Safari users, please scroll down to your Faculty member.

Aaron Lech, OD, FAAO

Dr. Aaron Lech graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry and holds a degree in biology from UC San Diego. Upon graduation he served as an eye doctor in the Navy and practiced at the Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. While there, he was the director for both the Optometry Clinic and Specialty Contact Lens Services clinic. In 2004 he relocated to Roseville and opened ClearVue Eye Care. Dr. Lech pursued optometry because, 'I wanted a profession that allowed me to care for people, impact healthcare in the third world, and devote myself to my family.' He is deeply involved in iCareforIndia, our periodic mission to provide eye care and other critical healthcare services to some of the worlds most distant and in need populations.

Aaron Neufeld, OD

Dr. Aaron Neufeld is a Bay Area optometrist and entrepreneur. He is the owner of Los Altos Optometric Group, a full scope private practice in the Bay Area, California. In addition to clinical duties, Dr. Neufeld co-founded ODs on Finance (odsonfinance.com), the world’s  largest finance and investing focused forum/website for optometrists and optometry students. He is an accomplished author having written over 30 articles for optometry publications and  co-authored the Amazon best-selling book “The Optometrist’s Guide to Financial Freedom.” Additionally, he has served as a consultant/speaker/key opinion leader for many companies in the optometry and pharmaceutical space. He has given multiple COPE-approved CE lectures on practice  management and growth. Dr. Neufeld’s commercial real estate company focuses on buildings that house optometry offices and currently has multiple holdings in the San Francisco Bay Area. In his charitable endeavors, Dr. Neufeld sits on the Board of Directors for the Los Altos Rotary and is  a member of the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Los Altos Village Association.

Adriana Cotovio, BSc, OD

Dr. Adriana Cotovio is an Optometrist with a specialty in developmental optometry and vision therapy. She studied optometry at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry. She has extensive training in concussion rehabilitation and vision therapy for management of learning related vision problems and strabismus/amblyopia. She is the lead optometrist of the Eyes On Sheppard Vision and Learning Centre. She looks forward to sharing what she’s learned in the hopes of contributing to the growing specialty of vision therapy.

Ahmad M. Fahmy, OD, FAAO

Dr. Ahmad Fahmy is a staff optometrist at Minnesota Eye Consultants. He received his professional training and Doctor of Optometry Degree in 2001 from the Illinois College of Optometry. He completed residency training in peri-operative care of glaucoma, anterior segment pathology and refractive surgery with Minnesota Eye Consultants, P.A. in 2004. He earned Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry in 2004 and also joined Minnesota Eye Consultants, P.A. as a staff Optometrist in 2004. Dr. Fahmy is an Adjunct Faculty Assistant Professor of the Illinois College of Optometry.

Dr. Fahmy is a devoted advocate of an integrated eye care delivery model and served as a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery’s Integrated Practice Committee (IPC) from 2015-2017. He served a one-year term with the Board of the Minnesota Optometric Association from 2016-2017.

He is an editorial board peer reviewer for the journal Clinical Ophthalmology. He is a member of the American Academy of Optometry, American Optometric Association, Minnesota Optometric Association and Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity. He has contributed to book chapters, journal articles and case studies in non-peer reviewed and peer reviewed journals including Optometry Times, Ophthalmology Times Europe, Archives of Ophthalmology, The Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and Advanced Ocular Care.

He has lectured at educational conferences including the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the Combined Ophthalmic Symposium, American Academy of Optometry, Minnesota Optometric Association, The Philips Eye Institute and International Congress in Lima, Peru. He has been involved in clinical care of disadvantaged populations and is devoted to continued involvement in the development of philanthropic eye care initiatives. He also remains committed to teaching and mentoring students and colleagues. He is actively involved in numerous clinical research trials and has a special interest in anterior segment disease, including ocular surface disease.

Ahmed Al-Ghoul, MD, MBA, FRCSC, DipABO

Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghoul is founder of CSI Dry Eye, Seema Eye Care and Clarity Laser Vision in Calgary, Alberta. His specialty is in corneal and anterior segment disease. Dr. Al-Ghoul completed a prestigious fellowship in corneal and refractive surgery from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre (UPMC) focusing on conditions like severe dry eyes. Dr. Al-Ghoul received his Masters of Business Administration from Cornell University in 2015. He is also duly certified to practice in both Canada and the USA. He is an author and editor of several book chapters on corneal disease. Dr. Al-Ghoul continues to present his research nationally and internationally. He is a dedicated teacher as part of the University of Calgary Ophthalmology Residency Training Program. Dr. Al-Ghoul also volunteers as an Ophthalmologist for a charitable organization performing cataract surgery for people in need in nations like Jamaica.

Alan Glazier, FAAO, OD

Dr. Glazier is the founder and visionary behind ODs on Facebook and ODsOnFB.com, the eye care industry's largest and most highly engaged eye care organization online OR off, with over 38,000 members. He is the founder of Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care serving the Rockville, Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. He is a partner and business development executive in Total Eye Care Partners, enabling Optometrists with mature practices a medical model legacy exit. His recent accomplishments include: 2011-2012 voted one of the most influential optometrists in the US by the VisionMonday organization, in 2015 selected as one of the 50 most influential optometrists ever by his peer, in 2016 named "Visionary" by Vision Expo organization, in 2016 selected as one of 250 innovators in Optometry by PCON Magazine and in 2017 he was honoured as Maryland Optometrist of the Year. He is contributing editor to Optometric Management Magazine and Optometry Times Magazine, Inventor on 7 issued patents in computer science and ophthalmology, sought-after lecturer on clinical topics, practice marketing and myopia control, author of books, "Searchial Marketing", "Customer Communication Software", numerous journal articles, founder of MyopiaInstitute.com, award-winning eye care blog, consultant for Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, VTI Vision, PRN, Percept Corp, Hue AI, Essilor, EverydayContacts.com, Total ECP, GPN and serves on many boards inside and outside the eye care industry. Dr. Glazier has been interviewed by CNN, NBC, CBS, Entrepreneur magazine, INC Magazine, Blog Talk Radio and Network Solutions.

Alan Kabat, OD, FAAO

Dr. Alan Kabat is an Associate Professor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where he serves as an attending optometric physician at The Eye Care Institute. Dr. Kabat is a  Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He is Associate Clinical Editor of Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses and co-author of the Therapeutic Review column in Review of Optometry. He lectures internationally on various topics in ocular and oculo-systemic disease.

