University of Waterloo to have first virtual reality optometry lab in Canada

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 https://uwaterloo.ca/news/news/university-waterloo-have-first-virtual-reality-optometry-lab

A new virtual reality (VR) training lab at the University of Waterloo’s School of  Optometry and Vision Science, will help Canada’s next generation of optometrists learn how to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases more quickly and accurately.

The new lab, funded through an $800,000 investment by national eye care provider FYidoctors, At a total cost of $1.5 million, the FYidoctors Simulation Lab is the first of its kind in Canada and will ensure the School remains at the forefront in optometric education in North America.

Dr. Al Ulsifer, CEO and Chairman of FYidoctors and  Waterloo alumnus, said that this investment isn’t just an investment in the University, but a stake in the future generation of optometrists.

The Equipment:

The lab will initially include 5 Eyesi® Binocular Indirect Ophthalmoscopes (BIO) are state of the art augmented reality simulator for training of retinal examinations and provides a highly realistic and dynamic 3D simulation of the anatomical structures of the eye and ophthalmoscope optics.

For more detailed information visit:  https://www.vrmagic.com/simulators/feature-pages/indirect/

Phase two of the lab, to be unveiled at a later date, will include the addition of the Eyesi® Slit Lamp simulators.  This technology will allow students to practice basic handling of the device and skills required to conduct a corneal exam, retinal exam and Gonioscopy & Tonometry.