Director’s Report

Spring 2004 | VOL 7 | NO 2

Director’s Report – Dr. William Bobier

As we wind up another term here at

Waterloo, there are many things that I

should call our alumni’s attention to.

The recent announcement by the BC

Government, More Choices for Eye Health

dated March 30, does cause concern for

all of us in the Canadian optometric

profession. I have spoken to members of

the British Columbia Association and the

CAO to indicate that the School is

willing to provide whatever support is

needed in dealing with this issue.

On the brighter side, I am pleased to

report that Dr. Irving Baker will receive

an honorary Doctor of Laws at this

Spring’s Convocation here at Waterloo

on June 18. This award will recognize

the long standing efforts that Irving

provided in the professional

development of Optometry within

Ontario and Canada as a whole. These

contributions were largely achieved

through a tireless and scholarly pursuit

where independent thinking was a

requirement given that there were few

teachers and advisors who could point

the way.

Recently, our building campaign was

given a great lift through two large

corporate donations from CIBA Vision

and Johnson and Johnson Vision Care.

Combined they have generously

committed $750,000 toward the

expansion.

Through these donations and the

support of other industrial partners

Alcon, Innova, Advanced Medical

Ophthalmics, TLC and an increasing

number of alumni donors, we have now

exceeded $2 million in campaign

donations.

In the following pages, you will see

that we have an exciting two-day CE

programme scheduled for June based

around the theme of systemic diseases.

First, I would encourage your

attendance. Second, I would like to say

to the profession that many faculty here

in the School would like to be doing

more to meet the CE needs of the

Canadian optometric profession. We

could be providing more. A lot more.

I know there is the desire and expertise

here in the School. However we would

need more regular opportunities to

dispense CE beyond our annual

program. I would encourage the CAO

and provincial associations to consider

approaching the School for

their CE needs.

As always, we in

Optometry live in

interesting times.

I wish you all an

enjoyable

summer.

Editor EmeritusDr. W.M. Lyle

EditorDr. A.P. Cullen

Assistant EditorL. Walker-Coultice

Proof Reader – E. ReidtProduction – Graphics, University of Waterloo

Special thanks to all those who contributed items for the newsletter.

Part III: Optometric Electronic Medical Record – Mayer Shinouda

2

The School of Optometry, asreported in the first two articles of this series, began a project toidentify and implement anoptometric electronic medicalrecord system. Our progress to datehas been good albeit somewhatslower than we had hoped. We aretaking a methodical and thoroughapproach to ensure we identify our legitimate and justifiablerequirements, evaluate all viablecommercial products selecting themost suitable for our needs, anddetermining a feasibleimplementation strategy. Thisinstallment in the series providesthe reader with a synopsis of whatwe have discovered during the firstyear of our project.

The OEMR promises to solve the many problems related to thepatient paper record. Problems likelegibility, accessibility, availability,efficiency, will finally be overcome,and the record freed to supportmanagement and high qualitypatient care. In spite of these well-known benefits, finding the right

system that satisfies the variousneeds of all the specialty clinics atthe School of Optometry is achallenge. We need an OEMR systemnot only to support current workpractices but also to provide betterservices and facilitate our mission indelivering high quality teaching andresearch. In this article we discussthe nature of optometricexamination data and how theyshould be stored electronically. Also we discuss the variation in theclinical eye examination in thedifferent specialty clinics.

First, clinical examination datacan be captured and storedelectronically in an OEMR systemessentially in two formats: ‘semi-structured data’ and ‘structureddata’. The first is mainly text-based,captured with various types of textnotes which are partially structureddescriptions of the clinical findings.The second can be captured througha framework such as a “form”,within which data can be collected.Examples of structured data are thenumeric, alphanumeric values,selection from drop down lists,checked checkboxes, etc.

Data storage and retrieval areimportant features of the OEMR.Freeform text is easier and cheaperto implement where data can bestored and sometimes searched, butdifficult to preserve or representrelationships with other storedinformation. In contrast, structureddata has a great value whenefficiently collected and stored. Itcan populate a relational databasethat can be easily quantified andevaluated in relationship to otherdata elements. The structured datacan be easily “mined” to provide

useful information for teaching andresearch as well management of theoperation.

The motive for creating this kindof distinction is that each type ofdata is treated differently andrequires different technology forstorage, transfer, searching andretrieval of the information.Freeform text is generally useful forviewing or printing, while structureddata is more amenable to analysisand searching as well as providinggreater consistency. Having clinicalinformation stored electronically astext will only have limitedadvantages over the paper record,with its legibility issues, etc. Othertypes of medical data are graphicaldata such as images, diagrams, anddata captured from variousoptometric instruments. Integratingthese data into the electronicmedical record is important forpatient care and of increasinginterest to researchers.

For our teaching and researchenvironment at the School ofOptometry, it is essential to have asmuch as reasonably possible of thepatient data and all the associatedclinical information stored in astructured format. Fortunately,optometric examination data isprimarily ‘parameter-based’ andstructured data. It is essential to havean OEMR system that supportsstorage and retrieval with the abilityto “mine” the data in order todevelop high quality information.This feature can be implemented inan OEMR system through:

1 User Interface: provide aframework within which numeric,selection from lists, etc. data canbe captured.

Challenges and Opportunities of the Optometric Electronic MedicalRecord (OEMR) at the School of Optometry

continued on page 7

3

The 2003 CAO Meeting in Halifax was the venue of theinaugural E.A. Baker Lecture in Low Vision. The lecture,which is sponsored by the E.A. Baker Foundation, waspresented by Graham Strong. Dr. Strong, the previousDirector of the School of Optometry and Director of theCentre for Sight Enhancement (CSE) at the University ofWaterloo since 1987, has made many contributions tothe field of low vision. The CSE is Canada’s only lowvision service to be accredited by the NationalAccreditation Council for Agencies Serving the Blindand Visually Handicapped (NAC). Dr. Strong also directs UW’s Sight Enhancement Equipment Pool andAssessment Centre (SEEPAC), a provincially sponsoredservice specializing in the assessment and provision ofhigh technology sight enhancement devices for peoplewith low vision.

Dr. Strong is active in local, national andinternational low vision research forums. Since 1972, hehas served as leader of the Vision Research Team for theOntario Rehabilitation Technology Research Consortium

(ORTC). The ORTC is a large government-sponsoredresearch collective, whose mission is “to enhance thelives of persons with disabilities, their families andcommunities by conducting research and developmentinto technology based products and services”. ORTC-sponsored research has led to the development andcommercialization of many new award-winningrehabilitation products. In recognition of theseachievements, Dr. Strong’s Sight EnhancementEngineering (WatSEE) lab received a ComputerworldSmithsonian Award in 1999 and Dr. Strong becameinvested as Computerworld Smithsonian Laureate.

