76 undergraduate courses in the 2026–27 Undergraduate Calendar, and 21 graduate courses in the Fall 2026 Graduate Calendar.
Pathogenesis of human disease based on a molecular and cellular framework. Fundamental concepts such as homeostasis, cell injury, protective responses (inflammation, fever, immune response) and the healing process. Systemic pathophysiology: abnormal functions of the cardiovascular system, endocrine system, nervous system, urinary system, muscular system, respiratory system and digestive system.
This course presents the detailed anatomy of the head and neck, with emphasis on the special senses. The course includes neuroanatomy as a basis for understanding how various neuronal systems function.
Bacterial physiology and genetics, normal flora, bacteria (including chlamydiae and rickettsiae), fungi, viruses, parasites and related diseases, with emphasis on molecular mechanisms of ocular disease and relevant ocular manifestations in appropriate topics.
Nature of light, wave motion and superposition, rectilinear propagation, reflection and refraction, image formation and quality, optical properties of plane and curved surfaces, prisms and thin lenses. Apertures and pupils. Thick lens theory, lens systems, ray construction, Fraunhofer diffraction and resolution limit. Fresnel diffraction. Simple optical eye models. Refractive error and its correction. Interference and coherence of light:applications. Lasers.
The organization of human cells, tissues and organs. Cellular structure and function is presented as a foundation for understanding fundamental pathological constructs (e.g. carcinoma versus sarcoma). Detailed histology of major organ systems that are likely to have ocular manifestations when diseased. This coursework will provide the basis for subsequent courses in the pathobiology of ocular and systemic human disease.
Sensory processes involved in visual perception. Topics include spectral sensitivity, light and dark adaptation, temporal and spatial resolution, and principles of photometry.
This course presents the detailed anatomy of the eye. The course includes histology, gross anatomy and physiology, as a basis for understanding how the various ocular structures function individually and interact with each other. The course emphasizes the processes operating to maintain the eye as a viable organ and provides a patho-physiological and clinical perspective of the implications of breakdown of these mechanisms.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year one of the program.
A selective study of human gross anatomy as a basis for understanding disease. Strong emphasis is placed on head and neck anatomy, including the orbit, but thorough coverage of thorax, abdomen and pelvis is provided as well. Didactic material is illustrated in laboratory experience with prosected human cadavers, plasticized cadaveric material, anatomical models and computer-based learning tools.
Refraction and reflection of light by the surfaces of the eye. Optical properties of emmetropic and ametropic eyes as a function of growth and pupil size and their measurement. Properties of the retinal image including size, blur and quality and their relationship to imperfections of the optics. Light scattered in the eye. Relationships between the retinal image and visual perception. The retinal image and accommodation.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year one of the program.
An introduction to the vertebrate immune response; the cells and tissues of the lymphoid system; humoral and cell-mediated immunity; initiation and regulation of the immune response; the immune system and disease, techniques used in immunology. Unique features of the immunobiology of the eye are included.
Students will observe and assist in assigned teaching eye clinics.
Legal aspects of practising optometry in Canada. Fundamentals of Canadian law. Negligence. Informed consent. Legislation and regulations affecting optometric practice.
Clinical techniques for the primary care examination of the optical properties and ocular health of the eye. Case history taking. Medical emergency responses. Professional boundaries.
Students will observe and assist in assigned teaching eye clinics.
Introduction to the foundation and basic sciences of public health with an emphasis on the epidemiology of vision problems.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year two of the program.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year two of the program.
Etiology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis and management of diseases affecting the organs and tissues of the human body including: circulatory, hemopoietic/lymphoid, lungs/upper respiratory tract, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, liver/biliary tract, pancreas, urogenital system, endocrine system, musculoskeletal system, skin, nervous system diseases.
Single vision spectacle lenses. Lens and frame materials. Optical and ophthalmic instrumentation. Image quality. Polarization. Tinted lenses. Decentration and prismatic effect. Obliquely crossed cylinders. Spectacle magnification. Ophthalmic laboratory procedures: measurement of spectacle lens power.
Physical space and visual space. Fundamental perceptual processes, binocular vision, stereopsis, binocular space perception. Systems of analysing binocular vision. Theory of aniseikonia. Perceptual aspects of aniseikonia.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year two of the program.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic theory. Systemic medications used to manage most major diseases. Mechanism of action, contraindications and systemic and ocular adverse drug reactions.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year two of the program.
The neural processing of colour, brightness, movement and form by the retina, lateral geniculate, cortex, superior colliculus and other brain centres. Neural mechanisms underlying binocular depth perception, the accommodative response and eye movement.
