WEI 2025: Education, Innovation, and Connection
Thursday, December 4 2025 | 08 h 45 min | News
The Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI) Conference returned this fall with an impressive lineup of speakers, education sessions, and networking opportunities for Canada’s optometric community.
The three-day event offered over 20 hours of COPE-accredited continuing education, a bustling trade show with more than 30 exhibitors, and the opportunity to connect with peers and industry leaders under one roof.
Spotlight: The Woodruff Distinguished Lecture
Modernization Requires Reflection — Focus on Corneal Health
Dr. Barbara Caffery | COPE ID: 101046-TD (1 hr)
Location: Conference Centre, 2nd Floor
In this year’s Woodruff Distinguished Lecture, Dr. Barbara Caffery explores how modernization in optometry must begin with a renewed understanding of corneal health, particularly within the evolving landscape of dry eye disease.
About the Annual Woodruff Lecture:
Established in 1994, this lecture honours Dr. Emerson Woodruff, a pioneering Canadian optometrist, educator, and scientist. Dr. Woodruff’s legacy includes his leadership roles at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, his research contributions in the epidemiology of visual anomalies, and his instrumental role in establishing Canada’s graduate programs in vision science. His commitment to excellence continues to inspire new generations of optometrists.
The Clair Bobier Distinguished Lecture in Vision
The Long Arm of Vision Science
Dr. Elizabeth Irving | COPE ID: 101022-FV (1 hr)
Location: Conference Centre, 2nd Floor
Dr. Elizabeth Irving’s lecture examines the far-reaching influence of vision science — from basic research and lifespan changes in visual function to clinical applications across conditions such as myopia, paediatric eye care, Parkinson’s disease, and aviation vision.
Named in honour of Dr. Clair Bobier, this distinguished lecture recognizes his vision, leadership, and lifelong dedication to optometric education in Canada. Dr. Bobier’s pioneering efforts helped establish a scientifically grounded, research-oriented foundation for Canadian optometry, influencing generations of clinicians and academics.
Highlights from the Continuing Education Program
Clinical Pearls in the Recognition and Management of Corneal Diseases Prior to Refractive Surgery
Dr. Rebecca Stein | COPE ID: 96009-TD (1 hr)
This session will guide practitioners through key corneal and ocular surface conditions that must be addressed before refractive surgery — including epithelial basement membrane disease, Salzmann nodular degeneration, and pterygia. Attendees will explore both medical and surgical management strategies and review illustrative clinical cases.
The Business of Myopia: Setting Up Your Patients and Practice for Success
Dr. Harbir Sian | COPE ID: 101250-PM (1 hr)
Myopia management is the standard of care, yet many practices struggle to make it profitable. Dr. Sian’s session takes a practical look at implementation strategies, including staff training, treatment protocols, and key performance indicators to ensure clinical and business success.
A Tradition of Excellence
From its roots in honouring visionary educators like Dr. Emerson Woodruff and Dr. Clair Bobier, the WEI Conference continues to embody the best of Canadian optometry — combining academic depth, clinical insight, and collegial spirit.
For more information and registration details, visit the official WEI Conference website or follow updates on OptikNOW.ca.
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