The E.A. Baker Foundation for the Prevention ofBlindness, which is operated by the Canadian NationalInstitute for the Blind, provides fellowships and researchgrants to scientists and clinicians. Dr. Strong alsopresented a lecture entitled “New Sight EnhancementTechnologies for Low Vision rehabilitation”. An awardplaque was presented to him By Dr. Don Farrell, Chair ofthe E.A. Baker Foundation.

E.A. Baker Lecture presented by Graham Strong

In November 2003 the Czech Contact Lens Society (CCLS)awarded the very first Wichterle Medal to Desmond Fonn andBrien Holden. Dr. Fonn is the founder and Director of theUniversity of Waterloo’s Centre for Contact Lens Research (CCLR),an organization that has grown to be highly respected andinternationally renowned for its expertise and innovation ininvestigating the ocular response to contact lens wear. Dr. Holdenis the founder of the Cornea and Contact Lens Research Unit andDeputy CEO of Vision CRC, located in Sydney Australia.

The medal was awarded in recognition of the role both menhave played in the development of the art and science of contactlenses. It was presented at the CCLS Tenth Annual Congress,which was held in cooperation with the Institute ofMacromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the CzechRepublic. This year’s congress was dedicated to the foundation’stenth anniversary as well as the 90th anniversary of the birth ofOtto Wichterle, the Czech scientist who developed the first softcontact lens.

Czech Contact Lens Society honours Desmond Fonnwith the Wichterle Medal – Alisa Sivak

Desmond Fonn

4

CE 2004 – The Eye in Systemic Diseaseincluding The Essentials of Diabetes CareThe University of Waterloo School of Optometry is

pleased to announce our annual continuing

education programme for June 12th and 13th,

2004. See the registration form on page 12.In response to requests, we have organised an

interesting continuing education weekend with anemphasis on the eye and systemic disease. First andforemost is a thorough review on Diabetes, both retinaland non-retinal complications. Featured will be issuesrelevant to optometrists regarding diabetic control,complications and management. Included will be theimpact on eye and health care of recent multicentre trialsrelated to both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients. Onthe second day, interesting and relevant issues around theEye in Systemic Disease will be presented and the role ofoptometrists in this expanding area of practise will behighlighted. A full 14 continuing education hours will beoffered.

Keeping up to date with the surge of basic and clinicalscience related to eye and vision care is a challenge for allof us. Evidence-based optometry is quickly re-defining ourapproach to problem solving in our practices and, despitethe increased availability of information sources, can bedaunting due to the sheer volume of emerging research.This year, a workshop highlighting the essentials ofKeeping Current with the Journal Literature will walk youthrough the ways the information systems have evolved tohelp a busy practitioner to keep current and to find

information quickly, related to novel developments inpatient care. Space is limited in this timely workshop!

Once again, we present two Distinguished Lectures aspart of our Annual Continuing Education programme (seearticle on page 11 for details). As the DistinguishedWoodruff Lecturer, Dr. Alan Cruess of the Department ofOphthalmology at Dalhousie will speak on “Epidemiologyand Public Health Impact of Diabetes”. Dr. John Lovasik ofl’École d’optométrie, Université de Montréal will presentthis year’s Bobier Lecture in Vision.

The School is pleased to again welcome OptometricAssistants with a value-packed programme. Join us for 6credit hours of relevant lectures and workshops onSaturday June 12th in areas including contact lenses,spectacle lens materials & coatings, office etiquette,diabetic patients and more!

A repeat of our well-received Trade Show ‘tent event’will feature a variety of exhibitors highlighting educationalmaterials, equipment items and resources over a festivelunch on Saturday, June 12th. After a full day of CE, pleasejoin us under the big top again for an optometricentertainment treat! Stick around Saturday evening andenjoy live music and great food at an evening event for allregistered optometrists and optometric assistants. Bypopular demand, the Lost Faculties return for an encoreperformance!

Please don’t miss an opportunity to catch the CE lectures ofDr. Anthony Cullen and Dr. T. David Williams, both retiringthis year.

Return to the USA – Dr. Debbie Jones

May 2004 will see a return to US sites for our 4th yearclinical interns. Part of the 4th year students’ clinicaltraining away from the School of Optometry includes afull 15-week term placement where the main focus ofthis training is in the area of Ocular Therapeutics.Interns work closely with ophthalmologists and TPAlicensed optometrists to gain valuable practicalexperience. Following the events of September 11th2001, a joint decision was made by the UW School ofOptometry and the University administration tovoluntarily suspend clinical placements to the US. Thissuspension provided an opportunity to develop andgarner sites within Canada for our students. We have

been fortunate enough to be able to place our studentsin excellent Canadian sites and the experience gainedhas been outstanding. May 2004 will see theresurrection of some of the US based activity. Ourstudents will be equally split between sites in Canadaand sites in the US. When we approached the sites toask if they would be willing to take our students againwe were met with much enthusiasm. It seems that theAmericans just love our Canadian students. We aredelighted to be able to offer such opportunities to ourstudents and to be able to give them the choice ofstaying on home ground or travelling further a field fortheir experience.

5

TLC is pleased to announce theappointment of Dr. Hugh Jellie toMedical Director of TLC Waterloo. Dr. Jellie has an ophthalmic practicein Kitchener-Waterloo and he hasbeen performing refractive surgicalprocedures at TLC since 1999.

TLC Waterloo is excited to offercommercial custom technology. Ourcentre recently completed a 3-yearFDA custom study involving oursponsor Alcon, and the Centre forContact Lens Research.

Our dedicated staff, including ourExecutive Director, MicheleMcLaughlin, is made up of 7 teamplayers. Our optometrists are Dr. LisaWillms, Clinical Director & Dr. ChrisSurdykowski. The other key playersare Marie Upton, Adriana Peste, LauraSole and Suzanne Helmke. BonnieHoffmann is our ProfessionalRelations Consultant.

Time has gone by rather quickly.We will be celebrating our fifthanniversary within the school in May.It has been a pleasure to work withthe faculty, staff, and students duringthese past years.

Farewell, Marilyn Smith – Dr. B. R. Chou

On 31 October 2003, Marilyn Smith left herposition as Manager of Optical Services tobecome Vice President, Sales & Marketing atC&C Optical Laboratories Inc. The School ofOptometry’s “Queen of Dispensing” came to UWin 1988 after a successful career in optical sales,to become the instructor in mechanical opticsupon the retirement of the late HartleyThompson. Marilyn’s cheerful but disciplinedapproach to mechanical optics and dispensingsoon made her many friends among students,staff and faculty. She has made manycontributions to both the educational and socialactivities of the School of Optometry over the years, serving as the School’srepresentative in UW’s fundraising programmes, organizing optical fairs atthe annual continuing education weekend, arranging door prizes for thefairs and many other UWSO social events, and making educational

presentations to optometricassistants.

