The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), a world-renowned leader in anterior segment and contact lens research at the University of Waterloo, is entering a new chapter as it joins the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI).

This expansion marks a significant evolution for CORE, extending its scope beyond front-of-eye research to embrace a broader vision science mandate.

A Strategic Shift in Leadership

CORE’s leadership structure is also evolving. Dr. Lyndon Jones, who has served as Director for the past 15 years, will step down at the end of June. A newly formed steering committee chaired by Dr. Jill Woods, CORE’s longtime Head of Clinical Research, will now guide the organization’s strategic direction.

“Lyndon has been instrumental in shaping CORE into an internationally renowned research entity,” said Dr. Woods. “To expand CORE’s scope, we need a broader leadership team with additional expertise.”

Jones will remain closely involved in his new role as Principal Scientist, continuing to lead projects and develop research partnerships.

“I have full confidence in the steering committee to maintain the high-quality work in clinical research, biosciences and education for which CORE is known,” said Dr. Jones. “Our team will continue to contribute to impactful advancements in vision science as we expand into new opportunities.”

Integrating into the Waterloo Eye Institute

CORE’s integration into the Waterloo Eye Institute is part of a larger, once-in-a-generation transformation at the School of Optometry & Vision Science. The WEI is a major initiative to create Canada’s premier centre for optometric research, patient care, and education, featuring a modernized clinic, expanded research capacity, and new collaborative hubs.

“The Waterloo Eye Institute will help shape the future of optometry, so it’s a fitting home for CORE, which has been on the cutting edge of ocular research for nearly four decades,” said Dr. Stanley Woo, Director of the School.

New Research Frontiers

Among the new WEI initiatives is the Canadian Vision Imaging Centre, which will leverage advanced ocular imaging to explore eye diseases and systemic health issues. Another major hub, the Biomedical Sciences Research Hub, will focus on pre-clinical and basic science. CORE will also collaborate with the Centre for Sight Enhancement.

Incoming WEI faculty member Dr. Austin Roorda, a globally recognized expert in retinal imaging and industrial partnerships, joins the CORE steering committee. Dr. Chelsea Bray, who leads the WEI’s Advanced Contact Lens Service, will help ensure CORE’s continued leadership in contact lens, myopia, and dry eye research.

“CORE has long been the School’s flagship research centre, so we expect it to play a leading role in the WEI,” added Dr. Ben Thompson, the School’s incoming Director.

A Legacy of Innovation, A Future of Collaboration

Originally established in 1988 as the Centre for Contact Lens Research by Dr. Desmond Fonn, CORE has contributed to major innovations such as disposable lenses and silicone hydrogel technologies. Rebranded in 2018 to reflect a broader research mission, CORE is now poised to expand even further.

While CORE will retain its name, its services will now extend to supporting external research teams with study design, trial coordination, human subject recruitment, lab testing, data handling, and knowledge mobilization. The team is actively seeking new collaborations both within and beyond the field of optometry.

“For those who already know us, it’s business as usual,” said Dr. Woods. “For those who don’t, please reach out. We have a wealth of research expertise to offer in both clinical trials and basic biomedical research.” 

Click HERE for the news release. 

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