 1967 and initially had a clinic in uptown Waterloo, in the old post office building.

The building at 200 Columbia St. W. opened in 1974 and put classes and the optometry clinic in the same place. Over the years, the School's educational, clinical and research activity expanded. An addition opened in 2009 to provide more student and classroom space. The downtown Kitchener clinic location, the Health Sciences Optometry Clinic, opened in 2010. A new name in 2012, the School of Optometry and Vision Science, better reflected the School's graduate studies and research activity.

After 50 years of patient care, the clinic space was no longer adequately serving our needs, so it temporarily closed in October 2024 to allow for the construction of the Waterloo Eye Institute – a major expansion and renovation of the clinical space, which will also include additional space for clinical research and education. During construction, patient care in Waterloo has relocated to Unit C, 419 Phillip St., while the School's educational and research activities continue at the Columbia Street location. The new Waterloo Eye Institute Waterloo Clinic is expected to open at 200 Columbia St. W. in late 2026.