The University of Waterloo's School of Optometry & Vision Science has selected HOK to design its new Waterloo Eye Institute. The project will provide the clinical patient care spaces and blend patient care with spaces for education.
An article in Canadian Architect states that the 67,000 square foot Institute will enhance and expand two floors of the existing School of Optometry & Vision Science Building on the University of Waterloo's campus.
Specialty patient care services will include the following:
- Primary care and pediatric clinics
- Ocular health and contact lens clinics
- Low vision rehabilitation and research clinics
- Teleoptometry centres
- Ambulatory opthalmology surgical centre
- Research facilities dedicated to ocular imaging research and biomedical science
The number of senior citizens in Ontario will more than double to 3.7 million by 2030 according to the Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council. The annual cost of vision loss in Canada, currently estimated at more than $15 billion will double to $30 billion per year within 25 years.
"We look forward to bringing our expertise to serve such an innovative Canadian university and the broader community. We will collaborate with the School of Optometry & Vision Science Director Dr. Stanley Woo and the entire university community to design a new Eye Institute that will have a positive impact on patient care and wellness, both locally and nationally. Our next generation of clinicians and researchers will train here."
HOK principal-in-charge | Arash Farbahi
HOK's design team includes consultant Chris Downey. He is an architect who has lived as both sighted and blind. He brings a uniquely important perspective to the project as an expert in developing environments for the blind and visually impaired that are multisensory and that do not privilege or bias one sense over others.
Downey will ensure that the new Waterloo Eye Institute works equally well for patients, visitors, staff and students. He has previously work with HOK on projects for the Duke University Hospital's Eye Center in Durham, North Carolina and the UPMC Vision and Rehabilitative Tower at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to the University of Waterloo, the eye institute will be a combination of existing and new facilities. The school has a unique responsibility to support the public and advance the profession of optometry across the country.
This project is being made possible through the School's $35 million Seeing Beyond 2020 campaign. So far, $14 million has been raised thanks to the support of the profession, industry partners, foundations, friends, community members, and the university.
The School looks forward to continuing to work with the profession, our corporate partners, friends, local community and the government to help make our vision a reality.
Databid is currently reporting on this project - University of Waterloo Eye Institute School of Optometry (0030071720)