Anterior segment disease including etiology, pathogenesis, signs, symptoms, differential diagnosis and management of diseases of the ocular adnexa and anterior segment of the eye: the lids, orbit and adnexa, conjunctiva, cornea, uvea, sclera, lens and cataract, the glaucomas and ocular emergencies.
Selected clinical techniques for students taking OPTOM 245.
Multifocal spectacle lenses. Aberrations of thin lenses and spectacle lens design. Prescribing and fitting of spectacles. Environmental and occupational prescribing. Prescription analysis. Ophthalmic and visual standards. Computer vision syndrome. Ophthalmic laboratory procedures: measurement of complex spectacle lenses, and spectacle frame adjustment and repairs.
Students will observe and assist in assigned teaching eye clinics.
Basic and clinical ocular motility. Basic concepts of ocular motility are integrated with clinical methods. Assessment and diagnosis of strabismic and non-strabismic disorders.
Selected clinical techniques for students taking OPTOM 252.
Etiology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and epidemiology of diseases of the posterior segment of the eye; higher visual and oculomotor systems; multisystem diseases.
Selected clinical techniques for students taking OPTOM 255.
Students will observe and assist in assigned teaching eye clinics.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles of ophthalmic drug design and delivery. Selection and use of ophthalmic diagnostic pharmaceutical agents, palliative agents and therapeutic pharmaceutical agents. Mechanism of action, contraindications and adverse drug reactions. Recommended guidelines for use and follow-up procedures.
Differential diagnosis and problem specific testing using a systems examination approach. Minimum database expectations. Record keeping, case presentations, counselling, referrals and report writing. Preparation for entry into Optometry Clinic including policy review and standards of practice. Observation and preliminary testing in the Optometry Clinic.
Detection and evaluation of sensory and motor characteristics of vision in aniseikonic, strabismic and nonstrabismic patients. Classifications, diagnoses, prognoses, and modes of therapy for aniseikonic, nonstrabismic, and strabismic patients.
Remediation course of selected clinical techniques for students identified through the final clinical examination of Optometry Clinical Laboratory 2D.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year three of the program.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year three of the program.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year three of the program.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year three of the program.
Selected clinical techniques for students in year three of the program.
The clinical application of the visual sciences. Emphasis is placed on the differential diagnostic method of analyzing clinical data with consideration given to appropriate clinical techniques, effective record keeping, recommended optometric therapies, and prognoses.
A continuation of OPTOM 342A. Emphasis is placed on the differential diagnostic method of analyzing clinical data with special emphasis on refractive and binocular vision conditions.
Spectacle frame materials. Fitting and adjusting techniques. Selection of lens design. Lenses for high myopia. Dispensing of eye protectors. Optics of low vision aids. Patient counselling and management of dispensing problems. Laboratories provide experience in practical aspects of ophthalmic dispensing.
Indications and contra-indications for contact lens wear. Lens selection and design. Fitting and evaluating rigid and hydrogel soft contact lenses. Physico-chemical and mechanical properties of contact lens materials. Optical and mathematical concepts. The ocular physiological response to contact lens wear. Care and maintenance of contact lenses.
Selected clinical techniques for students taking OPTOM 347.
Students are assigned to various areas within the clinic where, under direct clinical faculty supervision, they participate in the provision of optometric services to clinic patients. In addition to primary care, they are exposed to the provision of contact lens, ocular health, and optical services.
Students are assigned to various areas within the clinic where, under direct clinical faculty supervision, they participate in the provision of optometric services to clinic patients. In addition to primary care, they are exposed to the provision of contact lens, ocular health, and optical services.
Students are assigned to various areas within the clinic where, under direct clinical faculty supervision, they participate in the provision of optometric services to clinic patients. In addition to primary care, they are exposed to the provision of contact lens, ocular health, and optical services.
This advanced course investigates the mechanisms and abnormalities of ocular motility and their impact on binocular vision. Students will study eye movement disorders such as nystagmus and extraocular muscle (EOM) palsies involving cranial nerves III, IV, and VI. The course examines ocular motility disruptions resulting from neurological and vestibular diseases, highlighting the diagnostic approaches and implications for visual function. Key concepts include anomalous retinal correspondence, horopters, and the challenges of managing aniseikonia, including its symptoms, diagnostic techniques, and management strategies. Building on previous studies, students will explore comprehensive management options for strabismus, from lenses and prisms to vision training and surgical interventions. Additionally, the course emphasizes patient counselling techniques to support those affected by complex binocular and motility issues. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to address and manage a wide range of eye movement disorders, enhancing patient outcomes in clinical practice.
