For the first time, CAOS has decided to honour two Student Doctors of Optometry for the month of September. Jeffrey and Abraham are both fourth year optometry students at the University of Waterloo (UW) School of Optometry & Vision Science. Both Jeffrey and Abraham have made outstanding contributions to the UW CAOS chapter. Under their leadership, the UW CAOS chapter has grown to an organization that represents over 90% of the optometry students at UW. As a result of their strong leadership, there have been multiple new programs, professional partnerships and community outreach initiatives. Both Jeffrey and Abraham have played a vital role in fostering a professional partnership with the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) and Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO). They are constantly advocating for moving the profession of Optometry forward and represented all Canadian Optometry Students at the CAO Congress 2015. Both Jeffrey and Abraham, still contribute to CAOS as advisors, where they actively mentor the current UW CAOS Chapter executive members and continue to be an asset to UW Optometry.
Jeffrey Lam was brought up in Kingston, Ontario and completed his undergraduate studies at Queen’s University in Life Science Xray, Medical Radiation Science. After graduating, Jeffrey worked as a Medical Radiation Technologist Radiographer at Kingston General Hospital, Providence Care, and Hotel Dieu Hospital. His strong interest and determination to become an optometrist prompted him to enroll into the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science. Jeffrey held the CAOS President-elect position (2014 – 2015) and CAOS President position (2015 – 2016). As President-elect, Jeffrey worked along with the CAOS President to lead the CAOS executive team as well as organized the annual CAOS Interview Day. As President, Jeffrey lead the CAOS team tremendously and represented Canadian Optometry Students at the Ontario Leaders Forum. Jeffrey has a keen interest in private practice optometry, and enjoys watching sports and spending time with his wife.
Abraham was brought up in Markham, Ontario and completed all of his postsecondary education at the University of Waterloo. After completing three years, Abraham enrolled into University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science. Abraham is very passionate about optometry and has been an active CAOS executive member. He held the Vice President Education position (2015 – 2016) but was heavily involved in all aspects of running CAOS. Abraham was also the leader for the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists as well as a
CNIB ambassador, where he was actively involved in providing volunteer community outreach. Last but not least, he has held the UWOSS equipment rep position for all three years of his optometric studies. He is currently completing his Ocular Disease rotation in Newmarket, Ontario.
We wish Jeffrey and Abraham all the best in their final year of Optometry at UW!