School of Optometry & Vision Science

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are pleased to welcome the new Doctors of Optometry.

Your dedication has brought you to this moment, and we’re so proud to see you make an impact.

Hey Optometry & Vision Science alumni, what’s new in your life?

Whether you’ve reached a career milestone or celebrated something meaningful in your personal life, we’d love to hear from you. Your classmates, faculty and staff would love to learn what you’ve been up to.

We can't wait to learn what you've been up to since graduation.

Class of 2026, we're in the final countdown!

All of your hard work has paid off, and we can’t wait to recognize your dedication and achievements! A few reminders to help the day run smoothly:

Dress in formal attire, but avoid high heels and bringing personal items, as there will be no storage available.

On-campus parking will be free in selected lots.

Don’t forget that photo ID is required to enter the ceremony space (WatCard or government-issued ID).

Students should arrive 90 minutes early to check in and collect regalia. Gown rentals and name cards can be picked up at Grad Check-In in Studio 1 (Student Life Centre, Rooms 1208 & 1212) between 8:30–9:15 AM. Please make sure you are in the graduation lineup at least 40 minutes before your ceremony — late arrivals will not be able to process in.

All bags will be searched, and prohibited items such as professional camera equipment, glass bottles, and selfie sticks will be removed.

After the ceremony, join us at FED Hall for the celebration
6:00–7:00 PM: Awards presentation
7:00–8:00 PM: Dinner
8:00 PM onwards: Student celebrations (Valedictorian, Class Speaker, dance party & more!)

For more information, check out this link: https://bit.ly/4veGbHC

We can’t wait to see all your smiles tomorrow — let’s celebrate!

Humans of the Waterloo Eye Institute

Meet Dr. Olivia Ricci, an Assistant Clinical Professor, Teaching Stream and Co-head of Primary Care Clinic.

“I'm so lucky to have a job that allows me to combine my two passions; taking care of our incredible patients and contributing to the clinical education of our compassionate and knowledgeable optometry students.”

We’re proud to share that our very own Nijani Nagaarudkumaran has received the Amit & Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student.

Nijani is completing her doctorate here at the School of Optometry and Vision Science. Over the past four years, she has served as a teaching assistant for laboratory courses in microscopy, ocular anatomy and neuroanatomy, as well as mentoring new graduate TAs as they begin their teaching journeys.

This award recognizes University of Waterloo students who demonstrate excellence in formal teaching roles and highlights the meaningful impact outstanding educators have on their learners.

Congratulations, Nijani — an achievement well deserved.

Join us in congratulating Dr. Mark Eltis (OD ’03) on receiving the Medico‑Legal Society of Toronto Award.

After graduating from the School of Optometry & Vision Science, Dr. Eltis began his career in private practice while continuing to contribute to academia as a lecturer. He also serves with the Academy of Ophthalmic Education, is a Canadian Ambassador for the American Board of Optometry and is the current President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario.

This award is the Society’s highest honour, recognizing outstanding contributions to the healthcare, legal and scientific communities. Last year’s recipient, Lonny Rosen, presented Dr. Eltis with the award.

Congratulations, Dr. Eltis, on receiving this award.

Last Saturday’s continuing education and alumni weekend was a memorable one.

We welcomed the Class of ’86 for their 40‑year reunion and members of the Class of ’76 celebrating 50 years. Alumni also enjoyed a behind‑the‑scenes look at the new Waterloo Eye Institute, set to be completed this December–January, and it was wonderful to see them reflect on what’s familiar and

Our trade show added even more energy to the day, with engaging contributions from the Canadian College of Specialties in Optometry, the Witer Learning Resource Centre and our event sponsors CooperVision, EssilorLuxottica Eye Care, Théa Pharma and Vision Elite Associates. We’re grateful for their presence and support that made this weekend possible.

We would also like to share our appreciation with our guest speakers for their excellent presentations and congratulate this year’s award recipients. And of course, the Donut Wall made the day complete. It was a day filled with learning, nostalgia, and reconnection.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the event such a success.

Not only was this weekend full of connection and reunion, but it was also a celebration of some incredibly well‑deserving doctors.

Join us in congratulating the following award recipients:

Vision Champion Award
This year, the vision champion award was given to the Canadian College of Specialties in Optometry (CCSO). Their vision is to inspire excellence in optometric specialties and the provision of vision care services in Canada. Currently, the CCSO Board of Directors consists of the following individuals
Dr. Jean Francious Bouchard
Dr. Gordon Hensel
Dr. Nasir Khan
Dr, Julie-Andree Marinier
Dr. Ben Thompson
Dr. James Thompson
Dr. Stanley Woo

Early Career Alumni Award
Dr. Monica Bell (OD ‘17) has served the Calgary Society of Optometrists in multiple leadership roles – treasurer, president and now past president – and is committed to service and global eyecare development. Through leadership, education, advocacy, and hands-on global service, Dr. Bell continues to champion excellence, accessibility, and innovation in optometric care.

Alumni of Honour Award
Dr. Jessica Steen's work in glaucoma, retinal disease, and AI-driven care has made her a leader in both clinical practice and research. She now directs the glaucoma service at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Steen is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society and the Association for research in vision and Ophthalmology and is Past President of the Palm Beach County Optometric Association

Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Sheldon Pothier (OD ‘86) was elected to the Council of Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists (NASO) in 1987 and served as President from 1993 – 1995. Dr, Pothier established the “Blue Print” committee, which advanced collaborative care between optometry and ophthalmology in Nova Scotia. He is also s founding member of FYidoctors, and continues to practice in Wolfville in a group clinic, now alongside his daughter, Dr. Lillian Pothier.

Congratulations to all – your work has changed the lives of so many.

We’re down to the final days before Continuing Education and Alumni Weekend on Saturday, June 6.

Join us for a powerful one‑day, in‑person program built to deliver focused, practical learning that fits comfortably into your busy professional life.

Last chance - register today through the link in our bio

We are very excited to announce that our very own, Dr. Lyndon Jones, has received the University of Waterloo Excellence in Science Research Award (Senior Career Category).

Dr. Jones is an internationally recognized leader in ocular and contact lens research. Dr. Jones has advanced our understanding of dry eye disease, contact lens materials, and topical ocular drug delivery, with impact felt by more than 150 million contact lens users worldwide.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Jones and his outstanding contributions to vision science