The Clinic lunch room wasfilled to overflowing on theafternoon of 30 October, asstaff, students and facultyjoined to recognize Marilyn’scontributions to the Schooland wish her well in her newposition. Dr. William Bobier,Director of the School, praisedMarilyn’s unflagging supportfor the School, and presented

her with a gift on behalf of the entire UWSO family. Sharron Dawe read apoem she had written for the occasion, and presented a framedhandwritten copy to Marilyn. The celebration ended with the cutting of acake decorated with reminders of Marilyn’s trademark red shoes.

Although no longer involved with Optical Services in the Clinic, Marilynis not leaving UWSO entirely. She is continuing as a part-time instructor in

mechanical optics labs forOptometry 216, 246 and346. Many readers inSouthern Ontario canexpect a visit from Marilynin her new capacity overthe next few months. We wish her success in hernew venture.

– Bonnie Hoffmann

6

Good News from the Centre for Contact Lens Research – Alisa Sivak

The Centre for Contact Lens Research(CCLR) is pleased to announce that itsstatus has been renewed for anotherfive years by the University ofWaterloo Senate Graduate andResearch Council.

The CCLR has experienced tremendousgrowth and development over the lastfive years, further developing itsinternational reputation for expertise inresearch geared towards understandingthe ocular response to contact lens wearand other forms of refractive correction.The Centre is currently also at theforefront of the development oftechniques aimed at translating clinicalassessments into measurableparameters.

The Centre’s expertise in these areashas attracted an increasing number ofindustry partners that provide fundingfor specific, directed projects, themajority of which are related to clinicalperformance. An increasing number ofcompanies have also opted to becomeaffiliate members of the CCLR, entitlingthem to benefits over and above thoseoffered through research contacts andproviding the Centre with support forexpanding its infrastructure andextending its investigations beyondclinical trials. The list of affiliatemembers currently includes: AlconLaboratories, Bausch & Lomb, Johnson& Johnson Vision Care, CIBA Vision, andOcular Sciences.

As a result of this growing interest,opportunities to perform both basic andclinical studies have snowballed,particularly in the last year. In 2002-2003, the CCLR performed 16 studies intotal – more than double the number ofstudies it performed in 1998-1999.

In addition to clinical trialsinvestigating the performance of contactlens solutions as well as the overnightwear of novel Silicone Hydrogelmaterials, CCLR research has focused on:

Ocular Surface Sensation> use of a Belmonte esthesiometer,

adapted to measure ocular surfacesensitivity using mechanical, thermal,and chemical stimuli and investigatethe differences between corneal andconjunctival sensitivity

> adaptation of a photometer to moreprecisely measure conjunctival redness

> development and use of aninstrument designed to measureocular comfort and rednesscontinuously and simultaneously

Anterior Segment Physiology> use of Optical Coherence Tomography

and optical pachometry to investigatethe corneal response to overnightwear of contact lenses

The Tear Film and Symptoms of Dry Eye> in vitro and in vivo studies

characterizing the biochemicalcomposition of the tear film

> use of Optical Coherence Tomographyto assess tear film volume and flowand to measure precorneal tear filmthickness

> impact of eye-viscosity on the lengthof time a solution stays on the ocularsurface and the volume of tears in thelower tear meniscus

> impact of novel rewetting drops onthe deposition of protein on SiliconeHydrogel contact lenses and in-eyecomfort

> quantification of mucomimetic tearfilm components in patients thatcommonly report dry eye symptoms,including soft contact lens wearers,post-menopausal women, patientswith inflammatory Sjögrens Syndromeand patients who have recentlyundergone refractive surgery

Biocompatibility> dehydration rate of Silicone Hydrogel

materials compared with conventionalmaterials

> uptake and release of pharmaceuticalagents from contact lens materials

> uptake of lipids and proteins ontomodel polymer substrates

> development of novel materials ableto sample the human tear film in anon-invasive manner

Visual and Subjective performanceindicators > development and modification of a

number of tests designed to quantifyvision and characterize distortionsusing wavefront technology and othertechniques for measuring light scatter

> development of ways to bettercharacterize the eye’s appearance

> development of methods to gaugethe accuracy and repeatability ofsubjective scales as they relate tovision, comfort and ocular appearance

Survey based research> documentation of contact lens

wearers’ attitudes toward daily andcontinuous wear and correspondingreplacement schedules

CCLR studies have grown enormously insize and scope, progressing from simplestudies employing routine ocularassessments to more complex researchusing state-of-the-art equipment andrequiring increasing numbers ofparticipants. The number of hours takenup by data collection alone hasquadrupled since 1998. The Centre hasresponded to this increased demand bydoubling its workforce over the last fiveyears, including an increasing number ofgraduate students (11 currently), andanticipates even more growth in thenear future.

For more details, have a look at theCCLR Five Year Report online, atwww.cfclr.uwaterloo.ca

7

2 Underlying database schema: tostore the data in relational form.The fields in the framework arerepresented as columns indatabase tables with theircorresponding data types.

The second challenge in adoptingan OEMR at the School is that thecurrent examination records andforms are quite different varying intheir structure, data flow, and thenumber of parameters captured ineach specialty clinic. Each specialtyclinic has its own unique andsignificantly different paperexamination record tailored fortheir specific encounters. How willor could these examination recordslook electronically?

The author had the opportunityto see an OEMR system designed fora US school of optometry. Thedesign objectives for this US schoolwere to accommodate all theirspecialty clinics’ needs regardless ofhow obscure or infrequently theywould be used. This designapproach tried to imitate theirpaper records and transfer them toelectronic forms. There aredrawbacks to this design approach;most significantly is that theresulting system can and didbecome too complicated anddifficult to manage and maintain,resulting in an interface that usershad great difficulty coping with.

Our evaluation is leading us tothe conclusion that for ease oftraining, implementation and use,standard/common formats shouldbe used across all clinics. Thebenefits of having a standard orcommon format are:

> Provides a common format of theeye examination across specialtyclinics.

> Allows for the integration and thestandardization of eyeexamination protocols.

> Facilitates rapid training of allusers

> Facilitates cross clinic support ofstaff and OD supervisors

> Facilitates students’ practice andhelps them gain familiarity with astandard eye examination acrossmultiple clinics.

> Reduces the time for data captureduring the different eyeexaminations.

> Reduces the complexity of systemdesign and development andincreases efficiency.

Users want an OEMR system that iseasy to use, intuitive, with simpledata entry, and that supportsaccelerated workflow. This goal iscompatible with the standard/common examination form andencounter design approach.