Alan Ulsifer, OD

 Dr. Ulsifer graduated from the University of Waterloo as an optometrist in 1990, where he was acknowledged for several awards in clinical achievement, including the Ontario Association of Optometrists Award for Excellence in Patient Management. After graduating, Dr. Ulsifer became one of the founders and the managing partner of Northern Vision Centre, which developed into one of Canada’s largest independent optometric practices. Dr. Ulsifer has also been involved at the executive level with various not for profit Boards including: Alberta Optometric Association, Rotary, Optometry Giving Sight, the Alberta Freestyle Ski Association and the Grande Prairie Chamber of Commerce. In 2008, Dr. Ulsifer oversaw the creation of FYidoctors, which still stands as the largest business merger in Canadian history in terms of the number of companies involved. He was awarded the Ernst and Young Emerging Entrepreneur Award for Western Canada in 2008 and the Top Canadian Entrepreneur Award in 2012. Dr. Alan Ulsifer has served on many Boards over the years and has an ICD.D designation.  He currently serves as CEO & Chair of the FYihealth Group.

Albert Mo, RO

Albert has been working at McCray Optical Supply for over 10 years. His focus is on product development, in particular tool design and manufacturing. He is frequently abroad searching for new and innovative products all over the world. His extensive travels have given him a depth and breadth of knowledge uniquely suited for his position as Technical Development Manager. He has also been  head of the repair department at McCray Optical Supply for 4 years. After Graduating from Georgian College, Albert returned as an advisory board member and has lectured at both Georgian College and Seneca College on the subject of proper tool use and frame repair. Albert’s education includes a BA Economics, University of Toronto, 2005 and Graduated (honours) Opticianry Program, Georgian College, 2007

Alena Reznik, MD

Dr. Alena Reznik is a glaucoma specialist and board-certified ophthalmologist at Southern California Eye Institute (SCEI), located at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, a nationally recognized acute care facility providing compassionate support for Hollywood and its surrounding communities since 1924. Dr. Reznik is an expert in combined cataract and glaucoma surgeries. Her glaucoma research focuses on the development of novel surgical techniques and approaches to caring for patients with any stage of glaucoma. She is highly skilled in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) for patients with mild to moderate glaucoma (such as iStent, Omni, Hydrus, Xen, micropulse laser and Kahook Dual Blade goniotomy). With an early interest in ophthalmology research, Alena Reznik contributed to studies on age-related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome diagnosis and management, as well as novel approaches to eye emergencies and the diagnosis of glaucoma. She has authored publications in multiple peer-reviewed journals such as Journal of Glaucoma, Clinical Ophthalmology and American Journal of Ophthalmology. Her findings have been presented to medical peers across the world including the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Annual Meeting in Sicily and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in the US, along with several television network interviews for NBC and Fox Sports on sports injuries of the eye and glaucoma and its impact. Dr. Reznik is a member of several prestigious academic societies, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and Women in Ophthalmology Society. She is the recipient of several scholarship awards including the Marilyn and Marshall Butler Scholarship Award, Ruth G. White PEO Scholarship, and Johns Hopkins University Evelyn M. Hurlburt and Irene H. Sluckis Scholarship. Because of her life-long commitment to volunteer work, she is involved in organizing community ocular disease screening events for local underserved communities. She completed her medical school training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine with a full scholarship followed by residency in ophthalmology at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. After her residency, she completed sub-specialty training in glaucoma at UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute in Los Angeles. Prior to SCEI, Alena Reznik served as an assistant professor in ophthalmology, glaucoma surgeon and glaucoma fellowship director at Keck School of Medicine of USC. During her time at USC she taught residents and fellows minimally invasive and conventional glaucoma surgery.

Ali Khan, RO

Ali Khan graduated from Ryerson Polytechnic in 1973 after successfully completing the Opticians Program. Subsequently, he was licensed by the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers of Ontario. He started teaching the Optician’s Program in 1975 at Ryerson Polytechnic. He rewrote the curriculum and upgraded the program to meet Ryerson’s standards. The new program was assessed as being one of the top five programs in North America and the UK. In 1978 he was appointed by the Education Committee of the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers (currently the College of Opticians of Ontario) as their chief examiner for their licensing exams. From 1978 to 1979, he served on the Association of Ontario Opticians and Canadian Guild of Dispensing Opticians as their educational director. In 1980, he was elected as the Chairman of the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers (presently the College of Opticians of Ontario). From 1979 to 2007, he was a lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Department of Ophthalmology and taught applied optics to ophthalmology residents. From 1979 to 1980, Ali helped in transferring the educational program from Ryerson University to Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology. From 1980 to 1984, he helped Georgian College update their full time optician’s program on par with the Seneca program and the requirements of the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers. He also taught the first and second year Georgian College students one day a week. From 1980 to 1984, he served on the advisory committees of Seneca and Georgian Colleges. He worked closely with the Ministry of Education to constantly improve the educational standards of the program. From 1982 to 1986, Ali was President of the Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers (College of Opticians of Ontario). He worked very closely with the Schwartz Commission, appointed by the Government of Ontario, to revise the out dated Health Disciplines Act and helped in identifying the need to include opticianry in the newly proposed and improved RHPA (the revised Act was proclaimed as law in 1991). In 1994, he founded The Khan Group, The Academy of Ophthalmic Education and Optifair Canada. These organizations provide accredited continuing education seminars, and other events, to all eye care professionals.

Alicia Groce, OD, FAAO, FCOVD

Dr. Alicia Groce is an Assistant Professor at Southern College of Optometry. She earned a Doctor of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. Following graduation, Dr. Groce completed a one year residency in Pediatric Optometry and Binocular Vision at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. Dr. Groce currently sees patients in The Eye Center's Pediatrics, Teen and Vision Therapy Clinics. She is also one of the four members of the Rehabilitation Team that serves patients with visual problems from traumatic brain injury in the local rehabilitation hospitals. Dr. Groce’s areas of interest include vision therapy, traumatic brain injury, autism, special needs, vision development, learning related vision problems and infant vision care. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD).

Alison Bozung, OD, FAAO

Dr. Alison Bozung graduated from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. Upon graduation, she completed an ocular disease residency at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida. Dr. Bozung then served as a clinical assistant professor in the University of Iowa’s Department of Ophthalmology, practicing in both the Cornea and Comprehensive Ophthalmology services. She later returned to Bascom Palmer where she currently practices, primarily seeing patients in the hospital’s 24/7 ophthalmic emergency department. She serves as the associate director of the optometric residency program and is also the clinical site director of the optometric student externship program, which hosts students from five colleges of optometry across the United States. Dr. Bozung is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a member of local and national Optometric Associations. She is a regular contributor to optometric journals, has served as a co-editor for the Review of Cornea and Contact Lens’ Cornea Consult column and is a member of the editorial boards for Review of Optometry and Eyes on Eyecare.

