We are building the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI), a $53 million initiative to form Canada’s premier optometric centre. The WEI will push the boundaries of eye and vision care, optometric education and vision research. A once-in-a-generation project, it will create 68,000 square feet of new and renovated space.
While the Waterloo Eye Institute is under construction, the main Waterloo clinic and all its services will be moving to a nearby interim location at 419 Phillip St, Unit C, Waterloo. The interim location is expected to open on October 21, 2024.
Here’s some of what you might want to know about the move and the construction process.
- What is the Waterloo Eye Institute project? Why now?
- Have you raised all the money you need to build the Waterloo Eye Institute?
- How long is the construction expected to last?
- Why is the clinic moving?
- Where is the clinic moving to? How can I get there?
- Where can I park? How much does it cost?
- Will the clinic be closed during the moving process? If so, what should I do if I have an urgent eye care concern during that time?
- I have an appointment at the Kitchener location. Will it be affected?
- Will the same level of care and all specialized services still be available at the interim location?
- Is the interim location accessible to people with disabilities?
- Will the Optical Dispensary still have the same full range of lenses and frames?
- Will I be able to see my usual doctor?
- Will there be any changes to the way I check in or pay at the interim location?
- Will my appointment time or location be moved? If so, how will I know?
- Will phone numbers remain the same?
- Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
- Is there anywhere to smoke nearby?
What is the Waterloo Eye Institute project? Why now?
The current clinic was originally built in 1974. In the 50 years since, clinical practice has greatly evolved and expanded. While we have had some minor renovations, significant changes are needed to improve efficiency and expand services for our patients and to reflect current optometry practice.
The Waterloo Eye Institute project is an expansion, renovation and rebranding of the current clinic. The additional space will allow us to make significant enhancements to our patient care facilities, improving accessibility, wayfinding and patient flow. More space and natural light in our optical dispensary will enhance the experience of finding the eyewear that’s right for you. There will also be a new teleoptometry centre that will allow us to virtually bring our world-class patient care to underserved and remote areas.
The project will also allow us to expand our research facilities. The work conducted in the tentatively named Canadian Vision Imaging Centre and in new biomedical sciences research facilities could lead to the development of new treatments and techniques to help patients. Expanded clinical research space will help us bring science from the lab to the clinic and could result in the introduction of new treatments, techniques and technologies that advance patient care.
These improvements will serve students as well, expanding clinical experiences and giving them access to state-of-the-art equipment and fit-for-purpose facilities help to advance optometric education to the highest standard in North America.
Have you raised all the money you need to build the Waterloo Eye Institute?
No, we have raised $28 million of our $35 million goal. This is enough to start construction but the fundraising campaign continues. To learn more or make a gift, visit our Seeing Beyond 20/20 campaign site. Together we can help people see.
How long is the construction expected to last?
Why is the clinic moving?
Where is the clinic moving to? How can I get there?
The interim clinic location will be at 419 Phillip St, Unit C, Waterloo. This is approximately a three-minute drive or 10-minute walk from our current location.
To get there by car, exit Highway 85 at either University Ave. or King St. N. and make your way to Columbia St. Heading west on Columbia St, turn right (north) onto Phillip St.
To walk there from the main University of Waterloo campus, go east on Columbia St and turn left onto Phillip St. If you’re cycling, exit the Laurel Trail at the Research & Technology Ion (LRT) stop and turn right on Phillip.
The interim location is about a 500m walk from the Research & Technology Ion station. Several Grand River Transit bus stops are located within about 10 minutes’ walk. The location is also a 10-minute walk from the University of Waterloo terminal of the GO bus. Accessible transportation services such as MobilityPlus will be able to take you to the door.
Where can I park? How much does it cost?
Will the clinic be closed during the moving process? If so, what should I do if I have an urgent eye care concern during that time?
Yes, the clinic will be closed to patients from Friday, October 11 to Sunday, October 20. Phones will still be answered during normal office hours but appointments will be scheduled for after October 21 at the interim location.
If you have an urgent eye health concern, our downtown Kitchener location at 10B Victoria St. S. will be accepting urgent care appointments. Our after-hours on-call service will be available as usual. For more information, see Urgent and after-hours eye care.
I have an appointment at the Kitchener location. Will it be affected?
Will the same level of care and all specialized services still be available at the interim location?
Is the interim location accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, the location is accessible to those with low vision and/or mobility challenges. Ramps and accessible washrooms are available. We will also continue to offer accessible vision care for people with developmental disabilities. If you need assistance or have specific questions, our staff will be happy to help.
Will the Optical Dispensary still have the same full range of lenses and frames?
Our full range of lenses and frames will continue to be available, but there may be fewer frame colours and variations on display. Ask our staff if there are more choices available in a particular style. We also have a virtual catalogue that allows you to try on frames in the comfort of your own home and make a list of styles you’d like to try on in person.
Will I be able to see my usual doctor?
Will there be any changes to the way I check in or pay at the interim location?
Yes, there will be a single check-in desk for all services, all of which will be on a single floor. Our staff will still help you get to where you need to go. We are also making some process changes that should make the check-in, check-out and payment processes more efficient. Prices are not changing as a result of the move, though they will continue to be reviewed as necessary.
Will my appointment time or location be moved? If so, how will I know?
In general, scheduled appointment times will be honoured, though appointments after October 21, 2024, will be at our interim location. This will be communicated by email and/or text message if you have given us permission to contact you in these ways. Otherwise, we will call. In the event we do need to change any scheduled appointment times, we will call you.
Will phone numbers remain the same?
Yes, all phone numbers will remain the same.
Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
Is there anywhere to smoke nearby?
The University of Waterloo's smoke-free policy, in effect since July 1, 2024, prohibits smoking on campus property, except in four temporary designated smoking areas until April 30, 2025. The interim clinic location is not on campus property, so the University will not be enforcing its smoke-free policy there. However, smoking will still be prohibited indoors and within nine metres of any entrances or exits.