A survey of alternative philosophical perspectives involved in resolution of sample ethical and moral issues confronting optometrists. Awareness of the explicit and implicit contents of written and vocal communications. An exploration of optometric communication issues related to letter and report writing, patient counselling, patient referral, fee presentation, and complaint management.
General principles, types and uses of lasers in eyecare. Biagnostic, thermal, ionizing, and excimer lasers. Refractive surgery. Safety and efficacy. Pre-operative and post-operative care.
Detection and management of chronic and acute complications induced by contact lenses. Contact lens management options for special conditions such as dry eye, aphakia, and keratoconus (and other corneal irregularities). Disposable lenses and replacement regimens. Extended wear options. Alternative management of refractive errors such as orthokeratology and refractive surgery. Contact lenses and presbyopia.
This course offers a comprehensive overview of medical imaging modalities and their integration with artificial intelligence (AI) in health care. Students will explore key imaging techniques, including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), focusing on their roles in diagnosing and managing a variety of medical conditions. The curriculum will cover fundamental principles, imaging protocols, and common applications in clinical practice. Additionally, the course will examine neurovascular imaging techniques, such as computerized tomography angiography (CTA), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Students will learn about the clinical significance of these modalities in evaluating vascular diseases and the protocols that guide their use. A critical aspect of the course will address the implications of AI in health care, discussing its potential to enhance imaging analysis, streamline workflows, and improve diagnostic accuracy. The course will introduce foundational AI concepts relevant to medical imaging and explore the current trends and future directions in the field. By the end of the course, students will have a solid understanding of medical imaging and AI, preparing them to appreciate the role of these technologies in advancing diagnostic practices and enhancing patient care.
This advanced course delves into advanced concepts in diagnosing and managing binocular vision disorders, with an emphasis on therapeutic interventions. This course builds on foundational knowledge, equipping students with practical skills to assess and treat a range of conditions affecting binocular function and visual perception. Key areas include advanced diagnostic techniques for assessing vergence, accommodation, and oculomotor control, as well as specialized visual perceptual testing. Students will explore evidence-based vision therapy methods, learning exercises and protocols tailored to improve convergence, divergence, accommodation, and eye-tracking skills. Emphasis is placed on clinical management strategies for conditions like convergence insufficiency, exotropia, and other oculomotor dysfunctions. The course also introduces the role of neuroplasticity in vision therapy, helping students understand how therapeutic interventions can reshape visual processing. Through case-based learning, students will develop skills to create individualized, patient-centered treatment plans, incorporating counselling techniques and strategies for enhancing therapy adherence and outcomes. With a focus on interprofessional collaboration, students will gain insights into co-ordinating care with occupational therapists, neurologists, and other specialists for comprehensive patient management. This course combines lectures, case discussions, and interactive learning to prepare students for real-world application in clinical settings.
This course provides an in-depth look into neuro-optometric principles, focusing on the visual and functional impacts of neurological injuries and diseases. Students will explore the visual pathways, including the retinotectal pathway and the roles of the superior colliculus and pulvinar nucleus, while gaining insight into how focal and ambient visual processing interact. The course covers symptoms associated with neurological trauma, such as diplopia, tracking issues, focusing problems, glare sensitivity, eyestrain, balance challenges, and posture impairments, alongside neuro-optometric rehabilitation techniques for addressing these symptoms. Students will examine conditions like Post-Trauma Vision Syndrome and Visual Midline Shift Syndrome, along with methods for testing and treatment. Topics also include the visual consequences of cranial nerve and cavernous sinus diseases, pupillary anomalies, ocular motility dysfunction, and eyelid involvement in neuro-ocular disease. Critical skills for diagnosing and managing optic disc edema, transient vision loss, and visual field loss will be emphasized. Upon completion, students will be equipped with the skills to assess and rehabilitate visual processing and binocular function impairments, balance/posture issues, and other vision-related challenges stemming from neurological events.
Advanced considerations of the etiology, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular disease. Emphasis will be placed on the clinical case management with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents.
Selected clinical techniques for students taking OPTOM 375.
Optometric examination and management of infants, children, and patients with learning disabilities or multiple challenges. General child development and the development of the optical and sensory-motor functions of the visual system. Learning disabilities and related vision problems. The role of the optometrist in conjunction with parents, teachers, and psychologists.
Practice management issues relating to solo, associateships, contracts, the development and running of a clinical practice, opening a practice, staff training, dealing with complaints, data collection, practice promotion and marketing, advertising, financial and legal issues.