Allan R. Slomovic, MSc, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Allan Slomovic is the Vice Chair of Education and Continuing Education Director for the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto. He is also the Clinical Director of the Cornea/External Disease Service at the Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network. He is the past President of the Canadian Ophthalmologic Society and previous Chair of the Canadian Cornea and External Disease Society for the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Dr. Slomovic is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto and the Marta and Owen Boris Endowed Chair in Cornea and Stem Cell Research at the University Health Network. Prior to starting Medical school, Dr. Slomovic completed a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Montreal. He then went on to do his Medical School training at Memorial University in St. John's Newfoundland, followed by an internship in Internal Medicine at The Montreal General Hospital. Dr. Slomovic then went on to complete a 3-year residency training program at the New York University School of Medicine in Manhattan, New York. This was followed by two separate Fellowship programs at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida (the first fellowship was in Cornea/External Ocular Diseases and the second was in Laser Microsurgery). Dr. Slomovic has been involved with teaching residents and fellows, research and clinical practice over the past 35years at the University Health Network. He was the program Director for Ophthalmology for the University of Toronto for 10 years (1991-2001) and has led the program through two successful Royal College reviews. He has also trained 47 fellows in Cornea/External Ocular Diseases of the Eye from all over the world, including Canada, United States, Israel, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Great Britain. In 2001, Dr. Slomovic was awarded the Mentor of the Year Award by the Royal College of Physicians of Canada. Dr. Slomovic is the inaugural winner of this award in the province of Ontario. He has published numerous articles in the areas of Cornea/External Diseases of the Eye and Refractive Surgery and has lectured on these topics locally, nationally and internationally. On March 2014, Dr. Slomovic was nominated by Toronto Life as one of Toronto’s best doctors.

Amber Z. Sheikh, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Amber Sheikh obtained her postgraduate training in Ophthalmology at University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon City Hospital, Saskatoon. She is presently Chief of Ophthalmology at the Niagara Eye Centre in St. Catharines, Ontario. Dr. Sheikh has lectured extensively to family medicine on red eye and ophthalmic emergencies. She has also published many papers and written for many medical journals.

Amit Gupta, MD, FACS

Dr. Amit Gupta is board certified in ophthalmology and fellowship trained in vitreo-retinal surgery. After almost 30 years in the U.S., he returned to his home in Toronto to be closer to his family. He completed medical school at Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now part of Drexel University) with many awards. His completed his Ophthalmology Residency at the Eye and Ear Institute at the University of Pittsburgh and a surgical retina fellowship at Crozer-Chester Hospital in Philadelphia. During his fellowship, he helped developed the MAVE - Multi-Axis Vision Evaluator. Dr. Gupta had a private practice in the Poconos, in eastern Pennsylvania, and was chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Pocono Health System as well as the eye trauma surgeon at St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem. Dr. Gupta was a Principal Investigator in human trials for Lucentis and its use in Wet Macular Degeneration. Prior to starting his career in medicine, he worked in the Silicone Valley as a computer engineer. He holds a degree in computer engineering from McMaster University and patents in both engineering and medicine.

Amy Chow, BSc, BJourn, RO

Amy Chow is a licensed dispensing optician, contact lens fitter and a sales and marketing professional in the specialty contact lens and eye care equipment sector. With degrees in both science and broadcast journalism, she brings to the eye care industry her penchant for communications and experience with specialty contact lenses including scleral lenses, orthokeratology/myopia control and RGP lenses. She is also involved in dry eye and digital eye strain treatment.

Andre Ali-Ridha, BSc, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Andre Ali-Ridha is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and has fellowship training in both Glaucoma and Ophthalmic Pathology. Dr. Ali-Ridha is originally from Whitby, Ontario where he first started working in his local Optometry office from the beginning of high school. After doing medical missions abroad in the Philippines, he went on to do medical school in Ottawa where he received several awards including the leadership and collaboration competency awards for his work in establishing the first pediatric vision screening program. He then completed a fellowship in ophthalmic pathology where he published and presented extensively, even conducting research in macular degeneration for 2 months in Poland. He completed his Ophthalmology residency at McGill University where he won first prize in research and during which he served as the research director at the Council of Canadian Ophthalmology Residents. Dr. Ali-Ridha has published articles extensively in many journals and has presented at numerous national and international conferences.  Following his passion for teaching, he won the outstanding commitment and achievement to medical student teaching award and the excellence in teaching for clinical practice award from the Dean at McGill University. Dr. Ali-Ridha has developed the first interactive online teaching curriculum in Ophthalmology for medical students and residents, a special community program for the prevention of eye injuries and trauma with the CNIB and the first community sharing platform for resident surgical videos at McGill. Dr. Ali-Ridha was also involved in a randomized clinical trial to optimize the use of eye drops for the future of cataract surgery.  He now enjoys teaching local emergency and family medicine physicians including sharing lectures and videos with them from his own online teaching website and developing hands-on training sessions in ophthalmic examination skills.

Andrea Leung, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Andrea Leung is a comprehensive Ophthalmolo- gist who focuses on paediatric eye diseases and strabismus. She cares for both adults and children with conditions such as strabismus, amblyopia, glaucoma, cataracts, nasolacrimal duct obstruction and retinopathy of prematurity. Dr. Leung received her medical degree from Queen’s University, completed her Ophthalmology Residency at the University of Toronto and completed her fellowship training in Paediatric Ophthalmology and strabismus at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC. Dr. Leung is a Staff Ophthalmologist at the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital and at the Hospital for Sick Children where she is involved in training ophthalmology resident physicians. She is a member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Besides her commitment to her patients, Dr. Leung is dedicated to providing eye care to adults and children in developing countries. She has already traveled to the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic and Swaziland, Africa to provide medical and surgical eye care, while learning about the challenges local eye care providers face.

Andrew Fink, FRCOphth, MRCGP, MD

Dr. Andrew Fink grew up in Manchester, UK and studied medicine at the University at Newcastle up on Tyne. Initially completing training as a Family Physician, he switched to Ophthalmology and gained Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmlogists (FRCOphth). After spending some time in Australia, working both in Family Medicine and Ophthalmology (Prince of Wales Hospital, Sidney), Dr. Fink moved to Israel in 1994 and completed an Ophthalmology Residency at Tel HaShomer Hospital, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv. Today he offers a comprehensive Ophthalmology service in the public sector and in the private sector specializes in laser vision correction procedures and has an advanced Dry Eye Clinic, in the Tel Aviv area. He was the first to introduce IPL in Israel and recently became the first to treat dry eye disease with radiofrequency technology. Outside of medicine, he enjoys walking in the countryside and on the beach, tries to stay fit and plays the saxophone. He lives in Ra’anana and has 3 daughters.

