To Dr. T. McMahon, Dean of Science, University of Waterloo:

We, the undersigned, are students enrolled in the Doctor of Optometry program at the University of Waterloo. We are concerned about the debate surrounding the International Optometric Bridging Program (IOBP), which is currently under review by university administration. We understand that the College of Optometrists of Ontario (COO), the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO), and the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) have taken up positions that, to varying degrees, oppose the continuation of the IOBP in its current format. Thus far, optometry students have had limited involvement in the discussion of this issue.

Our student leaders have met with School of Optometry and IOBP administration as well as members from the OAO to discuss the controversy, but no further consultation has taken place since the initiation of the university review. With the summer break fast approaching, we wish to ensure that the review panel consults with the student body as a whole throughout this process, be it during the summer months or in the fall semester. We are stakeholders not only in optometric and vision science programs at the University of Waterloo but also in the profession of optometry as a whole, and we believe we have an important perspective and voice in this review.