Experience & Energy at Brantford Eye Care

“How many doctors does it take to change a lightbulb?”

One or two.

Clear, comfortable vision is such an integral and important part of our lives. I enjoy interacting with our patients, learning about them and their visual needs and I get great satisfaction when I can improve their quality of life by providing them with optimal eyesight at the same time as screening for and treating potentially sight-threatening conditions.

I have been an optometrist at Brantford Eye Care (previously known as Dr. Robert Schumacher and associates) since 2002. I became the new owner of Brantford Eye Care in October 2012.

I attended the University of Ottawa where I studied Biochemistry as part of my undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree. I completed my Doctor of optometry (OD) degree at the University of Waterloo in 2002.

My externship was completed at the Houston Eye Associates in Texas. During that time, I gained extensive experience in all aspects of ocular health diagnosis and management. This included exposure to various retinal conditions, glaucoma, cataracts, children’s vision, binocular vision, and other aspects of ocular disease.

I worked as a student researcher at the Centre of Contact Lens Research at the School of Optometry, University of Waterloo where I gained extensive experience in all aspects of contact lenses. I also worked as a student researcher at the Ottawa General hospital in the Department of Ophthalmology during my university years.

I am an active member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, The Canadian Association of Optometrists, the Ontario College of Optometrists, and the Hamilton and District Area Society of Optometrists. I am certified in the Treatment and Management of Ocular Diseases.

My main interests are in dry eyes, contact lenses, and in children’s vision. I have experience working as an optometrist at a Toronto LASIK centre and I am able to answer any questions you may have regarding LASIK and other refractive surgeries. We are affiliated with the various LASIK centres and can refer you for a complimentary LASIK consultation as well as perform your pre and post-op examinations at our office.

I enjoy many activities such as swimming, yoga, playing the piano, and spending time with my family. I enjoy solving visual issues and challenges and meeting new people.

I’ve been very fortunate to have met so many wonderful patients and families at our office. I enjoy being a part of Brantford’s health care team and look forward to seeing you at the office!

“I just found out that I’m colourblind.”

The news really came out of the purple.

I am very excited to serve the Brantford community as a part of the Brantford Eye Care team! I attended McMaster University and received my Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry in 2012. I completed my Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Waterloo in 2016; during this time I took part in an externship program in Mobile, Alabama, where I gained experience in the management of retinal and neuro-ophthalmic diseases.

Following graduation, I completed a residency in Sports Vision and Vision Therapy in Calgary Alberta, where I received advanced training in pediatric optometry, binocular vision disorders and vision therapy. I was fortunate to serve as the team Optometrist for the Calgary Flames during this time and was also able to provide vision training and specialized care for athletes of all ages. I have seen the incredible impact that vision therapy can have to patients of all ages, and am very excited to provide this service for the Brantford community!

In my spare time, I enjoy being active; I can usually be found running, climbing, playing volleyball or backcountry hiking.

Dr. Jessica De Marinis is a McMaster University graduate where she earned her Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in 2019. Jessica was drawn to optometry by her passion for anatomy and physiology, continuous learning, and high quality care. Jessica served patients as an optometric assistant for four years during her university studies. This position deepened Jessica’s passion for patient care, and granted her knowledge of the inner workings of an optometry clinic. Jessica continued her studies at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science where she earned her Doctor of Optometry Degree in 2023 with Dean’s Honours achievement.

Dr. De Marinis completed her first clerkship at a private practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she practiced primary care with an emphasis on ocular disease management. She learned to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions including glaucoma, dry eye disease, and macular degeneration. Dr. De Marinis attended the local hospital in Winnipeg to observe cataract and oculoplastic surgeries. This clerkship sparked her interest in ocular health management. Dr. De Marinis went on to complete a clerkship at Bolton Optometry Clinic in Bolton, Ontario. She refined her skills in pediatric eye exams, and learned how to detect and manage binocular vision conditions.

Dr. De Marinis is a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists and the College of Optometrists of Ontario. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys playing sports, traveling, and hiking. Dr. De Marinis prioritizes patient education and is enthusiastic about connecting with patients. She is looking forward to meeting you at your eye exam!