Andrew Morgenstern, OD, FAAO, FNAP

Dr. Andrew Morgenstern is the founder of OcuSolve, LLC, a healthcare and management consulting firm. Dr. Morgenstern is a clinician with special interests and expertise in anterior segment ocular disease, refractive surgery, corneal ectatic disease detection, diagnosis and treatment, solutions and treatment of refractive error both surgical and non-surgical, eye and orbital trauma, traumatic brain injury (military and non-military), military medicine and ophthalmic and medical research. He is a graduate of Boston University (BS), Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry (OD, Clinical Honors) and completed his training at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami School of  Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Morgenstern has been an invited lecturer, presenter, featured author and educator around the world as well as a reviewer and editor in a variety of multi- disciplinary medical journals. He has had the distinction of being an invited lecturer at the United States National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine and has had the high honor of treating multiple members of the First Family of the United States, 2 FBI directors, the NASA Administrator, senators, congressmen/women, Supreme Court Justices and service members & Warfighters, veterans and many others.

Angela Kyveris, OD

Dr. Angela Kyveris completed her undergraduate degree from the University of Waterloo. She stayed at the university and went on to receive her Doctor of Optometry degree with honours from the School of Optometry and Vision Science. Dr. Kyveris furthered her education with an internship in ocular disease at the Omni Eye Specialists in Baltimore, Maryland. With a keen interest in refractive surgery, Dr. Kyveris currently works for LASIK MD, Canada’s largest laser vision correction provider. Her work there includes performing preoperative consultations to determine patient candidacy. For  several years, she has monitored and assisted patients who have undergone Standard and Advanced Custom Wavefront LASIK and PRK, as well as All-Laser LASIK. She has extensive experience with cataracts and the progressive eye disease keratoconus; both diagnosing the eye diseases and managing patients post-operatively. In addition to her work at LASIK MD, Dr. Kyveris works at Sanderson Optometry, where she provides a full range of optometric services to patients from contact lens fittings to managing ocular diseases. She is also proud to have volunteered at the F.I.S.H. Eye Clinic in Kingston, Jamaica, providing eye care to local residents in need. Dr. Kyveris’ volunteer work in Jamaica earned her an Honourary Volunteer Award from the Foundation of International Self Help Development. Dr. Kyveris has done comprehensive research on the subject of ocular prostanoid receptors. She has published posters and abstracts on the subject as well as a paper in the journal Molecular Vision. Her academic accomplishments include nominations for the University of Waterloo Alumni Gold Medal for Academic Excellence as well as the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal for a Master’s Program.

Angela Peddle, OD, FCOVD

Dr. Angela Peddle received her Doctor of Optometry Degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Upon graduation, she completed a Residency in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation from SUNY State College of Optometry in New York, where she gained expertise in the areas of pediatrics, special needs examinations, vision therapy and neuro-rehabilitation. Upon completion she received the distinguished Dr. Martin Birnbaum Memorial Award for Outstanding Knowledge and Skill in Behavioral Optometry. Dr. Peddle practices full scope optometry with a focus on vision therapy, neuro-rehabilitation, sports vision enhancement, pediatrics and special needs examinations. She is an adjunct faculty member and lecturer at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in the Binocular Vision and Special Needs Clinics. She is also the first private practice Optometrist in Canada to offer a residency program in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation for Canadian Optometrists. With a keen interest in education, she has published articles and posters on strabismus, amblyopia and learning-related vision problems. She is an international lecturer offering courses in vision therapy techniques, oculomotor dysfunctions, binocular vision and the newest research in strabismus and amblyopia therapy. She is a board certified Fellow in developmental vision and vision therapy by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the founding and immediate Past President of the Canadian Optometrists in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation, a non-profit organization that promotes public and professional awareness and education in vision therapy.

Anthony B. Litwak, OD, FAAO

Dr. Anthony Litwak earned his OD at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry and a Residency in Ocular Disease at Baltimore VA Medical Center. Dr. Anthony Litwak is the Program Director for Ocular Therapeutics Continuing Education (OTCE).  He is the Past Residency and Student Program Director at the Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center.   Dr. Litwak is an adjunct Clinical Professor at Pennsylvania College of Optometry, State University of New York, New England College of Optometry, University of Alabama College of Optometry and Southern College of Optometry.  He is a founding member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society and National Glaucoma Society and on the Editorial Board of the Optometric Glaucoma Society E-Journal.  Dr. Litwak is past Editor-in-Chief of Clinical Eye and Vision Care and is course director for “Ocular Therapeutics in Cancun” and “Glaucoma in the Gorge.” He is a national and international lecturer on ocular disease and author of the glaucoma textbook “The Glaucoma Handbook.”

Anu Chiarelli, RN, MA, CSAT, CSOPT, CMAT

Anu has over 30 years experience working with people of all ages as a registered nurse in hospital and community settings, as a health educator and as a nursing instructor.  She is a counselling therapist providing individual, couples and family therapy in her private practice at Healing Choices Counselling & Education in Calgary. Believing that healing requires addressing the physical, emotional, mental, relational, spiritual and environmental influences, Anu uses integrative medicine personally and professionally.  As a dry eye patient, Anu is passionate about using her experience and learning to serve others. 

Anu Ondhia, Optometrist

Dr. Anu Ondhia completed her Optometric education at Aston University, United Kingdom, in 2007. She has since practiced under world-renowned ophthalmologists in both the UK and Canada and has focused her practice in comprehensive anterior segment and refractive surgery. Dr. Ondhia is passionate about education, research and patient advocacy and is a consultant and educational faculty member for Alcon Experience Academy, EyeSchool.ca and J&J SPECTRUM. She is Clinical Director at TLC Oakville and Clinical Adjunct Instructor for the University of Waterloo.

