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.
Shannon Hughes (OD ’24)
Dr. Shannon Hughes wrote an article for OptikNow, “Optometry Outside the Clinic,” about her experiences in Malawi and rural northern BC while she was doing her optometry training. The article examined the barriers to eye care when tools are limited and there are barriers such as language, education, finances, distance/transportation and access to other medical professionals. Shannon is now practicing at Stittsville Optometry in Eastern Ontario.
Raymond Hu (OD ’24), Amy Chow (OD ’17, PhD ’22), Alexa Hecht (OD ’21), Shaina Nensi (OD ’16), Rajan Mistry (OD ’15), Mark Eltis (OD ’03) and Richard Maharaj (OD ’03)
The Canadian Association of Optometry Students organized a great series of lectures winter term featuring some of our alumni. Dr. Alexa Hecht spoke on “Finding your path in optometry.” (Separately, she was also featured on the 20/20 Podcast recently, talking about “Creating a successful and fulfilling career as a new grad.”) Dr. Richad Maharaj’s talk was titled “Under the (ocular) surface.” Dr. Mark Eltis spoke on “How to achieve your optometry goals.” Drs. Raymond Hu, Amy Chow, Shaina Nensi and Rajan Mistry were among the optometrists featured in a panel discussion (pictured above).
Jenny Lee (OD ’23)
After completing her 2024-25 residency in pediatrics and vision therapy, Dr. Jenny Lee was featured on Future Focus, The NextGEN OD, Canada Podcast, (co-hosted by Dr. Alexa Hecht) talking about “Navigating residency”. She is also speaking about her post-grad experience at a NextGenOD Future Focus event. Meanwhile, she has moved back to her hometown of Vancouver and is practicing at Lynn Valley Optometry and West Point Optometry.
Tanisha Bomboir (OD ’22)
Dr. Tanisha Bomboir and her husband Quinn welcomed their first child in April 2024. Laura Ember Bomboir was born in Gander, Newfoundland, where her parents lived at the time. In November 2024, the family moved back to Saskatchewan, where Tanisha now practices at the Esterhazy Optometry Clinic.
Nancy Friessen (OD '17)
Dr. Nancy Friessen recently opened a new practice in Kelowna, B.C., called Visionology Optometry. Visionology supports a rotating selection of local charities with a portion of sales from the business. Learn more.
Abraham Yuen (OD ’17) and Mark Eltis (OD ’03)
The College of Optometrists of Ontario recently elected its 2025 Executive Committee, which includes Dr. Mark Eltis, returning as president, Dr. Abraham Yuen as vice-president, and School faculty member Dr. Lisa Christian as chair of the Governance/HR Committee. Abraham was also elected to represent District 1 on COO Council.
Erin Wallace (OD ’17), Brendan Wallace (OD ’15), Tanya Dillion (OD ’06), Steven Malo (OD ’06), Tedra Kindopp (OD ’97), Jason Holtom (OD ’94), Nathalie Le Blanc (OD ’92) and Michael Naugle (OD ’92)
Did you know there are quite a few married couples among our alumni? Four of these couples agreed to participate in a fun social media initiative to wish them a happy Valentine’s Day. Check it out on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Drs. Tedra Kindopp and Jason Holtom are also the parents of a first-year student, Naia Holtom, whom they “coated” at the White Coat Ceremony in the fall.
Naia Holtom with her parents. Also included in the photo are Drs. Patricia Hrynchak and Lisa Woo on the left and right respectively, and student Hikmat Jami (second from left) and Anna Hockey (second from right).
Shaina Nensi (OD ’16), Sophia Leung (OD ’14) and Sarah MacIver (OD ’10)
Dr. Shaina Nensi, who is president of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and Dr. Sophia Leung, who is president of the Alberta Association of Optometrists, appeared on the 20/20 Podcast to talk about modernizing optometrists’ scope to include selective laser trabeculoplasty and minor eyelid surgical procedures. Dr. Sarah MacIver, an associate clinical professor with the School, appeared on the second of the two-part series with Dr. Evelyn Lo, president of the BCDO.
Mariam Nahal (OD ’12)
Dr. Mariam Nahal, who runs Upper Grand Eye Care in Fergus, Ontario, was featured in the Wellington Advertiser for being among the first in Ontario to offer MacuMira, a new and innovative Health Canada-approved treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration. Read the article.
Shahreena Rahman (OD ‘05)
Sadly, Dr. Shahreena Rahman lost her battle with cancer in late December. She owned East Elgin Optometry in Aylmer, ON, and served at a clinical instructor at the School for years. She also continued to contribute to the field through her work at the Centre for Contact Lens Research and as a Canadian Optometry Board Exams examiner. Her family and friends have set up a memorial for her – gifts in her memory will be directed to the Waterloo Eye Institute. Give now.
Derek MacDonald (OD ’92)
In late 2024, Dr. Derek MacDonald became the first optometrist in Canada, and only the ninth in the world, to be awarded the status of Diplomate (Glaucoma) in the American Academy of Optometry. He practices at Ilex Eye Associates in Waterloo with his wife, Dr. Karen MacDonald (OD ’92), and associates Dr. Deanna DiRenzo (OD ’06) and Dr. Ethan Wohlgemuth (OD ’23).
Dr. Derek MacDonald (centre) receiving his diplomate. Picture courtesy of the American Academy of Optometry
Michelle McKenzie (OD ’92)
Deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Dr. Sheridan Michelle McKenzie, who passed away in late December after a battle with ALS. She co-founded the Bolton Optometry Clinic in 1994 with her business and life partner, Dr. Vince Panzica (OD ’90), and regularly hosted clerkship and residency trainees. A founding board member of Vision Therapy Canada, she was a leader in optometry as well as a beloved member of her family and community. Read her obituary.
Samuel Hoh (OD ’84)
Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Samuel Hoh (OD'84), who lost his battle with cancer on January 11. For many years, Dr. Hoh operated a successful practice in Mississauga until he retired in 2022. With the non-profit organization Orbis, he visited Jamaica several times to provide eye care to people in need. Read his obituary.
Carol Dalziel (OD ’75, MSc ’82) and Ronald Phillips (OD ’76)
Drs. Ronald Phillips and Carol Dalziel, partners in life as well as in optometry, recently retired from their Guelph, Ontario, practice after nearly 50 years. Learn more.
John Capell (OD ’74)
Dr. John Capell retired in 2021 after 47 years of practice in Mount Forest, Ontario. With his friend and former classmate, Dr. James Holmes, who is still practicing in Prescott, Ontario, he organized a 50th anniversary class reunion last year.