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of glaucoma and neurodegenerative diseases, emphasizing their distinct pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. Students will begin with the pathophysiology of glaucoma, covering anterior segment changes and optic nerve alterations. A thorough risk factor analysis will equip students to identify those at heightened risk. The course will delve into diagnostic techniques, including intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, pachymetry, gonioscopy, imaging, and visual field analysis. Students will learn about drug therapy options and management strategies, focusing on therapy selection, establishing target IOP, and the importance of ongoing re-evaluation. Specialized topics will address normal-tension glaucoma, the spectrum of angle-closure disease (primary and secondary), and secondary open-angle glaucomas. Additionally, congenital and developmental glaucoma will be discussed, alongside surgical and interventional management options for complex cases. The latter part of the course will shift focus to neurodegenerative diseases, examining their effects on visual function, including potential overlaps with ocular health. By the end of the course, students will have a well-rounded understanding of both glaucoma and neurodegenerative disorders, preparing them to address these critical areas in clinical practice.
Overview of current medical diagnoses and management of systemic diseases with ocular involvement. History and physical examination (including neurological examination), clinical laboratory testing, and diagnostic imaging. Diseases of high prevalence including cardiovascular, cancer, endocrine, and neurological disorders.
Aging and its effects on the visual system in both health and disease, care, and management of the aging patient. Assessment and management of visual impairment and disability, including both optical and non-optical therapies. Epidemiology and psychology of vision impairment, and associated rehabilitative services.
Building on analytical principles developed in OPTOM342, this course involves student, case-based presentations in a grand rounds. Each student chooses one, different, interesting case from their previous clinical experience. The student presents the case and answers questions related to the case and the patient's condition(s). Faculty discussants will direct the students in assessing the basic and clinical science features of the cases. Patient cases may be chosen from any aspect of optometric practice. Students also enhance their understanding of the conventions and purposes of communication modes in optometry, techniques to analyze and communicate issues to multiple audiences, and selection of language appropriate to different contexts.
An independent paper in the form of literature review on the student's area of interest, experimental design proposition, and preliminary data. Before registering in the course, the student and the designated supervisor must submit to the co-ordinator a research proposal for the student's research area. The format of the paper is to be determined with the supervisor and may be in chapters, in journal style, or in an oral presentation, during the registered term, at seminar sessions.
An independent research project on an approved topic, supervised by a faculty member. This is the completion of the research proposal in OPTOM 441 and it is recommended that the format of the report, to be determined with the supervisor, follow the format selected for OPTOM 441.
Supervised optometric patient care in one, or more, external clinical settings.This course is complementary to OPTOM 468 (Clinical Clerkship 2) and includes optometric assessment, diagnosis, and management of refractive errors, disorders, and diseases of the eye and visual system, along with associated systemic conditions and practice management.
Intensive study of a specialty optometric topic. Course formats may involve lectures, clinical workshops, literature reviews, or research projects.
This is a seminar course.
Supervised optometric patient care in one, or more, external clinical settings. This course is complementary to OPTOM 458 (Clinical Clerkship 1) and includes optometric assessment, diagnosis, and management of refractive errors, disorders, and diseases of the eye and visual system, along with associated systemic conditions and practice management.
This course will provide an opportunity for optometry students to discuss and evaluate clinical techniques, instrumentation, and ideologies not covered in the current curriculum. Students will be encouraged to use their basic knowledge of the vision sciences to provide a perceptive critique of the clinical subjects addressed.
Supervised optometric patient care in a variety of the University of Waterloo optometric clinical settings. Activities include assessment, diagnosis and management of disorders and diseases of the eye and visual system, along with associated systemic conditions, dispensing and fitting of optometric appliances and rehabilitative vision care.
Remediation in areas failed during clinical exit examinations. On-site clinical rotations and self-study guided by the faculty.
From the Fall 2026 Graduate Calendar.
Measurement and specification of light; radiometric and photometric relationships; spectrophotometry and the C.I.E. colorimetric specification of visual stimuli; radiation limits of the visual system. Radiation hazards and safety criteria.
An advanced course which examines photoreceptor function, the retina, the neural processing of form and colour by the geniculo-striate system, the neural control of eye movements and accommodation by midbrain and brainstem structures, the vestibular system as it relates to vision, eye-hand co-ordination, the neural processing involved in reading.
Topics in the fields of specialization of the faculty may be studied by special arrangements with the faculty member, the student and his or her committee.
Attendance within clinical areas agreed upon by the student, supervisor and Clinic Director and approved by the Clinic Director. The aim of the course is to broaden and develop advanced clinical skills and knowledge. Credit will be given for completion of each term of clinical activity (or its equivalent) and the presentation of one seminar (case report) a term. Credit towards a degree may only be earned once in the progression through the MSc degree.