Arthur Epstein, OD, FAAO, FABCO, FBCLA, DPNAP

Dr. Arthur B. Epstein, OD, FAAO is a native New Yorker who graduated from the State University of New York, State College of Optometry. After relocating to Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Epstein co-founded Phoenix Eye Care, PLLC and The Dry Eye Center of Arizona, PLLC and serves as the Director of Cornea - External Disease, Clinical Research and The Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Disease Center.  He also heads Ophthalmic Research Consultants of Arizona. Dr. Epstein is a highly regarded educator and popular speaker. He has presented in excess of 1150 invited lectures throughout the world and is a prolific author with hundreds of articles, scientific papers and book chapters published.  Dr. Epstein is a reviewer for numerous clinical and scientific journals including Cornea, the Ameican, British and Indian Journals of Ophthalmology and is an Editorial Board member of Eye & Contact Lens. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Distinguished Practitioner of the National Academies of Practice, past-Chair of the American Optometric Association Contact Lens and Cornea Section, and admitted to the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry.  A Contributing Editor for Review of Optometry and Executive Editor of Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses he founded, and serves as Chief Medical Editor of Optometric Physician™, the first and most widely read E-Journal in eye care.

Arthur Orava, RO

Arthur has been a Registered Optician in Ontario since 1977.  After dispensing for ten years, he joined Centennial Optical and has provided technical support and staff training to the optical community. Arthur has also lectured extensively on Centennial lens products at colleges and optical conventions across the country. He has a BSc and is also a past member of the Advisory Committee at Seneca College. His present position is Technical Lens Advisor with Centennial Optical.

Asif Salyani, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Salyani completed his Ophthalmology Residency at the University of Toronto and went on to complete a Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery at the University of Calgary. Dr. Salyani is currently in private practice in Toronto, Ontario.

Barry Tannen, OD, FAAO

An Optometrist for over 25 years, Dr. Barry Tannen’s career has been devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of children with vision problems that impact academic performance. He is a passionate doctor who cares deeply about the children he examines and treats. Dr. Tannen graduated with clinical honours from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He is an Associate Clinical Professor of Optometry at the SUNY/State College of Optometry in New York where he teaches vision therapy and is also the Director of the Eye Movement and Bio-Feedback Clinic. In 2002, he was the recipient of the New Jersey Society of Optometric Physician’s Scientific Achievement Award. Dr. Tannen lectures nationally and internationally on learning-related vision disorders, strabismus, amblyopia and vision therapy. He has co-authored a clinical textbook as well as published numerous papers. He also served as an officer in the United States Public Health Service for three years before cofounding EyeCare Professionals, P.C. with Dr. Nicholas Despotidis.

Barbara Caffery, OD, PhD, FAAO

Dr. Barbara Caffery graduated from the New England College of Optometry in 1977. In 2009, she completed her PhD programme in Vision Science at the University of Waterloo upon defending her thesis entitled Sjogren’s Syndrome: A Clinical and Biochemical Analysis. Dr. Caffery practices at Toronto Eye Care in downtown Toronto and also participates in two hospital-based clinics at the University Health Network Multi-Disciplinary Sjogren’s Syndrome Clinic and the Therapeutic Contact Lens Clinic at Kensington Vision and Research Centre. Dr. Caffery’s areas of expertise include dry eye disease and contact lenses. She has completed several clinical trials in dry eye treatments and has also widely published in the areas of contact lenses, dry eye and Sjogren’s Syndrome. She presently serves as the President of the American Academy of Optometry and also serves on the Board and Medical Advisory panel of the Sjogren’s Society of Canada. Dr. Caffery has lectured frequently in the areas of contact lenses, dry eye and Sjogren’s Syndrome at the Academy and other state and regional venues. She continues to serve as a guest lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo. Most recently, she has helped to create and implement a new clinical research initiative within the American Academy of Optometry. The special interest group, Fellows Doing Research, gathers interested Fellows from private practices and academic settings to explore important clinical questions.

Barbara Mihalik, OD, FAAO

Dr. Barbara Mihalik grew up in the small rural town of Lynchburg, Ohio, before attending The Ohio State University. Dr. Mihalik was a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa honours fraternity and graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Optometry before completing a residency under retinal ophthalmologist, Matthew Ohr, MD. Dr. Mihalik is a current member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), the Ohio Optometric Association (OOA) and a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). Dr. Mihalik serves as adjunct faculty with the College of Optometry and has 4th year optometry students who rotate with her as part of their externship program. Dr. Mihalik also participates in the Prevent Blindness Ohio program where she offers complimentary eye exams to those with low to no income in the Columbus area.

Baseer U. Khan, MD, FRCSC

Born and raised in Canada, Dr. Baseer Khan received his MD from the University of Toronto where he was honoured to have received the Sigmung Vaile Award for Top Surgeon in his graduating class and received several research awards during his training. He went on to complete subspecialty training in Glaucoma and Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and international Ophthalmology consultant for multiple companies, Dr. Khan is actively involved in teaching and research and development on local, national and international platforms. Dr. Khan has published extensively in journals and books and is often sought as an expert in advanced and challenging cases. He has also developed and designed surgical instrumentation for new surgical techniques. Dr. Khan has dedicated a segment of his practice as well to humanitarian work, much of which has been in Vietnam. Dr. Khan is currently the Executive Lead Physician at Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario and Director of the Clarity Eye Institute in Ontario.

Beeran Meghpara, MD

Dr. Beeran Meghpara is a member of the Cornea Service at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. He is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist who specializes in cornea, cataract, and laser refractive surgery. Dr. Meghpara performs all forms of corneal transplantation, including partial thickness DMEK and DALK. He has extensive experience with the latest technology in cataract surgery including the femtosecond laser and advanced technology intraocular lens implants that correct astigmatism and presbyopia. He also specializes in blade-less customized LASIK, advanced surface ablation, and phakic intraocular lens surgery to help patients reduce their dependence on glasses and contacts. As a corneal specialist, Dr. Meghpara also treats corneal infections and ocular surface diseases like dry eye. Dr. Meghpara graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, where he was selected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine. After residency, he completed a fellowship in corneal and refractive surgery at the University of Colorado. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology and has a faculty appointment at Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. He has authored numerous articles and delivered lectures at local and national meetings. He is actively involved in teaching ophthalmology residents on the Cornea Service at Wills Eye Hospital and also covers trauma call at the Wills Eye Emergency Room.

