Class notes
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.
Navneet Sidhu, Nicole Wang and Wendy Zhai (all OD ’25)
Drs. Navneet Sidhu, Nicole Wang and Wendy Zhai began their residencies at the Waterloo Eye Institute at the beginning of August, respectively in pediatrics, low vision and contact lens. Learn more about the new residents.
Joanne Jin, Ivana Latalisa and Bella Phan (all OD ’24)
Drs. Joanne Jin, Ivana Latalisa and Bella Phan, along with Dr. Natasha Bhanot (a Chicago College of Optometry at Midwestern University grad), have wrapped up (or are wrapping up) their residencies at the Waterloo Eye Institute and are moving into private clinical practice. Learn more about the outgoing residents.
Sharon Qiu (MSc ‘24)
Dr. Sharon Qiu, who is a current PhD candidate as well as a registered OD, received an Ezell Fellowship from the American Academy of Optometry, as did fellow University of Waterloo PhD candidate Nijani Nagaarudkumaran. In addition to an award, the fellowship will allow both emerging scholars to attend the annual meetings of the AAO and ARVO.
Ethan Wohlgemuth (OD ‘23), Cedrick Mah (OD ‘22), Jennifer Duimering (OD ‘21), Andrea Lasby (OD ‘13), Paul Rollett (OD’11), Sarah MacIver (OD ‘10) and Etty Bitton (OD ‘88)
Congratulations to the above optometrists (Dr. Ethan Wohlgemuth is pictured), who became new Fellows of the Canadian College of Specialties in Optometry! Check out the full list of 2025 CCSO Fellows on LinkedIn – with pictures!
Jenny Lee (OD ‘23), Monica Bell (OD ‘17), Shaina Nensi (OD ‘16) and Kirsten North (OD ‘92)
Back-to-school time should be eye exam time for kids – a message many optometrists spread as the summer holidays drew to a close. Check out Dr. Jenny Lee’s article in Optik, Dr. Monica Bell (pictured), who was featured on Global News Calgary, Dr. Shaina Nensi, who was featured on CTV News Toronto, and Dr. Kirsten North, who was featured on CTV News Ottawa.
Lisa Morrison (OD ‘16)
Dr. Lisa Morrison, president of the Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists, was featured on CTV News regarding the Eye See, Eye Learn program, new to Nova Scotia, that provides free glasses to children in primary and pre-primary school in the province. The Essilor Foundation, Modern Optical and the NSAO sponsored the program.
Allison Scott (OD ‘06), Mark Kepes (OD ‘10), Tanya Dillon (OD ‘06) and Troy Brady (OD ‘99)
Dr. Allison Scott (photo courtesy CAO) assumed the role of president of the Canadian Association of Optometrists during the CAO’s biannual Congress this summer. In addition, Dr. Mark Kepes was named the Nova Scotia representative, Dr. Tanya Dillion was named the Manitoba representative and Dr. Troy Brady was named secretary-treasurer. Meanwhile, Dr. Harry Bohnsack (OD ‘87) concluded his term as CAO past-president.
Sarah Hutchens (OD ‘11)
Dr. Sarah Hutchens, optometrist and founder of The Vision Development Centre in St. John's, was featured on CBC Radio’s St. John’s Morning Show, talking about the importance of UV protection for the eyes.
Tanner Udenberg (OD ‘10)
Dr. Tanner Udenberg opened a new optometry clinic, Kalamalka Eye Care, in his hometown of Vernon, B.C. The clinic, located in a heritage house, had its grand opening on June 27. Learn more about the clinic.
Mark Eltis (OD ‘03)
Commentary from Dr. Mark Eltis was featured in a Healio article about greater physical activity being linked to slower visual field loss in open-angle glaucoma. Check it out!
Trevor Miranda (OD ‘95)
Dr. Trevor Miranda authored an article in Optik Now about the benefits of optometrist-optician collaboration. Check it out!
Michelle McKenzie (OD ’92) and Dorothy Barrie (OD ‘90)
At its Congress this summer, the Canadian Association of Optometrists conferred a posthumous Honorary Membership upon Drs. Michelle McKenzie for her contributions to vision therapy in Canada. McKenzie was a founding board member and 2021-2023 president of Vision Therapy Canada as well as a dedicated clinical supervisor to our clerkship students and residents.
Dr. Dorothy Barrie also received an Honorary Membership for advancing opportunities for women in optometry. She was the first female president of the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists from 2001 to 2003 and served as registrar and in various other SAO Council roles over her decades of service. She also helped establish school-based clinics in Saskatoon and earned an MBA in 2008.
All photos, including one below, courtesy Canadian Association of Optometrists.
CAO Past Presidents
All CAO past presidents were awarded Honorary Memberships at Congress in Halifax, in recognition of their leadership and contributions to the profession. Pictured are: Dr. Harry Bohnsack (OD ‘87), Dr. Michael Nelson (OD ‘94), Barry Thienes (OD ‘75), Paul Geneau (OD ‘81), Dr. Lillian Linton (OD ‘84), Dr, Kirsten North (OD ‘92), Dr. Len Koltun (OD ‘68), Dr. Pasqualino Marcantonio (OD ‘75), Dr. Douglas Côté (OD ‘78), Ralph Rosere (OD ’69) and Dr. J.A. Reid MacDuff (OD ‘70). Photo courtesy CAO.
Not pictured but also award recipients are our alumni: Dr. Jack Huber (posthumous, RO Ontario College of Optometry ‘52), Dr. Scott Brisbin (OD ‘65), Dr. Bruce Rosner (OD ‘67), Dr. Thomas Adamack (OD ‘73), Dr. James Kerr (OD ‘76), Dr. Joan Hansen (OD ‘79), Dr. Michael Dennis (OD ‘81), Dr. Scott Mundle (OD ‘83) and Dr. Alphonse Carew (OD ‘86).
Class of 1986
The Class of 1986 is planning a 40th reunion in Waterloo next spring, June 5-6, 2026. Email optometry.alumni@uwaterloo.ca to learn more.
Robert Lidkea (RO ‘52)
Dr. Robert Lidkea passed July 28 in his home community of Fort Frances, ON. A graduate of our forerunner, the College of Optometry of Ontario, he had an amazing 72-year career at Lidkea Optometry (now run by his son Bruce), retiring as the province's oldest optometrist on his 93rd birthday last year. Learn more about him through our alumni spotlight, published shortly after his retirement. Also check out his obituary.
John Flanagan
Though not an alum, former professor Dr. John Flanagan received a 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO). He was a professor at the School for many years until 2014. Learn more about his career.