Attendance within clinical areas agreed upon by the student, supervisor and Clinic Director and approved by the Clinic Director. The aim of the course is to broaden and develop advanced clinical skills and knowledge. Credit will be given for completion of each term of clinical activity (or its equivalent) and the presentation of one seminar (case report) a term. Credit towards a degree may only be earned once in the progression through the MSc degree.
Attendance within clinical areas agreed upon by the student, supervisor and Clinic Director and approved by the Clinic Director. The aim of the course is to broaden and develop advanced clinical skills and knowledge. Any two terms of clinical activity (or its equivalent) and the presentation of one seminar (case report) a term will fulfill this requirement. Recognition of participation in this course can only be given once in the progression through the PhD degree.
Attendance within clinical areas agreed upon by the student, supervisor and Clinic Director and approved by the Clinic Director. The aim of the course is to broaden and develop advanced clinical skills and knowledge. Any two terms of clinical activity (or its equivalent) and the presentation of one seminar (case report) a term will fulfill this requirement. Recognition of participation in this course can only be given once in the progression through the PhD degree.
Topics in the fields of specialization of the faculty may be studied by special arrangement with the faculty member and the student's committee. The course is designed for PhD students only. The course cannot be similar in content to 608 taken at the Master's level.
Examination of three learning theories will provide the context for consideration of learning and motivation in the Optometry educational setting. Important components of clinical instruction such as breadth of professional knowledge, effectiveness of instructor-student and instructor-patient interactions, and feedback utilization will be discussed. Performance evaluation with the aim of improving practical and teaching skills will utilize, among other things, video taping.
Graduate clinic requires the attendance of a resident within the clinical areas agreed upon with his supervisor. This clinical course and associated research projects will provide the resident with materials designed to broaden clinical understanding. OPTOM 631 may be taken any number of times provided that the content of the program is specified in writing by the advisor and is sufficiently varied from a previous session of OPTOM 631 such that it constitutes a distinct advance in a resident's clinical knowledge.
The course will work through the process of the scientific method using a grant proposal to NSERC as a framework. The scientific method, research and experimental questions, experimental design, sampling, statistical theory & power, and data analysis will be covered. Ethical and budgetary issues will also be discussed.
Measurements, probability and power; Detecting difference between parametric/non-parametric variables; Analyzing repeated measures designs; Relationships between parametric/non-parametric variables; Between-eye comparison and correlation; Complex regression; Statistical re-sampling techniques; Analysis of clinical images; Accurancy and repeatability of novel clinical and experimental techniques; Introductory analysis of epidemiological and clinical trials data.
The course will examine how various factors (luminance, contrast, psychophysical method and ocular disease) can influence the outcome of psychophysical tests that are used in both basic and clinical vision research. Consideration will be given to the utility of such tests by considering their reliability, discriminative power and validity.
Bayesian statistics, questionnaire analysis, advanced linear and non-linear modeling.
A concentrated review of topics relating to principles of and research in the vision sciences. The course is split into 2 segments (OPTOM 670/671) covering ocular anatomy and ultrastructure and ocular physiology. This course is recommended for all graduate students.
A concentrated review of topics relating to principles of and research in the vision sciences. The course is split into 2 segments (OPTOM 670/671) covering optics of the eye and binocular vision. This course is recommended for all graduate students.
An evaluation of evolutionary lines of development of visual structures and functions: the vascular system, accessory glands, light control mechanisms, the distribution of visual pigments, accommodation, binocular vision and neural coding.
Consideration of the development of the optical, and sensory motor functions of vision during the early years of life provides the basis upon which this course examines current methods and literature in basic and clinical vision sciences. Course structure will be organized to suit a student's background (optometry, psychology, physics or biology) and their special interests.
Theories of ageing as they relate to vision. Ageing changes in structure and function of the eye and visual system. Impact of visual function on functional (everyday) vision. Interaction between vision and other ageing changes. Cortical plasticity and ageing.
This course will examine the behavior and neural substrates of eye movements, specifically covering fixation, saccades, vestibular ocular interactions, smooth pursuit and the near triad synkinesis (vergence, accommodation and pupil responses). Oculomotor behaviors for each system will be defined with respect to their specific stimuli, their dynamic and steady state responses. Adaptive process within and across systems will be examined. Control theory will be introduced as a means to model each system. The course will allow emphasis to be focused on oculomotor systems pertinent to the student's research.
Visual sensory processing of light, form and space; Ocular somatosensory processing.