Page 30 - Envision-11-2022

Dr. Stan Woo (director, School of Optometry and Vision Science), Dr. Barbara Pelletier (optometric coordinator, IRIS), Dr. Daryan Angle (vice president, Business Development, IRIS) and Dr. Carol Cressman, at the announcement of the IRIS pledge to School of
Optometry and Vision Science Seeing Beyond 2020 campaign

Special Report

Enhancing Diagnostic Imaging and

PATIENT CARE

he University of Waterloo School of Optometry
& Vision Science is celebrating a commitment of
$1 million from IRIS, Canada’s most established
network of optometrists, opticians and
Tophthalmologists.
IRIS made its pledge to enhance diagnostic imaging and
improve technology for future optometrists as part of the
School’s Seeing Beyond 2020 campaign. This fundrais-
ing campaign will create the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI)
– a national resource that will enrich student experiences,
deliver care to remote communities, and support patient ground-breaking technology and allowing patients to better
health across the region. “I’m grateful for this commitment understand their own eyes. Additional resources will include
to the School of Optometry & Vision Science from IRIS,” says a lab with a library of images that will give students detailed
Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University knowledge of eye diseases. “Digital imaging is an essential
of Waterloo. “Providing advanced imaging technology will part of daily clinical practice now. This contribution from
not only enhance our students’ education, but also improve IRIS will allow us to ensure that we are at the forefront of
patient care across our region.” innovative ophthalmic technology, enabling us to optimize
and improve health outcomes for our patients,” says Dr. Nadine
Digital imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that Furtado, professor and head of Ocular Disease and Imaging
provides a wider and more accurate way to view the eyes of Services in the School of Optometry. “It will also give our
patients for earlier detection of ocular disease. It is a painless students the opportunity to have experiential training with
way for optometrists to look inside the eye and track changes the latest technology and prepare the next generation of
in ocular health and vision. optometrists for the future of eye care.”

“We are always looking at how technology can play a role With improved access to care and expertise, patients in the
in eye care and enhance the level of service we provide for Waterloo region will have a greater ability to protect their
patients,” says Dr. Daryan Angle, vice president of business vision and overall health. “On behalf of the School’s
development and optometrist at IRIS. “Contributing patients, clinicians and students, I’d like to thank IRIS for their
specifically to the imaging lab will help bring quality care to extraordinary partnership,” says Dr. Stanley Woo, director,
future generations and prepare optometrists for the highest School of Optometry & Vision Science. “With this support,
level of practice.” the Waterloo Eye Institute will enhance clinical education
and improve outcomes of patients in our local and global

This investment will equip the WEI with diagnostic imaging communities. This is a remarkable investment, and a
E
resources, providing opportunities for students to learn about testament to IRIS’s commitment to innovation in eye care.” l
28 / NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2022 / www.ENVISIONMAGAZINE.ca /