I. Benjamin Gaddie, OD, FAAO

Dr. Ben Gaddie received his undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky. He earned his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Alabama-Birmingham School of Optometry. Dr. Gaddie then completed a Residency in Ocular Disease through Northeastern State University College of Optometry at the Triad Eye Medical Clinic and Cataract Institute in Tulsa, OK. Dr. Gaddie completed both his Residency and also a Fellowship in Glaucoma and Laser Therapy at NSU College of Optometry. Currently he is an owner and director of the Gaddie Eye Centers, a multi-location full service practice in Louisville that was started by his father over 40 years ago. He is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Optometry at Northeastern State University College of Optometry. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and Vice President of the Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS). Dr. Gaddie is currently the President of the Kentucky Optometric Association. He is also the Chairman of the Continuing Education Committee for the American Optometric Association (AOA). Having published extensively both with industry and in the refereed ophthalmic literature, he serves on the editorial review boards of Review of Optometry, Primary Care Optometry News, Optometric Management and Optometry Times. Dr. Gaddie has delivered over 350 invited lectures worldwide and serves as a consultant to numerous industry-leading pharmaceutical, biomedical and information technology companies.

Beth Lennox, BSc, OD

Dr. Beth Lennox completed her Bachelor of Science in 1991, and continued at the University of Waterloo, obtaining her Doctor of Optometry degree in 1995. Dr. Lennox graduated on the Dean’s Honour List, receiving the Canadian Contact Lens Society award for her proficiency in the application of contact lenses. Dr. Lennox completed an externship at Houston Eye Associates, where she worked with several retinal and glaucoma specialists. After graduating, Dr. Lennox entered into private practice in Brantford, then moved to the Cambridge practice in 1998. She has also been a part-time clinical supervisor at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science and is the past chair of the board of directors for Eye Recommend. Dr Lennox received the Mayor's award in 2014 for excellence in workforce training and development in the small business category. In 2018, she also was honoured as a Woman of Distinction by the YWCA in the category of business and entrepreneurship. In her spare time, Dr. Lennox enjoys time with her husband, Peter, and their two sons. She loves travel, yoga, and being a hockey Mom!

Blair Lamb, MD, FCFP

Years ago, Dr. Blair Lamb suffered a series of spinal injuries causing significant disability to his spine and limbs. A difficult rehabilitation was ultimately  successful. Drawing on his personal experience and his new myofascial pain and neuropathic theory, he developed a revolutionary series of treatments and established the world-renowned Lamb Pain Clinic. Using interventional and non-interventional methods, he rehabilitates conditions that many clinics would only manage. From tennis elbow to plantar fasciitis, headaches to fibromyalgia, he utilizes newer rehabilitation technology to produce real and lasting results. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, he is a true innovator who has authored over five medical patents used for spine and limb rehabilitation, nearly 100 rehabilitation DVDs entitled the ‘Lamb Program’ and he co-developed a total body ‘laser’ technology for pain and rehabilitation. Embracing the role of pain educator, Dr. Lamb frequently interviews for media, gives public lectures for specific pain topics and authored the seminar "An Inconvenient Pain." He is President of the Pain Reliever Corporation where new pain technology and education materials are developed. He works with  individuals to craft customized, hands-on and personalized solutions and derives great satisfaction from facilitating a person to a good recovery and returning them to a normal or near-normal life.

Blair Lonsberry, OD, FAAO

Dr. Blair Lonsberry grew up in Rossburn, Manitoba. He obtained his Optometry Degree from the University of Waterloo after completing a Master of Science in Physiology from the University of Manitoba. He completed his residency in Primary Care Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry, then joined the faculty at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee. During his time at Southern College of Optometry, he completed a Masters in Education Degree with an emphasis in adult learning. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Optometry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, the Optometric Retinal Society, the Optometric Glaucoma Society and the Ocular Surface Society of Optometry. Currently, Dr. Lonsberry is a Professor at Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon.

Bob Shropshire

Bob brings experience that is both deep and wide to the job. His client experience covers a broad spectrum: agricultural products, automotive, beer, charity, chocolate, computers, confectionery, delivery services, drugs, eggs, financial, food, gasoline, gum, healthcare, hotels, information technology, juice, ketchup, mutual funds, packaged goods, pet food, retail, soft drinks, soup, tobacco, travel, video games, vitamins and (bottled) water. The list of clients that Bob has worked with reads like a who’s who in Canadian marketing. Bob started his career in media with O&M in the eighties. After a meteoric rise to Associate Media Director, he decided to move into client service, strategic development, then to management. His agency background covers everything from  huge multinationals like O&M, Leo Burnett and Dentsu to mid-sized agencies like Ammirati & Puris. He now has his own independent agency, Heroes & Villains. He is one of the few Canadian advertising executives to hold a leadership position in two countries (Canada and Australia) at the same time. The campaigns he’s worked on have garnered international acknowledgment and acclaim. A staunch believer in the power of branding and insightful, impactful creative ideas, Bob is always up for the challenge of finding the needle in the haystack that will change the fortunes of a brand or company. It’s never an easy task, but it’s always a  rewarding one.

Brandon Ayres, MD

Brandon Ayres, MD, attended Eastern Nazarene College for undergraduate education and then went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.  He completed an internship through University of Pennsylvania Health System, Presbyterian Medical Center and then completed his Ophthalmology Residency at UMDNJ New Jersey Medical School.  Dr. Ayres then went on to complete a fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Wills Eye Hospital. Having worked at Ophthalmic Partners since 2007, Dr. Ayres is board-certified in ophthalmology and specializes in all forms of corneal transplantation and complex cataract surgery.  He was the first physician at Wills Eye Hospital to perform a Descemets' membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).  In addition to corneal transplantation, Dr. Ayres also has experience in the repair of traumatic eye injuries, implant complications and iris repair. For over ten years, Dr. Ayres has been on staff at both the Cornea Service at Wills Eye Hospital, where he is the co-director of the Fellowship Program, and at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University. During his first year as an Attending Physician on the Cornea Service, he became the youngest recipient of the Golden Apple Award at Wills Eye.  He given lectures and instructed courses nationally and internationally, including the annual meetings of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and the American-European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgeons, among others.

Brendan Girschek, MD, FRCSC, FACS

Dr. Brendan Girschek completed his ophthalmology residency program at Louisiana State University. He went on to complete his retina surgery fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Centre. At the present time, he is a retina surgeon at Bluegrass Retina Consultants in Lexington, Kentucky and an Oral Examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Girschek is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Brian Ballios, MD, PhD, B.Sc.E

Dr. Brian Ballios has restored vision in mice but he is not stopping there. He is on a mission to develop stem cell therapies for people living with blindness and has a plan to get there. He is an essential player in the translation of pre-clinical vision research into clinical trials and, ultimately, into new sight-saving treatments. For this reason, he was awarded the inaugural recipient of the Foundation Fighting Blindness’ Clinician-Scientist Emerging Leader Award. This award aims to strengthen the community of clinician-scientists with ophthalmology expertise by awarding ophthalmologists-in-training with research funding. With his new research funding, he will focus on developing stem cell transplantation therapies for inherited retinal diseases. Dr. Ballios holds a PhD and his background in medicine, biomedical engineering and stem cell biology has allowed him to develop a unique research plan that uses biomaterials to deliver stem cells to the eye. He is Senior Research Associate in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences and third-year resident in Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto.

