Waterloo Clinic

The Waterloo Eye Institute’s Waterloo Clinic is the principal teaching facility for the provision of clinical experience to optometry interns, residents and graduate students. It is open to members of the public, with no university affiliation necessary. We provide state-of-the-art patient care services to people from around the province, other parts of Canada and occasionally from other countries.

We offer eye and vision care for adults and children of all ages and abilities. When you visit, we’ll conduct a comprehensive eye examination. This is a series of tests to check your eye health and to ensure your eyes are working correctly.

After your examination, your optometrist may prescribe glasses, contact lenses or medication if necessary. If you need additional treatment, we may refer you to one of our specialty eye and vision services or to an ophthalmologist.

As of October 21, 2024, the Waterloo Clinic has moved to an interim location, 419 Phillip St., Unit C, Waterloo, during construction of the Waterloo Eye Institute’s new and expanded facility. The interim location will remain open until the permanent location at 200 Columbia St. W., Waterloo, can reopen, expected to be in late 2026.

All our locations are accessible.

The Waterloo Eye Institute's doors are open:  

• Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.  

• Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Appointment times vary. Not all services are available on Saturdays.

We are always closed Sundays. We are also closed on Saturdays when it's a long weekend.

Special hours between terms, spring 2025

• Monday to Thursday, April 21–24: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Friday, April 25: Closed for staff development
• Saturday, April 26: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (regular hours)
• Monday to Friday, April 28 – May 2: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Regular hours resume Saturday, May 3.

To make an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam, call 519-888-4062. 

If you know which specialized service you want to contact, see our full list of phone numbers. Otherwise, you can be directed through the main number above.

Driving from Highway 401: 

• Take exit 278A (from Toronto) or exit 278B (from London) to Highway 8 Kitchener/Waterloo 

• Exit at Highway 85 to Waterloo 

• Exit at University Avenue West (immediately after University Avenue East exit) 

• Follow University Avenue West and turn right at Phillip Street 

The University of Waterloo GO bus terminal, the University of Waterloo Ion (LRT) station and several Grand River Transit stops are within walking distance of the clinic. Accessible transportation services such as MobilityPlus can take you to the door. 

Parking at our interim location at 419 Phillip St., Unit C, is free for patients while they're in the building. 

To access visitor parking, use the driveway just to the north of 419 Phillip St., the last of the driveways at the 415/419 Phillip St complex if you're going north on Phillip St. 

Parking begins near the clinic entrance, near the rear of the building (north side), and continues around the back of the building (west side). Parking nearest the entrance is reserved for those displaying accessible parking permits. 

The entrance to the clinic is located on the north side of 419 Phillip St. Unit C is closer to the rear of the building (i.e. farther from Phillip St). Once you enter through the signposted double glass doors, turn left to access the registration desk.