In this section of the Insight alumni newsletter, we invite you to share your personal updates with other Optometry & Vision Science alumni, up to a maximum of 100 words, with an optional photo. We’d all love to hear about your weddings, babies, retirements, achievements, milestones and anything else you’d like to share. Please submit your updates using the Class Notes form.
Dr. Mary-Kate Alliston (OD’23)
Just a year out from graduation, Mary-Kate Alliston has been named Lead OD at an FYidoctors clinic in Kitchener. Learn more
Drs. Alexa Hecht (OD’21), Diana Nguyen (OD’20) and Janice Luk (OD’16)
Looking for social media content that’s fun, educational and eye-focused? Check out Drs. Alexa Hecht, Diana Nguyen and Janice Luk on Instagram and other platforms. Are we missing other alumni who are also “eyenfluencers”? Let us know.
Drs. Alexis Keeling (OD'16), Shaina Nensi (OD'16), Sophia Leung (OD'14), Andrea Lasby (OD'13), Averi Van Dam (OD'11) and Brian Dalrymple (OD'03)
Kudos to new presidents taking over leadership of provincial associations this year: Sophia Leung of the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO), Averi Van Dam of the Manitoba Association of Optometrists, Shaina Nensi of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and Brian Dalrymple of the New Brunswick Association of Optometrists (NBAO). Thanks to outgoing presidents Andrea Lasby of the AAO and Alexis Keeling of the NBAO for their service.
Dr. Paul Rollett (OD ’11)
Paul Rollett was featured in Kelowna Now for operating Okanagan Vision Therapy, the Okanagan’s first and only dedicated centre for optometric vision therapy and rehabilitation. Dr. Daniel Walker (OD’12) is part of the team in addition to having his own practice in Kelowna.
Dr. Meenal Agarwal (OD’08)
Meenal Agarwal, who owns three clinics in the Greater Toronto Area, has started a podcast, “Uncover Your Eyes with Dr. Meenal.” It aims to uncover the real lives of healthcare professionals as well as innovation in patient care. Check it out on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. You can also follow her on Instagram.
Dr. Shamrozé Khan (OD’07)
“Zay” Khan was one of two professors to receive a 2024 Excellence in Science Teaching Award from the University of Waterloo Faculty of Science. She has been an assistant clinical professor at the School since 2016. Learn more
Drs. Colette Whiting (OD ’86) and Sandra Gillis-Kennedy (OD ’92)
Colette Whiting and Sandra Gillis-Kennedy, co-owner optometrists at Shelburne Primary Eye Care in Hamilton, ON, have opened a dry eye suite, introducing new technology and expanding their dry eye care services. Learn more.
Class of ‘74
The Class of 1974 held their 50th anniversary reunion during Alumni CE Weekend in Waterloo. Sixteen classmates and their spouses attended and had a great time reconnecting and taking in some continuing education, not to mention some Oktoberfest-style fun.
Dr. Jerry Breker (OD ’73)
Jerry Breker recently celebrated 50 years of practice in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. He spent many years on the council of the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists and served as president in 1981-82. He was also a councillor on the Canadian Association of Optometrists and contributed to the development of the Canadian Board Exams in Optometry. He was a board member of the Saskatchewan Medical Care Insurances Commission and Canadian representative on the World Council of Optometry.