Briar Sexton, MD, FRCPO

Dr. Briar Sexton in a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia and currently practices comprehensive Ophthalmology in Kerrisdale (Vancouver), British Columbia. Dr. Sexton was born and raised in London Ontario and completed her undergraduate degree in Biology at McGill University and her medical degree at the University of Western Ontario. Upon graduating from Western Ontario, she went on to complete her residency in Ophthalmology at Dalhousie University, followed by a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Sexton has a special interest in counselling AMD patients on nutritional and lifestyle modifications that they can make to help reduce the effects and progression of the devastating disease. While not in the office, Dr. Sexton enjoys traveling, skiing and reading.

Bruce D. Nichols, BSc, MD, FRCSC, FACS

Dr. Bruce Nichols is recognized internationally as a leader in Advanced Refractive Cataract Surgery, Laser Refractive Surgery and Corneal Surgery. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University in 1980 after completion of an Honours Biology Degree in Microbiology at the University of Waterloo. He completed his residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Saskatchewan after a two-year residency in Family Medicine at Western University. Dr. Nichols trained with a world-renowned leader in LASIK surgery undertaking a Fellowship in Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis Minnesota.  He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

As Medical Director of Laser Vision London, Dr. Nichols’ experience speaks for itself. Dr. Nichols has performed more than 30,000 refractive surgery procedures spanning a period of over three decades. He was the first Eye Surgeon in London to preform Laser Cataract Surgery and the first to utilize laser crosslinking techniques for treating corneal disease. Dr. Nichols has experience on a wide variety of advanced laser technologies including the WaveLight EX-500, iFS Intralase, Catalys Femtosecond Laser, VISX, Bausch and Lomb Technolas, Autonomous LADAR Vision and Sunrise platforms. Dr. Nichols has shared his extensive experience with surgeons from around the world as a well-known invited guest speaker at national and international scientific meetings, such as The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS), The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS).

Dr. Nichols is Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University in London Ontario, Ivey Eye Institute of Ophthalmology, St. Joseph's Health Center in London. His specialty is Advanced Refractive Cataract Surgery, Laser Refractive Surgery and therapeutic Laser Corneal surgery.  During his time as President of The Canadian Cataract and Refractive Surgery Society, Dr. Nichols organized two National meetings highlighting Innovation in Refractive Laser Surgery and research.  He is a member The International Society of Refractive Surgery and the Cornea Society. Dr. Nichols is an active teacher in the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, a member of the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, and a Life Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

In 2019, Dr. Nichols was honoured to receive the American Academy of Ophthalmology Senior Achievement Award and is one of only a few Canadians to achieve this status. This award is for his teaching, research and dedication to the society. Dr. Nichols is a recipient of the E.A. Baker Fellowship Award and is a Melvin Jones Fellow of Lion's Clubs International. He is also a Canadian National Research Council Scholar. Dr. Nichols has given more than 180 scientific presentations to surgeons and Eye Doctors at conferences around the world. He has over 30 publications including articles in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and monographs. Dr. Nichols has mentored over 70 residents during their residency program at Western.

Dr. Nichols has dedicated his career to achieving excellence through innovation and detail. In fact, one of his favorite sayings is “It’s all in the details.” For Dr. Nichols, attention to those details is instrumental in achieving that goal while providing compassionate care to each and every one of his patients.  

Bryan Rogoff, OD, MBA, CPHM, FAAO

Bryan M. Rogoff, OD, MBA, CPHM, FAAO has a unique background in areas of holistic eye care, business management & data analytics. He specializes in all facets of practice management including LEAN clinical management & operations, emerging technology implementation, healthcare & strategic management. Currently, he serves as a consultant for the FDA as well as other industry partners, Past-President & Education Chairperson for the Maryland Optometric Association, Federal Keyperson & Meetings Committee Member for the American Optometric Association, reviewer for the Council on Optometric Practitioner Education and is the Founder of Eye-Exec Consulting, LLC. Dr. Rogoff was named the Benedict Professor of Practice Management & Administration from the University of Houston in 2017 & later awarded “Optometrist of the Year” from the Maryland Optometric Association. He continues his dedication to the industry writing monthly, published newsletters named “ The Future of Eye Care” and “Ocular Telemedicine.” Dr. Rogoff received his Bachelors of Science in Mathematics from Stony Brook University, Doctor of Optometry from Nova Southeastern University, Masters of Business Administration concentrating in Accounting and Taxation from The George Washington University, a certificate in in Healthcare Management & continues his pursuit of improving healthcare outcomes by pursuing another Masters in Data Analytics Program at the University of Maryland.

Bryan Todd, RO

Bryan Todd has been a Registered Optician since 1975. Bryan has owned and operated his own optical company since 1981. Bryan has served on the College of Opticians of Ontario since 1994 where he sat on all committees at some point. For the past two years, Bryan has served as the Vice President of the College of Opticians of Ontario. Bryan currently resides in Sudbury, Ontario where he enjoys the outdoors. Having his pilot’s license, Bryan also enjoys spending his pastime flying airplanes.

Carlo J. Pelino, OD, FAAO

Carlo J. Pelino, OD, is a 1994 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. In 1995 Dr. Pelino completed a PCO ocular disease residency at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia, where he concentrated in retina and neuro-ophthalmic disease. Dr. Pelino is currently a full time Assistant Professor at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry where he serves as the director of the optometric retina service at The Eye Institute and chief of the Chestnut Hill satellite clinic. In 2005 he completed a one year retinal fellowship emphasizing medical and surgical treatments under the direction of vitreo-retinal surgeons at Crozier-Chester and Riddle Memorial Hospitals in suburban Philadelphia. Dr. Pelino is a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry where he completed his two year term as the chair of the retina special interest group (SIG) in December 2020. He is one of the chief optometric advisors to Web MD as well as a strategic advisor to multiple industry companies. Dr. Pelino has worked with the University of Pennsylvania on two retinal research projects and recently completed a third project with the Vimetrics corporation. He regularly lectures about ocular disease domestic and international programs.

