By Karen Kawawada
The new cohort of University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science residents have begun their 13-month program. Drs. Natasha Bhanot, Joanne Jin, Ivana Latalisa and Bella Phan were welcomed on August 1.
Clinical residencies are designed to extend an optometrist’s competencies in specific areas of clinical practice including cornea and contact lens, low vision rehabilitation, pediatric and vision therapy, and ocular disease. Residents will learn advanced clinical skills in their area of focus, develop skills for academic scholarship, and participate in the clinical education of optometry students. The School offers up to six residency programs every year.
Meet the 2024-25 residents:
Dr. Natasha Bhanot, Dr. Gina Sorbara Cornea and Contact Lens Resident
Hometown: Markham, Ontario
Graduated from: Chicago College of Optometry at Midwestern University, 2024
Supervised by: Dr. Chelsea Bray
Motivated by: Striving to help patients maximize visual potential and maintain ocular health through specialty contact lenses.
Fun fact: Loves to travel and has visited 11+ countries. Plans to explore Canada’s west coast next.
Dr. Joanne Jin, Pediatric Optometry Resident (emphasis on vision therapy and vision rehabilitation)
Hometown: Shanghai, China, and Markham, Ontario
Graduated from: University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science, 2024
Supervised by: Drs. Julie Shalhoub, Lisa Christian and Virginia Donati (Bolton Optometry Clinic)
Motivated by: Helping patients with their goals, whether it’s becoming a better hockey player or being able to sit on a swing without becoming dizzy.
Fun fact: Just returned from a whirlwind tour of Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Vancouver.
Dr. Ivana Latalisa, Ocular Disease Resident (emphasis on glaucoma)
Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil, and Toronto, Ontario
Graduated from: University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science, 2024
Supervised by: Dr. Sarah MacIver
Motivated by: Delving deeper into ocular disease management to help patients, supporting the expansion of optometrists’ scope of practice in ocular disease.
Fun fact: Started fostering cats in high school and has now fostered more than 20.
Dr. Bella Phan, Vision Rehabilitation Resident (emphasis on low vision rehabilitation)
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
Graduated from: University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science, 2024
Supervised by: Drs. Tammy Labreche and Shamrozé Khan
Motivated by: Helping patients with visual impairments discover new ways to do their favourite activities and maintain their independence.
Fun fact: Loves to read and is more likely to have her Kobo on her than her phone.
Clockwise from left: Drs. Alexandra Kamphuis, Jennifer Li, Jenny Lee and Filipa Leitao
Outgoing residents
The 2023-24 residents are finishing up their terms at the end of August. While they will be heading their separate ways, they will continue to be united by friendship and by their deep commitment to excellence in optometry practice.
We’ll miss Drs. Alexandra Kamphuis, Jenny Lee, Filipa Leitao and Jennifer Li. All have achieved impressive things during their residencies – not only a lot of excellent patient care but also contributions to scholarship through publications, posters and presentations.
“Residency made me fall in love with optometry all over again,” said Lee.
“Residents invest in themselves to gain greater depth in their clinical practice, which ultimately benefits the public,” said Dr. Stanley Woo, director of the School. “We look forward to seeing these residents continue their development as future leaders in the profession.”