Dr. Kulvir Singh was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. He went on to achieve his Doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry in 2018. Dr. Singh focused his studies in the management of ocular diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, often using many of the new technologies and having exposure to a variety of treatments. Dr. Singh also has special interests in dry eye disease, and myopia control for children. Outside of clinical work, Kulvir enjoys going to the gym, playing basketball, and a variety of other sports. He also enjoys spending as much time as he can with his friends and family.

“Why do beekeepers have such beautiful eyes?”

Beauty is in the eye of the bee holder.

It is my privilege to provide eye care to the Brantford and Ohsweken communities. I am passionate about helping patients to see their best and educating them about their eye conditions.

I studied at the University of Guelph where I earned my degree in Honours Bachelor of Science in Bio-Medical Science in 2005. During my time there, I received 3 Undergraduate Student Research Awards from the Natural Science and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), which gave me the opportunity to work as a student researcher in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the Department of Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences.

My undergraduate education and research experiences sparked my interest in the relationship between the eye and various systemic diseases such as diabetes. Upon graduation in 2005, I received several awards including an Ontario Graduate Scholarship, allowing me to pursue my research interests at the University of Waterloo, where I completed my Master of Science degree in Vision Science in 2008, while concurrently earning her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2011. In my final year of training, I completed an ocular disease externship at the Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Kentucky where I gained experience in managing eye diseases and using ocular therapeutics.

Aside from private practice, I also serve as a lab and clinical instructor at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. I am an active member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, the Canadian Association of Optometrists, and serve as an examiner for the Internationally Graduated Optometrist Evaluating Exam.

After hours, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and enjoy social dancing, photography, hiking, and cooking.

Dr. Akshu Valecha earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph and completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Waterloo, where she graduated on the Dean’s Honour List. She has been working in the optometry field since 2018.

Dr. Valecha has extensive clinical experience in primary eye care and ocular disease management. Her training included internships in Saskatchewan and Alberta, where she managed conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, and co-managed patients undergoing LASIK, SMILE, PRK, and other refractive procedures. She especially valued serving remote communities and building strong patient relationships.

Outside of the clinic, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. Fluent in Punjabi and Hindi, Dr. Valecha welcomes patients who prefer their eye exams in either language. She is excited to serve the Brantford community and is currently accepting new patients!

Dr. Paul Zaugg joined the Brantford Eye Care team in 2025. He earned his Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics from McMaster University before completing his Doctor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Florida in 2012.  

During his clinical training, Dr. Zaugg gained extensive experience in glaucoma management and postoperative care at the Eye Centers of South Florida in North Miami Beach. He also received specialized training in pediatric eye care, ocular disease, and advanced contact lens fitting. Dr. Zaugg has expertise in specialty contact lenses, including scleral lenses, NovaKone lenses, and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. In addition, he is highly skilled in managing Dry Eye Syndrome and LASIK post-surgical care.  

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Zaugg is passionate about giving back to the community. He has participated in several humanitarian missions to Haiti. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys mountain biking and hiking with his family.  

“How do you know if eyes are flirting with you?”

They go wink wink!

Melissa has been working in the optometry industry for 20 years. She started part-time while in high school and began working at our office full-time in 2000. She completed the Certified Optometric Assistant course with honours in 2001 and is qualified to assist patients with dispensing, pre-testing, contacts lenses, visual fields, and front desk reception. Her main focus at Brantford Eye Care is dispensing and Melissa loves helping patients select frames and lenses that best suits the needs of their lifestyle. Her favourite part of her job is working with different patients each day and seeing patients satisfied and happy with both their product choices and the one-on-one quality service they receive.

“Bad puns are how eye roll.”

Holly is a graduate of McMaster University. She joined our team in September 2002. You will most likely first encounter Holly when you call the office to schedule an appointment. Holly can also be found doing preliminary testing for the doctors, visual field testing and taking retinal images. When she is not at the office, she is spending time with her family and two children.

“I accidentally rubbed ketchup in my eyes, now I have Heinzsight.”

Carrie has been a great asset to Brantford Eye Care since July 2015. She obtained her Optometric Assistant Certificate in June 2019.

