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!

“A bone doctor and an eye doctor were telling each other jokes.”

The bone doctor’s jokes were humerus but the eye doctor’s jokes were cornea.

I’m thrilled to be a part of the Brantford and Ohsweken Eye Care team! As a young near-sighted girl, I received my first pair of glasses at the age of eight, and vividly remember the huge difference it made in my life to be able to see clearly again. Since then, I have wanted to be a part of this profession, where I strive to make a similar impact on vision for others.

I completed my BSc. in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Waterloo in 2011, then continued studying at my alma mater for another 4 years to complete my Doctor of Optometry degree in 2015. I was able to graduate with honours and was also a recipient of the Monahan Memorial Scholarship. As part of my training, I completed an externship at a multispecialty practice in Pinellas Park, Florida where I observed cataract surgeries, laser treatments, and gained experience in managing patients with glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. I also had the opportunity to travel to Paraguay as a part of the Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanity (VOSH) organization, providing eye exams and eye-wear to communities in need. I am a current member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and the Ontario Association of Optometrists.

In my free time, I enjoy biking on local trails, trying new foods with my husband, reading books on the patio with my cat, and crocheting away the cold Canadian winters. I love travelling and am always looking to explore more corners of this world. I am excited to be a part of this innovative clinic and look forward to seeing you for your next eye exam!

“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.

“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.

“What do you call a dinosaur with no eyes?”

Do-you-think-he-saurus.

I am so excited to be joining the Brantford Eye Care team! I’ll never forget the first day I wore contact lenses, and the huge difference it made in my life. Not only did it improve my vision, but also my athletic performance and my confidence as well! That experience made me appreciate what a difference the profession of Optometry can have in peoples’ lives, and it motivated me to want to do the same and give back to my community in this special way.

I studied Life Sciences at Queen’s University and obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in 2016. I completed my Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Waterloo in 2020, earning the Alcon Award for Excellence in Contact Lenses that same year. My externship took place at a multidisciplinary practice in Cooweescoowee, Oklahoma where I was exposed to a wide range of ocular diseases. While there, I was also able to complete a certification in advanced surgical techniques and laser procedures through the Northeastern State University College of Optometry.

After graduation, I began a residency in Ocular Disease & Glaucoma at the University of Waterloo where I received advanced training in the diagnosis and management of an incredible variety of ocular conditions, particularly glaucoma and other optic neuropathies, uveitis, retinal pathology, and ocular surface disease, including dry eye.

Aside from private practice, I also work as a lab and clinical instructor at the University of Waterloo, primarily in the Ocular Health and Acute Care clinics. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking, exercising, and taking my motorcycle for a spin!”

“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 do you call an alien with no eyes?”

Alen.

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.

Bio to come

Bio to come

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.

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!