Another significant challenge isimplementing an OEMR at theSchool of Optometry, as it is not atrivial process. The following arethe main considerations of anOEMR implementation:

> It changes some aspects of theways an optometrist carries outhis or her work, interacts withpatients, and communicates withclinic staff.

> It requires that all the users of thesystem learn how to use the newtechnology.

> It will take time and effort tomaster the system, but over timethe users will become more adeptin using the system and willcome to realize its advantagesover using a paper record.

> Experience has shown that itoften takes several months toachieve acceptance of any newEMR system.

Most of the available OEMRsystems on the market today aredeveloped specifically for use insmall practices as that is the mostsignificant market for the softwarevendors. These systems capture avery limited numbers of parametersand provide a freeform text area to

allow clinicians to write additionalinformation in a text format. Thesetypes of systems fail to support theextensive clinical requirements ofthe School of Optometry. Inaddition, the OEMR systems aredelivered “as is”, with the realitybeing “what you see is what youget”, and users being unable to askfor any modifications, changes oradditions to the system.

As reported in prior installmentsof this series, we have evaluated anumber of commercial systemsoffering OEMR functionality. Mostof these systems simply do notmeet the School’s extensiverequirements. The School, as youmay know, uses P&P Data Systems’CIS (Clinic Information System) tosupport calendaring, billing andfinancial reporting. P&P has severalEMR products for health professionsincluding physicians, dentists, andchiropractors and has beendeveloping an optometric EMR forthe past several years. As the Schoolalready uses their CIS product,many implementation issues wouldbe addressed if their OEMR productis a suitable fit.

P&P Data Systems developed itsinitial OEMR module of the ClinicalInformation System (CIS) based onthe School’s clinical procedureguidelines. It captures the clinicalexamination data in a structuredformat and stores the data in arelational database. The School hasreviewed that product and while itmet most of our extensiverequirements, the initial productlacked the ease-of-use requirementthat is so critical in ourenvironment.

Responding to that issue and toneeds of the larger OEMR market,P&P has begun a redesign. Thisredesign is primarily a change tothe navigation through thesoftware. The new approach ismuch simpler and mimics common

Optometric Electronic Medical Record – continued from page 2

continued on page 10

8

Many of you tell us that you often

get questions about the Doctor of

Optometry program from your

patients. In response to this we

developed and updated a School of

Optometry poster and admission

brochure. These were distributed to

all optometrists in a recent mailing.

The poster is “eye-catching” and

provides our website address which

will direct prospective applicants to

the relevant admission information

on our soon-to-be-updated website.

We’ve had a lot of positive responses

already.

“Thanks much for this

excellent poster and booklet.

It will be most helpful for us

to market the profession and

the School to our patients.”

SCOTT MUNDLE – Optometrist, President,Canadian Association of Optometrists

Picture Perfect – by Dr. Gina Sorbara

We hope that you will display the poster where it can be seen by your patients. THANK YOU FOR ASSISTING US.

9

Collaboration and Cooperation:

The Optometry Learning Resource Centre

and the Association of Vision Science

Librarians – Jackie Stapleton, Librarian, Optometry Learning Resource Centre

The Optometry Learning Resource Centre at the University of Waterloo is a small, specialized

library, serving the only English-speaking School of Optometry in Canada. Though part of the

larger University of Waterloo Library system, we have individualized needs and services which can

lead to a rather isolated existence. However, there are many other libraries across North America

with the same purpose as us, to support the teaching and learning in optometry and vision science

programs. Through our membership in an association called the Association of Vision Science

Librarians (AVSL), we belong to a larger collective of vision science libraries across North America

and the world.

The AVSL is an international organization founded in 1968 at the meeting of the American

Academy of Optometry. Membership includes individuals who work within libraries that serve

educational institutions, eye clinics and hospitals, and private companies with an interest in eye or

vision-related products and services. Members of this association have a need to keep in close

contact with both the optometric and librarianship professions. To this end, AVSL is a Special

Interest Group of both the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry and the Medical

Library Association.

Through participation in the AVSL, the OLRC is able to accomplish many things which would

be impossible on our own. These include participating in cooperative activities among the member

libraries; maintaining an awareness of new library programs, services, and resources which are

being offered at other vision science libraries; and liaising with other libraries and librarians with

similar needs and interests.

Examples of AVSL projects include:

1. AVSL members assist in handsearching the vision science literature for the Cochrane Eyes and

Vision Group of the Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that prepares

systematic reviews of the effects of healthcare interventions.

2. Several AVSL librarians have worked to provide pre-formulated search strategies and automatic

PubMed searches for evidence based literature in support of Healthy People 2010, a project of

the NLM, Public Health Foundation and the National Network of Libraries of Medicine in the

United States.

3. The creation of a set of standards for vision science libraries which includes such things as

staffing levels, services, budget and technology. See Bulletin of the Medical Library Association,

2000 Jul, 88(3): 234-38.

Through collaboration and cooperation, the OLRC is able to take advantage of a much larger

network of libraries, librarians and library staff, all specializing in vision science resources and

services. For further information, the AVSL maintains a web page at http://optometry.berkeley.edu/

~library/AVSL.HTM. Through this web page you can find basic information about the association

such as the purpose, history, and membership as well as links to valuable publications and

resources prepared by the group.

10

optometric examination records.What is particularly exciting is thatwhile it is very simple to use, thenew version records structured data.The School’s extensive requirementsare likely to be fully met through adrill-down (a button to accessanother screen) to record additionalparameters that are not alwaysneeded in private practice. Thisdesign philosophy will allow P&P

to offer an OEMR product to privatepractice that has the same look andfeel as the software that the Schoolwill likely implement.

We are currently re-evaluatingthe design model of the new systemto determine its completeness andthe possibility of satisfying all ourclinics’ requirements. Our hope isthat if the re-evaluation provesfavourable, the implementation will

start in the pre-clinic in the winterterm of 2005. Subsequentimplementation phases will followin other areas of the pre-clinic inthe fall term of 2005 year and intothe clinic for patient care in theSpring of 2006.

Maher ShinoudaEMR Project Leader

Dr. Thomas Singer was appointed a new assistantprofessor in the School of Optometry on September 1st2003. He brings a “Fishy” perspective to the school’s ever-expanding molecular based research program. Tom hasbeen involved in a wide range of fish related studiesincluding tracking Atlantic salmon by helicopter inNewfoundland to characterizing the cystic fibrosis gene hecloned from a killifish.