She graduated from Mohawk College with her Executive Administrative diploma and has 3 years of experience in an office setting and several years in customer service. She also has her Personal Support Worker certificate and has 4 years of experience working with seniors in a long-term care and home care setting.

Although Carrie is also trained on the front desk, her main focus is in the dispensary, ensuring patients get the best vision with the most suitable frame style. You will also find Carrie working one on one as our main contact lens technician, teaching patients from 8-80 years old.

Carrie is passionate about finding the perfect frame to suit your personality and accessorize your wardrobe. She brings humour as well as professionalism to your “eye-opening” optical shopping experience.

“What did the eyeball say when it tasted cheesecake?”

That’s to eye for!

Susan has over 20 years of experience working within the patient care and management industry. Susan has obtained her certification through the Canadian Association of Optometry as an Optometric Assistant. This certification allows Susan to recommend the appropriate lenses and take all the necessary measurements to produce the best vision possible. You may also find her doing preliminary testing, contact lens teaches, dispensing, and fittings. Outside of the office, she enjoys cooking and baking treats to share with her coworkers and family.

“What is the optometrist’s ideal date?”

Stayin’ in and retina movie.

MacKenzie comes from 9 years of customer service experience, working in retail and the hospitality industry. After joining our practice in 2021, she has obtained her certification through the Canadian Association of Optometry to be a certified Optometric Assistant. You will primarily find MacKenzie in our optical dispensary helping patients with frames and lens options but, occasionally she can be found helping on desk to assure patients get an enjoyable, and efficient service at our clinic.

I have been working as a Vision Therapist since 2001. For 10 years prior to that I was an Optometric Assistant.

I have attended several conferences to enhance my knowledge, both in Canada and the US. I have received both my Certified Optometric Vision Therapist and Practical Vision Therapist accreditation. I currently serve on the Therapist Committee for Vision Therapy Canada, and am part of the facilitator team for training new therapists. In 2023, I was honoured to be selected Vision Therapist of the Year by Vision Therapy Canada.

I find Vision Therapy to be one of the most rewarding careers I have had, I continue to look forward to seeing my patients each week, and watching them work through the program to develop their skills and see the improvements that this makes in their lives!

“What do you call a potato wearing glasses?”

A Spec-Tater!

Crystal is a graduate of Mohawk College for Recreation and Leadership. She joined the Brantford Eye Care team in 2023 with 20 years of experience in the customer service and retail management industry. She loves making sure every patient gets the best experience they can get.

So far, some of her favourite experiences have been helping patients pick out their first pair of glasses, helping children find their new styles and especially seeing their reaction when they get to see clearly for the first time. She also enjoys teaching patients how to insert and remove their contact lenses, doing repairs such as missing screws and fixing twisted glasses. She loves making sure that everyone has glasses that are fitted comfortably.

“Why did the eye never get lost?”

It always followed it’s pupil.

A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, Jessica began her career at Brantford and Oshweken Eye Care in 2023.

Personally, and professionally, Jessica has been a longstanding advocate for accessibility, education, and inclusion. Previously, she was employed with the Accessible Learning Centre at Wilfrid Laurier University, during which she was certified and facilitated workshops on accommodating folks with disabilities. She received her ACE-TESOL certification in 2018, taught English as a Second Language for 2 years at Renison University College, and was a literature tutor in the Laurier community.

Scheduled to complete her PVTAP certification in the summer of 2024, Jessica is passionate about healthcare, wellness, and facilitating healthy development. She looks forward to becoming your catalyst to achieve your vision and lifestyle goals!

You may encounter Jessica at the front desk, taking retinal images, administering visual field testing, or as your vision therapist!

In her spare time, you will find Jessica volunteering at the Glenhyrst Art Gallery, exploring nature trails in Norfolk County, seeking adventures in local bookstores, or spying hidden treasures in antique markets across the province.”

Evan is responsible for preliminary testing for the doctors which includes gathering information and taking measurements and images of the eye. In addition to assisting the doctors, Evan works at the front desk where he creates appointments and signs patients in and out of their exams. Evan’s favourite part of the job is taking the digital images of the eye and being able to assist our doctors in providing a thorough examination. Outside of the office, Evan is responsible for the management of our social media accounts. When he is not working, Evan can be found playing video games, watching sports, or spending time with his family.