Dr. Rick Thompson spent his early years in south Etobicoke and came to the Bramalea (now Brampton) at the age of 7 years of age. There he attended different area schools including Aloma PS, Balmoral Middle School, Bramalea SS and then attended University of Waterloo where he graduated in optometry with the class of 1979. Extra curricular activities included scouting and delivering the Toronto Telegram. Summer jobs were quite varied including driving a truck for BramaGreen Farms, American Motors, and working at what is now Pearson Airport (Fleet Security, Tilden Rent-a-Car, and Canada Customs). He practices general optometry with a special interest in patients who have developmental issues including attention deficit disorder, learning difficulties, blindness and the visually impaired. He also has special interest in those who require optometric rehabilitation including those who have had closed head injuries, neurological disorders, macular degeneration, diabetic related vision changes, glaucoma, and toxic conditions. Professional courses and affiliations:
- 1982 Earned fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry
- 1985 Completed the basic course in the application of light therapy by the College of Syntonic
Optometry
- 1985 Enrolled in the Optometric Extension Program. OEP provides continuing education in behavioural optometry. Dr. Thompson is currently a clinical associate.
- Member of the Neuro Optometric Rehabilitation Association
- Member of the College of Vision Development.
- Member of the Ontario Optometric Association.
- Member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
- Member of the American Association of Optometrists low vision section.
Dr. Rick Thompson lives in the Bramalea area of Brampton with his wife Trish. The family is involved in various activities at North Bramalea United Church. We are blessed to have so many friends at NBUC. One particular subject that is near and dear to our hearts is albinism. One of Rick and Trish's four children has oculo-cutaneous albinism which has a profound affect on her vision. Dr. Rick Thompson, as a consequence has become active in the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation. In the fall of 2000 he was elected to the board of directors of NOAH and served to 2010. He currently chairs the board of scientific advisors for NOAH. He has become quite knowledgeable about albinism through his contacts in this area. If you have any questions about albinism, please feel free to ask. Hobbies he enjoys include maps of all kinds, genealogy and vintage cars, especially classic British Cars. Ask him about his 1957 Sunbeam Rapier.