He received his BSC (1987) and MSc (1990) degreesfrom the University of Guelph’s Zoology Department. Tom was awarded a DPhil from Oxford University in theDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry (1997) for his cysticfibrosis doctoral research initiated at Toronto’s SickChildren’s Hospital. His first Post Doctoral fellowship tookhim to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee wherehe examined co-transporter proteins in the brain. Hereturned to Canada and the University of Waterloo in1999 where he has spent the past four years as a ResearchAssociate in the Department of Biology studying epithelialtransport and stress-related gene expression in fish.

Tom brings with him an extensive background inmolecular biology. He has published 16 articles in scientificjournals, presented over 20 oral and poster presentationsat conferences in Europe and North America and givennumerous teaching lectures related to his molecularstudies. He is very excited about working on a new set ofchallenges related to vision and looks forward to theopportunity to prepare Optometry students to be a partof the Genomics revolution.

Tom’s initial research program is focused on the role ofgene regulation in maintaining proper vision. He plans touse a comparative approach by studying the lens andcornea from his favorite animal model, the killifish, to

understand the molecular basis of human cataractformation. His studies of other animal models has takenTom around the world to investigate Atlantic Salmon inNorway and recently to establish a research projectexamining the vision of cichlid fish from Lake Malawi inAfrica.

Dr. Singer invites fellow Optometry faculty, staff andstudents to drop by and discuss research and teachingopportunities or just to commiserate about the “fish thatgot away!”

New Optometry Faculty with a Fishy Perspective

Optometric Electronic Medical Record – continued from page 7

CE 2004: Endowed LecturesThe School of Optometry

Continuing Education

programme is proud to present

two named lectures honouring

two of our most significant

faculty, Dr. Emerson Woodruff

and Dr. Clair Bobier.

Dr. Emerson Woodruff

Dr. Emerson Woodruff isa widely known andhighly respectedCanadian optometrist,educator and scientist.After practicingoptometry in southern

Ontario from 1950 to 1962, Emerson leftprivate practice to teach and pursue aPhD degree in physiological optics atIndiana University. He joined the facultyof the School of Optometry in 1967.Emerson was Director of the OptometryClinic from 1967 to 1974 and Directorof the School from 1975 to 1981. He wasinstrumental both in the formation andgrowth of the clinical program as well asthe establishment of the MSc and PhDgraduate programs in vision science.Before his retirement, Emersonpublished over 70 scientific andprofessional articles, mostly dealing withthe epidemiology of visual anomalies.He served on a number of governmentagencies and commissions and receiveda number of awards form the professionof optometry. The annual WoodruffLecture was established in 1994 torecognize Dr. Woodruff’s manycontributions to the School ofOptometry and the profession he loves.

On Saturday, June 12th, 2004 at 8:00 am,the 10th annual lecture to honour Dr. Emerson Woodruff will be held. The topic for this year’s lecture is“Epidemiology and Public Health Impactof Diabetes” and will be presented by Dr. Alan Cruess.

Dr. Alan Cruesscurrently holds theappointment asProfessor and Head ofthe Department ofOphthalmology andVisual Sciences atDalhousie Universityand District Chief of

Ophthalmology for the Capital HealthRegion, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Dr. Cruessremains active in several clinical trials ofnew therapies for age-related maculardegeneration and diabetic retinopathy, andhas an interest in ocular imaging and inimproving diabetic eye care for Canada’sFirst Nations people.

Clair Bobier

Clair Bobier had aprofound influenceon the profession ofoptometry in Canada.Clair, born inMoosomin,Saskatchewan,

received his Diploma of Optometry in1948 from the Ontario College inToronto. Within the year, while also inprivate practice, he began sharing hismethodical, analytic approach to clinicpractice with students at the College. Heappears to have retained throughout hislife, the common sense, thoughtfulapproach of the prairies.

Clair was one of the first Canadianoptometrists to undertake postgraduateresearch in vision science. He studied atOhio State University under ProfessorGlenn Fry for his MS degree and hisexposure to an eminent optometricresearcher shaped his views on theimportance of the scientific approach tothe optometric profession.

After receiving the MS degree in 1956,Clair returned to teach at the OntarioCollege and continued to do so at theUniversity of Waterloo after the movethere in 1967, until his retirement in1982. How many hundreds of Canadianoptometrists have carried with theminto practice Clair's habit of asking why,and his patient tenacity in searching for

answers?At the University of Waterloo, Clair

was instrumental in pushing for ascientifically-based curriculum andresearch-oriented faculty. These idealswere passed along to university andgovernment officials in many influentialbriefs which did much to ensure therespect and funding necessary for thefuture growth of the profession. TheSchool of Optometry building itself,which Clair guided to completion asChairman of the Building Committee,embodies in its interface of clinic andresearch facilities, Clair's concept of whatthe profession should be: excellence inmodern vision care, built on a firm baseof scientific understanding.

In establishing the annual Clair BobierLectures in Vision, the School ofOptometry, University of Waterloorecognizes Clair's varied and immensecontributions to the profession. Mostimportantly, we recognize his vision forthe future of optometry in Canada.

On Saturday, June 12th, 2004 at 5:00 pm,the 15th annual Clair Bobier Lecture inVision will be presented by Dr. JohnLovasik.

John V. Lovasikobtained his OD at theSchool of Optometry,University of Waterlooand then pursued hisinterests in theneurophysiology ofvision through MSc andPhD research also at

the University of Waterloo, receiving thePearson Gold medal for excellence in PhDresearch. Currently, Dr. Lovasik is professorat l’École d’optométrie, Université deMontréal. His research into theneurovascular coupling and hemodynamicsin the human retina is unique in Canadaand recognized internationally. Thisresearch is directed at elaborating thepathophysiology of diseases like age-relatedmacular degeneration and glaucoma, bothleading causes of blindness in NorthAmerica.

11

OFFICE USE ONLY:No. Method DateMail or fax to: E. Reidt, CE Coordinator, School of Optometry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo ON N2L 3G1 Fax: 519-725-0784

CE 2004 – The Eye in Systemic Disease & The Essentials of Diabetes Care REGISTRATION > A fee of $375.00 will be charged for the two-day course. A late fee of $50.00 will be applied to registrations received

after May 14th.> The lab “Keeping Current with the Journal Literature” is an additional $50.00> Contributors to the Watfund who are current members of the Waterloo 500 Club are granted a $50 discount on fees.

Members of the President’s Committee are granted at $100 discount on fees. These members are asked to identifythemselves when applying in order to facilitate proper processing.

> Part-time clinical supervisors at the School of Optometry (including external programme supervisors) receive a 40%fee reduction in regular fees. This discount cannot be extended to workshops.

> There is no fee for the Bobier and Woodruff Lectures.

REFUNDSThe registration fee, less a $25 service charge, will be refunded only if cancellation of registration is received at least 24hours before the programme begins. Workshop registration is non-refundable after May 14th.

