EssilorLuxottica Invests $1.5M CAD in Canada’s Optometry Schools to Fuel Research and Train the Next Generation of Eye Care Leaders

Monday, November 3 2025 | 15 h 32 min | News

EssilorLuxottica announced a multi-year pledge of more than $1.5M CAD to The Université de Montréal – École d’Optométrie and the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. The significant investment underscores the company’s commitment to advancing vision science research, clinical innovation, and the education of future optometry leaders in Canada.

The pledge will support both schools with enhanced research capacity, modernized clinical infrastructure, and stronger industry–academic collaboration, ensuring that students, faculty, and patients benefit from next-generation technologies and discoveries.

“At EssilorLuxottica we believe that investing in education and research is one of the most impactful ways to shape the future of vision care,” said Bruce Miles, General Manager, Professional Solutions at EssilorLuxottica and Head of HumanWare. “With innovations such as wearables, cutting-edge diagnostic tools, big data and AI analytics, the eyecare landscape is quickly changing. It’s vital that we equip tomorrow’s eye care professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to deliver the right care to patients across Canada.”

“This pledge underscores our focus on strengthening the pipeline of eye care professionals by creating opportunities for advanced training and academic collaboration,” said Dr. Carl Spear, EVP & Chief Medical Officer, EssilorLuxottica North America. “Working alongside leading institutions across North America, we aim to combine clinical expertise with real-world industry insights to address emerging challenges in vision care and improve outcomes for patients.”

Université de Montréal École d’Optométrie
The new Fonds EssilorLuxottica Innovation, will fuel discovery in areas such as neuro-optometry, myopia control, ocular disease biomarker detection, tele-optometry, ocular surface and dry eye management, low vision, and specialty contact lenses. The fund will also renew advanced equipment at the Clinique universitaire de la vision, enhancing patient care for the 25,000 people served annually and giving students critical exposure to cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment technologies.

University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science
EssilorLuxottica will invest in the creation of the Waterloo Eye Institute, which will serve as a national centre of excellence for clinical training, applied research and care for some 28,000 patients a year. Supported by EssilorLuxottica’s investment, the Waterloo Eye Institute will not only drive innovation but also create the EssilorLuxottica Canada Optical Services Lab, where students will gain hands-on experience in advanced optical services and technologies. This partnership is a way to deepen collaboration between academia and industry to accelerate innovation in vision care.

The Université de Montréal emphasized the impact of the support: “EssilorLuxottica has been a longstanding partner, and this renewed commitment will significantly enrich our students’ experience, strengthen research, and improve patient care,” said Jean-François Bouchard, Director of l’École d’optométrie de l’Université de Montréal.

The University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science echoed this sentiment: “This generous pledge will be transformative for our students and faculty, advancing both clinical training and innovation in vision science,” said Ben Thompson, director of the School.

EssilorLuxottica’s pledge is part of its broader strategy to invest in education, research, and innovation, building partnerships that advance discoveries and create a healthier, brighter future for all.