The University of New Brunswick (UNB) and the University of Waterloo have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore partnering with the intention of establishing a school of optometry in Saint John to serve Atlantic Canada. The MOU between the two universities emphasizes the goal of increasing the supply of optometrists in the Atlantic region.

Currently, the University of Waterloo is the only English-language school of optometry in Canada, while a French-language program is offered at Université de Montreal in Quebec. As a result, students in Atlantic Canada must travel to Ontario, Quebec, or abroad, creating significant barriers for many qualified candidates, according to the universities.

The emerging partnership between UNB and the University of Waterloo is endorsed by the New Brunswick Association of Optometrists (NBAO).