Registration Form – CE 2004Please complete the following form as soon as possible and submit along with your method of payment. If more thanone form is required (more than one registrant), please photocopy form. Please make cheques (CDN$) payable to theUNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO. No post-dated cheques please.

Please circle

Regular programme, $3752 days, 14 hours of CE

Regular programme per day (7 hours) $200Saturday June 12th: � Diabetes orSunday June 13th: � Systemic Disease

Keeping Current…Journal Literature – Workshop $ 50Sunday, June 13 (2 hours)

Optometric Assistants $ 75Full programme: Saturday lectures + workshops (6 CE hours)

Fee reduction: (reason)

Late fee (Deadline May 14th, 2004) $ 50

Total

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Fax:

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� Cheque � MasterCard � VISA

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12

13

To accommodate the increasingenrolment of students the 4th floor,laboratory space of the OptometryBuilding was extensively renovatedfrom May until August 2003. Workbegan in September 2002 when aTask Force was created from theAdministrative Council to spearheadthe project. The Task Force memberswere Trefford Simpson, AssociateDirector; Gary Marx, Administrativeand Financial Officer; Marie Amodeo,Undergraduate AdministrativeAssistant and Patricia Hrynchak,Faculty Member.

The goal of the project was toredesign the space to accommodatethe full target enrolment numbers of90 without increasing the number ofsections that needed to be taught.Input was solicited from the courseinstructors and laboratorydemonstrators and the design processwas begun. With the expert help ofGary Kosar, university designconsultant, a plan was developedwhich improved the utility of thespace while at the same timeincreasing the efficiency.

The pre-clinic was expanded to 24booths from the previous 16. It nowincludes a demonstration lane wheretechniques can be demonstrated tolarge groups of students via the useof a video camera projecting theimages onto a screen. The laneincludes data projection forPowerPoint presentations, DVD andvideo projection as well as a whiteboard. There is a slit lamp videosystem that projects slit lamp andfundus images onto the screen forteaching purposes. Each lane is now

enclosed for optimal lighting control,has mirrored projection and includesa full console of cabinetry as well as asink. Each booth has internet hook-upto facilitate the teaching of electronicmedical record keeping in the future.The design of the booths is based onthat of the mirrored rooms in thePrimary Care Clinic.

The optics laboratory space wasrenovated and updated to improvefunctionality. Thenumber of laboratoryrooms has increasedfrom 12 to 17. There isspace for equipment set-up and storage. The rooms havepartitions withindependent lighting ineach section to facilitatedifferent experimentsbeing performed in thesame room.

The pathology/physiology laboratorywas changed to a multipurposelaboratory to accommodate theteaching of the pathology/physiology,contact lens and mechanical opticslaboratories. This has allowedmaximal use of the space. The roomhas two benches that eachaccommodate 24 student stations.The stations have independentlighting and storage. There is a raiseddemonstration bench with a dataprojection system for PowerPointpresentations, video microscopeprojection, water supply and a whiteboard. This space has a largepreparation room with a fume hood,refrigeration and storage.

The design of the 4th floor alsoincludes a meeting room, office spacefor the laboratory demonstrators andimproved washroom facilities forwomen. The equipment for thelaboratories has been updated andsupplemented to accommodate theincreasing student numbers.

A wine and cheese reception washeld on January 12, 2004 to celebratethe opening of the 4th floor.

Dignitaries attending the open houseincluded David Johnston, UniversityPresident; Amit Chakma, VicePresident Academic & Provost;George Dixon, Dean of Science; LauraTalbot-Allan, Vice President, UniversityRelations; and Morris Tchir, AssociateDean of Science. The response to the renovations has been very positive from students, laboratorydemonstrators and visitors. A company representative recentlytouring the school commented thatwe now have the most well designedand functional pre-clinic of anySchool of Optometry in NorthAmerica.

RENOVATIONSto the 4th Floor Teaching Laboratories – Dr. Patricia Hrynchak

The UW School of Optometry community was wellrepresented at the rally organized by the OntarioAssociation of Optometrists at Queen’s Park on March31, 2004 to protest the Ontario government’s inactionregarding OHIP fee negotiations. By reschedulinglectures, tests and clinical assignments, the faculty andstaff was able to arrange for almost the entire second-and third-year classes, and a good part of the first- andfourth-year classes to participate. Only graduatestudents and faculty who were already committed tothe University’s annual Graduate Student ResearchConference that day, were unable to ride the buses.

Four buses left Waterloo with over 165 members ofthe UWSO and a few local optometrists. After 2 hourson the wet, congested highway, we arrived at Queen’sPark and collected our signs and “I’m an eye care fan”fans.

The OAO President, Dr. Judy Parks, spoke about theOHIP fee issue (it has not risen in 15 years), howoptometrists are subsidizing each and every eyeexamination, the unfairness that other professions havebeen granted increases during that time, and how thisaffects the quality of eye care in Ontario. A number ofMPPs were in attendance and spoke in support ofoptometry. Shelley Martel of the NDP mentioned therising costs of eye care and our lack of support fromprevious governments; Cam Jackson (PC) cited personalexamples of the dedication of specific optometrists whohave made a significant impact on eye and health care;Peter Kormos (NDP) spoke of TPAs and how optometryhad been let down in this regard in the past.Conservative MPP Garfield Dunlop (chief whip of theopposition) also made comments in support ofoptometry. Michael Prue of the NDP was also presentwhen Mr. Jackson read the statement supportingoptometry that he was to present in the Legislature thatafternoon, and Mr. Kormos announced his plan toreintroduce his private member’s bill to amend theOptometry Act, 1991 to give optometrists the use ofTPAs. Waterloo MPP Elizabeth Witmer was seen to havepopped out from the Legislature just after noon, as therally was winding down. During and after the rally,OAO volunteers met with some of the members of theLegislature.

At its peak, over 500 members of the Ontariooptometric community were present at the rally, withthe students, faculty and staff from the School scattered

throughout the crowd. There were various mediapresent – Global television reported on the rally ontheir 5:30 news with Dr. Patricia Hrynchak up front inher “Fair Share for Eye Care” t-shirt and very brightpink hat. The Toronto Star was there too – a shortreport of the rally appeared on its website and in theOntario edition, but not in the Metro edition that isdistributed in the Greater Toronto Area.

The UWSO community’s support was greatlyappreciated by our colleagues in practice. Thanks go toTim Maillet, past-President of the Canadian Associationfor Optometry Students, for his work in organizing hiscolleagues. We all appreciated the OAO’s diligentarrangements for the buses and post-rally refreshments,and Doug Sandercott of Centennial-SOLA for theplentiful supply of Timbits and water during the rally.

