Waterloo Eye Institute construction FAQ

We are building a new national centre of excellence in optometric patient care, vision research and clinical education. 

The Waterloo Eye Institute is a once-in-a-generation, $53 million initiative that will create 68,000 square feet of new and renovated space that will improve patient experience, modernize our facilities and create space for new vision research centres and teleoptometry. 

Construction of the Waterloo Eye Institute is expected to take about two years, until late 2026.  

During construction, the Waterloo Clinic has moved to an interim location at 419 Phillip St, Unit C, Waterloo to minimize disruption to patients and ensure accessibility.

The Kitchener Clinic (Health Sciences Optometry Clinic) at 10B Victoria St. S. continues its normal operations.

Here are some answers to questions you might have about the move and the construction process.

• What is the Waterloo Eye Institute?
• Have you raised all the money to build the Waterloo Eye Institute?
• How do I get to the interim location of the Waterloo Clinic?
• Is the interim location providing the same level of care and services? Will I be able to see my usual doctor?
• Is the interim location accessible?
• Does the Optical Dispensary still have the same range of lenses and frames?
• Are there be any changes to the way I check in or pay at the interim location?
• Will my appointment time be changed? If so, how will I know?
• Have hours or phone numbers changed?
• I have an appointment at the Kitchener Clinic. Will it be affected?

The Waterloo Eye Institute project is at once an expansion, renovation and rebranding. 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. A new teleoptometry facility 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.  

The additional space will also allow us to expand our clinical education, allowing us to expand our enrolment and train more optometrists to meet the growing demands for vision care of an expanding and aging population.

No, we have raised $29 million of our $35 million fundraising goal, enough to break ground on the new facility and begin construction. However, we still have $6 million to raise. To learn more or make a gift, visit our Seeing Beyond 20/20 campaign site. 

The interim clinic location at 419 Phillip St., Unit C, Waterloo, is approximately a three-minute drive or 10-minute walk from the School of Optometry and Vision Science. A map is below.

For detailed directions, hours and parking information, see Waterloo Clinic.

The interim location provides the same high level of care and you're used to. All the normal specialized services and state-of-the-art equipment are available.

All our clinical personnel have moved to the interim location. Our student interns are on a rotation system, so you may not see the same student, but this is not a change from the way things operated at 200 Columbia St. W.

Yes, the location is accessible to those with low vision and/or mobility challenges. Ramps and an accessible washroom are available. We also continue to offer accessible vision care for people with special needs. If you need assistance or have specific questions, our staff will be happy to help.

For parents of young children, a change table is available in the accessible washroom.

Our full range of lenses and frames continues 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.

Yes, there is now a single check-in desk for all services, all of which are 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 have not changed as a result of the move, though they will continue to be reviewed as necessary.

Hours at the interim location are the same as they were at the Columbia Street location and scheduled appointment times are being honoured. If you have an appointment at the Waterloo Clinic, all you have to do is show up at 419 Phillip St, Unit C, instead of the Columbia Street location. In the rare event we need to change any scheduled appointment times, we will contact you.

If you have an appointment at our Kitchener Clinic, nothing will change.

All hours remain the same. For details, see Waterloo Clinic or Kitchener Clinic.

All phone numbers remain the same. For the Waterloo Clinic's main line, call 519-888-4062. For the Kitchener Clinic, call 519-888-4455. For a full list of phone numbers, including for specialized clinics, see Make an appointment.

No, the Health Sciences Optometry Clinic in downtown Kitchener continues its normal operations.