Kids can learn a lot from their parents, sometimes it’s even their career path. That is what Jenna Braham (OD ’23) learned from her mom Manon Hapke (OD ‘91), both of whom graduated from the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo.
Manon fondly recalls sitting in her optometrist’s office having an eye exam when Dr. Howard Thompson’s (OD ’46) son came through the door to the garage, where his practice was based, and asked very loudly, “mom wants to know when you are finished because dinner is ready.” For Manon, this is the moment she realized she could be a professional and a mom at the same time. That was the motivation for looking into optometry in the first place. Her fascination with eyes and love for science drew her to a career in optometry.
Manon’s career journey was not the typical direction taken by most of her classmates. While her intention was to buy and own a practice early in her career, she opted to remain as an associate for the past 32 years. Opportunities came along to own a practice, but she chose a more balanced approach to accommodate her career and family life. “It was important to me to spend as much time as possible with my family and to maximize time with my children,” says Manon. She is proud to have never missed a single event in her children’s lives while maintaining a successful part-time career in optometry and may have influenced her daughter to pursue the same career.
Jenna’s early interest in optometry began with a “take your kids to work day.” She had the opportunity to see and learn what her mom did each day and the vital role of optometrists as primary eyecare providers. In Jenna’s words, she “saw the way her mom helped patients, not just by giving them the gift of sight, but she also took the time to relate to patients and form a trusting relationship.” This is what Manon loves most about being an optometrist, building lifelong relationships with her clients, and that’s what inspired Jenna to follow the same path. “I was grateful to have my mom encouraging and supporting me throughout the process.”
Jenna and Manon both see their years at the University of Waterloo as some of the best in their lives. Manon’s fondest memories stem from the incredibly close bonds that were created with her classmates. The optometry program offered numerous social events and activities that helped to form lasting friendships and provided a much-needed break from the rigorous course load. For Jenna, winning the Corneal Cup in 2020 stands out as her most treasured memory at the University. She and many of her classmates had never played hockey but these first-year underdogs went on to win the final and bragging rights for a year.
Jenna’s journey into optometry has provided Manon with insight into how the academic and clinical curriculum has changed over time. She recognizes that the curriculum has modernized significantly since she was in school, and students are now better prepared for practice and have much more clinical experience. The university has ensured that students are taught the highest standards of care, have access to the most advanced equipment and technology and receive extensive clinical experience and knowledge to prepare them for practice. The curriculum and clinical opportunities available to Jenna were amazing. New graduates and associates that Manon has been privileged to work with these last 10 years have impressed her with their clinical knowledge base following the completion of their studies.
After building a successful career, Manon recently chose to donate to the Waterloo Eye Institute campaign for several reasons. She was at a time in her career that allowed for reflection on how far she had come and the opportunities that her career provided and now felt that it was important to give back. “The Waterloo Eye Institute will expand and enhance optometric services and capabilities, advance eyecare research and leverage new technologies like tele-optometry and Artificial Intelligence.” Manon appreciates how the WEI will transform optometric education for students and optometrists alike. She has seen the benefits firsthand from the Ottawa Eye Institute, which is, in her own words, “a wonderful facility for learning, caring for patients, and bringing together the best eye care professionals in Canada.”
As for Jenna, she is thrilled to have graduated and is taking a much-needed break over the summer. Her summer plans include traveling to Europe and Asia and spending time with family and friends. Jenna is excited to begin her optometry career and has accepted an associate position at Nuvo Optometry in her hometown of Ottawa.