14

UWSO at Queen’s Park Rally – Dr. L. Prokopich and Dr. B.R. Chou

The Lost Faculties started out aboutfive years ago as the brainchild ofDrs. Peter Waind and JohnFlanagan. As many local KWmusicians are aware, Dr. Waind is agifted guitarist as well as a busyophthalmologist and at that timehe held a part-time faculty positionat the School of Optometry. Theidea of forming a band started withthe realization that a surprisingnumber of faculty and staffmembers at the School had hadsome previous experience as

musicians and stage performers.What’s more, Skit Night, thetraditional “talent showcase” heldat the School every year, seemed tobe a natural venue for a faculty/staffrock band to make its debutperformance. The concept was tootempting to resist, and after a fewrehearsals the Lost Faculties tookSkit Night by storm with a high-energy set that electrified thestudent audience, who weresurprised and thrilled to see theirpreviously mild-mannered

professors suddenly transformedinto “rock stars with attitude”! Thenight was a roaring success and theLost Faculties haven’t looked backsince.

Unfortunately, the relentlessdemands of maintaining a bustlingsurgical practice soon forced PeterWaind to leave the group, but bythen the band’s momentum hadbeen well established. Boasting animpressive roster of eightmusicians, the impact of a LostFaculties show comes not only fromthe “wall of sound” that such anexceptionally large band canproduce but also from theversatility of its individualmembers. On Bass and Vocals, Dr. John Flanagan got his start athigh school playing and singing inpub bands, DJing and performingsolo in Yorkshire folk clubs. Laterhe co-founded the Midland RevueCompany, a comedy and musictroupe that enjoyed considerablesuccess in the Birmingham area andat the Edinburgh Festival (BBC Pickof the Fringe). Although that wassome twenty-odd years ago, hejumped at the chance to pick upthe bass and play in a band again.Bruce Irvine, the band’s virtuosoguitar soloist, was a busyprofessional musician in the early1980’s, touring the UK and Europewith such well known bands as theTyla Gang and the LightningRaiders as well as being in demandin the recording studio. He is nowkept busy at the School as aDatabase Administrator with theCentre for Sight Enhancement andis enjoying the opportunity toreturn to the musical spotlight.Playing Saxophone, Keyboards,

THE LOST FACULTIES – Ellen and Dr. Ken Hadley

brainchild of Drs. Peter Waind and John Flanagan

professors suddenlytransformed into rock stars with attitude!

15

Pennywhistle, and whatever elseneeds playing, Dr. Ken Hadley hasbeen a semi-professional musiciansince he was 13 years old. Afterpracticing optometry for six yearshe took a year off to study music atHumber College in Toronto beforejoining the clinical faculty at theSchool. Since then he has playedwith many diverse groups acrosssouthern Ontario, in styles rangingfrom jazz and rock to classical andcountry. On Electric and AcousticGuitar, Dr. Rodger Pace played inseveral garage bands in his highschool days and has since studiedjazz, blues, and classical guitar. Heowns an impressive collection ofguitars and has even built a guitarand a mandolin (which recentlymade its debut on stage)! OnVocals, Percussion, Flute and overallGood Taste, Dr. Natalie Hutchings’background has primarily been inclassical flute and choral works, butshe jumped at the chance to makesome more contemporary musicand in fact has been known to tryanything, at least once. OnKeyboards, Guitars, Vocals andHeavy Equipment, WalterMittelstaedt’s roots are in theChristian Rock movement in the70’s and 80’s and he has alwaysplayed ‘just for the love of music’. A Psychologist and Director ofMental Health services at theLutherwood Agency in Waterloo, heis one of the two people in theband who is not employed by theSchool of Optometry. However,being the husband of Dr. PattyHrynchak definitely put him on the“inside track” when the band wasbeing formed, especially in view ofthe goldmine of musical ability(and equipment) that he couldoffer. On drums and vocals, theother “non-optometry” person in

the band, Herb McNeill, coverseverything from blues to Bach andall stops in between. Being a friendand colleague of Walter Mittelstaedtat Lutherwood as well as arespected musician in the KW areahe was quickly invited to join theranks (especially considering thefact that no one at the School couldplay drums). Last, but definitely notleast, the band features Dr. LyndonJones on lead vocals, who made hissinging debut as a Welsh choir-boyat age 11. However, he changed hismusical direction drastically at age14 when he began life as a DJ,working clubs and radio stationsaround South Wales from the late70’s until 1985, when he decided itwas time to get a “real job”! Hestarted singing with the LostFaculties because no one else reallywanted to, but his natural charismawith a crowd soon made him anindispensable part of the band’sshow.

In addition to the “core”personnel, on several occasions theLost Faculties have been privilegedto have many notable guests appearon stage with them, including Dr.Graham “Wild Thing” Strong (anextraordinary lyricist when songsneed to be “adapted” for SkitNights), Drs. Lisa Prokopich andMichelle Senchyna (the notoriousShania Twins), Ms. Marilyn Smith,and even Dr. Bill Bobier (who willsometimes agree to do an awesomeElvis impersonation, on thecondition that his microphone iskept off)! Also among the followingis Ellen Hadley, a musician andsongwriter in her own right, whomanages the sound board and (onoccasion) will add a touch ofaccordion just for spite. Not to beoverlooked is Dr. Kathy Dumbleton,who has managed the light show

on many occasions. The “nextgeneration”, Michael Pace andOwen and Avory Hadley, have alsofrequently provided invaluableassistance, particularly when heavythings have needed lifting andvarious knobs have needed twirling.At times, Owen Hadley has evenbeen called upon to fill in for Herbon drums.

Crowds never fail to respond tothe band’s energetic mix of classicrock tunes from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s,and 90’s – everything from theBeatles and the Rolling Stones toAC/DC, the Tragically Hip, BruceSpringsteen and even Spirit of theWest. They brought the audience toits feet during the School ofOptometry’s Continuing EducationProgram in the spring of 2003 andrecently at the Annual Symposiumof the Ontario Association ofOptometrists in Hamilton. Bypopular demand they will also befeatured at the School’s upcomingCE festivities on June 12th. If you’rein the neighbourhood, don’t missthis chance to catch one of thehottest acts on the Canadian“musicians-in-eyecare” scene!

16

Dr. Baker tobe HonouredThe University of Waterloo willconfer the degree Doctor of Lawshonoris causa upon Irving Baker,O.D. at the Spring Convocationon 18th June 2004 in theafternoon. Dr. Baker, the long-time and now retired Registrar ofthe College of Optometrists ofOntario, will be honoured for hislife-long service and contributionsto the profession of Optometry.

LOOKING FOR A BOOK!

