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. Alan Ulsifer (OD ‘90)
In response to the recent wildfires that claimed close to 30 per cent of the town of Jasper, Dr. Alan Ulsifer and FYidoctors are providing replacement eyeglasses to Jasper wildfire evacuees.
Drs. Alicia Mlynarczyk (BSc ‘19, OD ‘23) and Dustin Diotte (OD ‘22)
Drs. Alicia Mlynarczyk and Dustin Diotte recently moved to the Sault to practice with Dr. Alison Hayes-Sheen (BSc ‘90, OD ‘90). This move is a homecoming for Alicia Mlynarczyk who was born and raised in the Sault, who will now be working alongside her childhood optometrist.
Dr. Sheriden Goodmanson (OD ‘24)
Following her recent graduation, Dr. Sheriden Goodmanson will return home to Victoria to join the Admirals Walk Optometry Clinic alongside fellow alumna Dr. Darcy Dennis (OD ‘17). We wish Sheriden the best as she settles back home.
Drs. Jonah Gilham (OD ‘20), Zoe Stein (OD ‘20), Clayton Switzer (OD ‘20) and Dr. Olivia Viergutz (OD ‘21).
Drs. Jonah Gilham, Zoe Stein, Clayton Switzer and Olivia Viergutz recently travelled to the Philippines to deliver eye care on the SPECS Eye Train alongside University of Waterloo optometry students. Jonah Gilham reportedly treated 1,000+ patients in just five days.
Dr. Steven Mintz (OD ‘73)
Steven Mintz, longtime optometrist in Winnipeg, Manitoba, will be retiring at the end of this year and moving to BC. Steven served the profession in multiple roles in his career including with COETF and the Manitoba Association of Optometrists, most notably as Chair and President respectively.
Drs. Joanne Jin (OD ‘24), Ivana Latalisa (OD ‘24) and Bella Phan (OD ‘24)
The newest cohort of residents, including alumni Joanne Jin, Ivana Latalisa and Bella Phan, have begun their 13-month program. As the new cohort begins last year’s residents Drs. Alexandra Kamphuis (OD ‘23), Jenny Lee (OD ‘23), Filipa Leitao and Jennifer Li (BSc ‘17, MSc ‘19, OD ‘23) conclude their program. Read the story here.
Dr. Vi Tu Banh (OD ‘96)
Over the summer, Dr. Vi Tu Banh connected with Dr. Harbir Sian on the 20/20 Podcast to share his incredible life story, and his mission to help one billion people. Listen to the full episode here.
Dr. Shaina Nensi (OD ‘16)
Shaina Nensi and her husband Ray welcomed new baby, Mya Nensi Dhanani on September 9th. Both parents are in love with little Mya already! Best wishes to Shain and Ray on the journey in parenthood.
Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor (MSc '14)
Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor was honoured with the 2024 Women’s House Serving Bruce & Grey Women of Distinction Award for her dedication to community and youth empowerment, including mentorship of aspiring optometrists. Through her mentorship, three young individuals were guided into optometry, with two currently attending the University of Waterloo. Maureen’s Her articles on vision therapy for brain injury and autism-related eye tracking were also recently featured on the front cover of Optometry Times (July 2023 and September 2024).