Browse our Optometry and

Ophthalmology titles on-line!

www.bookstore.uwaterloo.ca

17

Dr. Melanie Campbell was amongfour scientists who were recentlyawarded the Rank Prize from theRank Foundation at the RoyalCollege of Physicians in London,England. The Rank Prize is awardedto “individuals who have made asignificant contribution to thesciences, on the one hand of humanand animal nutrition and crophusbandry and, on the other, opto-electronics, where an initial idea hasbeen carried through to practicalapplications that have, or will,demonstrably benefit mankind.” Dr. Campbell received the award forher research article “Multifocal lensescompensate for chromatic defocus invertebrate eyes” which was publishedin the Journal of ComparativePhysiology in 1999. Campbell’sarticle describes the distribution ofthe refractive index within thecrystalline lens of fish raised in brightlight versus fish raised in dim light.The fish were raised by Dr. RonKröger as part of his Post Doctoralresearch at the School of Optometry.Dr. Campbell notes that “It’s one ofthe first pieces of evidence of anoptical specialization: the fine

structure of the optics of the eye isinfluenced by the environment.” Thearticle was written in collaborationwith researchers at Lund (Sweden),Tübingen (Germany) and Stanford.The Rank Award includes a prize of£50,000 which will be shared byCampbell and three other researchersfor their personal use.

Dr. Campbell’s primary appointment,teaching duties and research laboratoriestransferred to the Department of Physicsduring the Winter Term; she retains across-appointment to the School ofOptometry.

Upcoming Retirements

Dr. T. David Williams will be taking early retirement on July 31st,

2004 after a thirty-three year career at the School; he will be

followed by Dr. Tony Cullen on the November 30th, 2004.

More details will be included in the next Newsletter.

Rank Prize Awarded

18

Dr. Edward J. (Ted)

Fisher was the second

Dean at the former

College of Optometry of

Ontario, following the

death of its first Dean,

J.C. Thompson, in

1948. Dr. Fisher died on

December 22, 2003, in

Guelph, Ontario, Canada,

shortly after celebrating his

90th birthday.

During his years at the College ofOptometry of Ontario, Dr. Fisherworked with dedication and togood effect in both administrativeand academic areas. Dr. Fishertaught virtually every subject in thecurriculum. Involved in optometriceducation since 1937, he taught themajority of the older practitionersin Canada. He was intimatelyassociated with nearly all of theadvances made in optometriceducation in Canada. During hisdeanship, enrolment at the Collegeof Optometry of Ontario expandedgreatly, especially in the immediatepost-World War II years; thebuilding location was changed,physical facilities were muchenlarged and improved; the coursewas lengthened from three to fouryears; and the first Doctor ofOptometry degrees were granted.

Dr. Fisher practised in Lindsayand Toronto, Ontario from 1934 to 1967.

He played a central role in theevents which led to the integration

of the former College ofOptometry of Ontario withthe University of Waterloo,where it now continues asthe School of Optometry,within the UW Faculty ofScience. His appointment on July1st, 1967 as the Director of the new School of Optometry at theUniversity of Waterloo saw noabatement in the energy anddedication which he devoted to the interests of national andinternational Optometry, andOptometric education specifically.With his colleagues Drs. Clair

Bobier and Wally Long, Dr. Fisherplayed an important role in theplanning and construction of theUW Optometry building, whichopened in 1974. He stepped downas Director in 1975. Dr. Fisher wasone of the pioneers in Canadiancontact lens practice, both as awearer and as a consultant, and as a result of his interest, experience,and knowledge in this field became

one of the leading contact lensexperts in Canada and the world,participating in numerouscongresses and seminars, nationaland international. His articles onclinical optometry, contact lenses,and optometric education haveappeared throughout theophthalmic literature.

An amateur musician ofconsiderable talents, Dr. Fisher wasinterested in church music and forover 45 years held positions asorganist and choirmaster at severalchurches. He was a member of theRoyal Canadian College ofOrganists.

I have had the pleasure ofknowing Dr. Fisher in severalcapacities for the past forty-oneyears. I first knew him as a teacher,then as a mentor during my yearsin graduate school. After I joinedthe University of Waterloo in 1971,I had the pleasure of knowing Dr.Fisher and working with him as acolleague.

Dr. Edward J. Fisher made signalcontributions to eye care on aglobal scale. In concert with theCanadian InternationalDevelopment Agency, Dr. Fisherorganized eyecare visits by teams ofoptometric interns and supervisorsto numerous countries in theCaribbean, particularly the Turksand Caicos Islands and Dominica. I supervised one of the eyecare

A Tribute to Dr. Edward Fisher– Dr. T.D. Williams

continued on back cover

teams in Dominica in 1974: duringthat visit, we provided eyeexaminations and corrective glassesfor all of the schoolchildren on theisland. No matter how far afield wewent, we knew we could rely on Dr. Fisher to assist with sage adviceand guidance. He was a frequentspeaker and instructor in thecontinuing education programssponsored by almost everyCanadian province, many Americanstates, and at InternationalCongresses held in England,Ireland, and Greece. For ten years,he spent two months of the year in Benin, Nigeria, assisting in theestablishment and development of a School of Optometry there.

Dr. Fisher served from 1968 to1970 as president of the AmericanAcademy of Optometry, the firstCanadian to do so. Thisorganization is dedicated topromoting excellence in standardsof optometric practice andencouraging the pursuit of researchin optometry and related sciences.Dr. Fisher had the fortunate abilityto forge a wide ring of friendships,

and this international recognitionenabled him to strengthen andexpand his contacts in theprofession.

From his earliest days in theprofession, Dr. Fisher was involvedin optometric history, and he wasthe founding curator of theMuseum of Visual Science andOptometry, the only museum of itskind in North America. He was anactive member of severalinternational bodies which areinterested in ophthalmic history,including the Optometric HistoricalSociety and the Ocular HeritageSociety (both based in the US), aswell as several similar groups in theUnited Kingdom. Dr. Fisher wasinvolved in writing a history of

Optometry in Canada. Dr. Fisher and his late wife

Eleanor had one son (deceased) and two daughters. He had tengrandchildren. His wife, Eleanor,made generations of studentswelcome in their homes: thekindness and hospitality of theFishers will be remembered withfondness.

In all of his activities, Dr. Fishermanifested a characteristicgenerosity of spirit and selflessness.I believe his greatest pleasure lay inenabling others to achieve theirhighest potential. Dr. Fishercertainly enriched the lives ofgenerations of optometrists and,through them, those of countlessothers.

www.optometry.uwaterloo.ca

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Did you know that you can access the Museum’s archives through the Internet? It is now possible to search foritems in our collection from the museum’s website, http://quark.uwaterloo.ca/~museum/. CHECK IT OUT!

Dr. Fisher – continued from page 14