Caroline Korkis, OD

Dr. Caroline Korkis obtained her undergraduate degree at McMaster University and her Optometry Degree in Cambridge, United Kingdom. She participated in a clinical placement in Melbourne, Australia before completing her training in London involving general practice and rotations in comprehensive Ophthalmology. Dr. Korkis is double board certified, in Canada and the United Kingdom, and is an active member with several professional networks. Dr. Korkis practiced as an associate and locum Optometrist for several years in London, being exposed to a variety of patient cases ranging from contact lenses, laser refractive surgery care, ocular disease and dry eye management. She returned to Canada in 2018 and earned her Canadian Optometry license in 2019 from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Korkis worked with several esteemed clinicians during her two clinical rotations in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Toronto, Ontario. Her rotation in Halifax was with a leading ocular oncologist and cataract specialist, where she assisted in LASIK pre and post-operative care, cataract surgery and corneal cross linking. Dr. Korkis also trained in downtown Toronto with Doctors Samuel and Sharon Markowitz; assisting at the Canadian National Institute of the Blind (CNIB) with low vision rehabilitation. Dr. Korkis is very passionate about ocular health with particular interest in dry eye as well as cataract pre and post – operative care and contact lens fitting. Dr. Korkis’s passion for philanthropy led her to facilitating school vision screening programs in underprivileged communities in Toronto. She supports other charities, specifically patients with congenital heart disease. Dr. Korkis loves to travel and enjoys skiing and tennis.

Carolyn Majcher, OD FAAO

Carolyn Majcher is a Doctor of Optometry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She received her Doctorate of Optometry from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University and completed an ocular disease residency at the Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Following completion of her residency, Dr. Majcher spent 8 years at the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry where she served as Chief of the Retinal Disease Clinic. She is now an Associate Clinical Professor at the Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. Dr. Majcher's research interests include retinal imaging and OCT angiography.

Chad Andrews, PhD

Dr. Chad Andrews is Manager of Research and Education at the Foundation Fighting Blindness, Canada’s leading charity involved in the advancement of retinal disease research. He steers Vision Quest, the organization’s educational series, contributes to educational writing and knowledge translation and participates in the development of research and policy initiatives that advance our understanding of blinding eye diseases and the barriers faced by those who live with them. Dr. Andrews holds lecturer appointments at Trent University and at Signum University, where he teaches in the areas of speculative fiction, American history and science and technology studies.

Chau-Minh Phan, MSc, PhD

Chau-Minh Phan gained his PhD in Vision Science from the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo in 2016. He won the 3-minute thesis competition in 2013 at The University of Waterloo in its inaugural year. After his PhD, he co-founded two start-up companies, Tricolops Technology and OcuBlink Inc. He is currently a research assistant professor at the Centre for Ocular Research and Education, working to commercialize new ophthalmic technologies. His research interests primarily focus on developing biomaterials for ocular drug delivery, in vitro eye models, and 3D-printing. He has authored over 30 peer-reviewed papers in the field of contact lenses.

Christine Allison, OD, FAAO

Dr. Christine Allison received her undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and received her Doctorate of Optometry from the State University of New York College of Optometry. She completed a residency program in Binocular Vision and Pediatric Optometry at the ICO. She is currently a Professor at ICO teaching core courses and laboratories in the pediatric curriculum and is also the program coordinator of the Binocular Vision/Pediatric Optometry residency program. She works with patients at the Illinois Eye Institute, a private practice in Chicago and at a clinic associated with the Chicago Public Schools. Dr. Allison is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) and an American  Academy of Optometry Diplomat in Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry and a Distinguished Scholar and Fellow in the National Academies of Practice. She is the Clinical Director for the Illinois Special Olympics Lions Club International Opening Eyes Program as well as a Regional Clinical Advisor for this program. Dr. Allison is the current President of COVD and the Immediate Past- President of the Illinois Optometric Association. She has published numerous articles and given many presentations and lectures both nationally and internationally.

Clara C. Chan, MD, FRCSC, FACS

Dr. Clara Chan is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto and the President of the Canadian Cornea Society.  She teaches fellows as part of the Cornea fellowship program and is the Medical Director of the Eye Bank of Canada, Ontario Division. After her undergraduate studies at Stanford University, she completed medical school at Queen’s University, ophthalmology residency at the University of Toronto, and her cornea fellowship at the Cincinnati Eye Institute with Dr. Edward Holland.  Dr. Chan has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, received the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award in 2015, and is a Cornea Section Editor for the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology and the Cornea Editor for the Eyeworld magazine. Most recently, Dr. Chan was included in The 2021 Ophthalmologist Power List, recognizing the top 100 most influential global female figures in ophthalmology.

Clare Halleran, OD, FAAO

Dr. Clare Halleran is a private practice owner in Clarenville, Newfoundland. Dr. Halleran is a native of Newfoundland but completed her undergraduate degree at Acadia University in Nova Scotia and her Optometry Doctorate the Southern California College of Optometry. During her clinical externships, Dr. Halleran worked with Virginia Eye Consultants under the supervision of Dr. Walter Whitley and Dr. John Sheppard where she gained exceptional experience in the treatment of anterior segment disease, which grew into passion for the treatment of ocular surface disease.  Since entering private practice 10 years ago, Dr. Halleran has lectured across the country helping others garner skills and confidence to treat ocular surface disease. She has presented a number of posters at both ARVO and the American Academy of Optometry meeting on the topic of meibomian gland morphology, as well as the interaction of allergens and make-up on ocular surface disease. Dr. Halleran is the current Chairperson with the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Optometry and is an active member of the Clarenville Rotary Club. In her spare time, Dr. Halleran spends time with her partner, Ian, on their farm and apiary taking care of her goats, chickens and honeybees.

Clark Y. Chang, OD, MSA, MSc, FAAO

Dr. Clark Chang is the host of popular podcast show “Chang Reaction.” He is also Director of Specialty Lenses at Wills Eye Hospital (Cornea Service), and Director of Clinical Services at TLC Laser Centers. After residency training, Dr. Chang completed a 2-year cornea fellowship under guidance of Peter Hersh, MD. With over a decade of research experiences in corneal cross-linking (CXL) and other advanced corneal treatments, Dr. Chang publishes extensively in keratoconus management, innovative contact lens technologies and modern refractive surgeries. Dr. Chang serves as a keynote speaker in various U.S. and international scientific symposiums. In addition, he is an advisory board member at International Keratoconus Academy (IKA), Gas Permeable Lens Institute (GPLI) and Optometric Cornea Cataract and Refractive Society (OCCRS). Dr. Chang was selected as Top Doc of 2020 by National Keratoconus Foundation in 2020!

Cory Lappin, OD, MS, FAAO

Dr. Lappin received his Doctor of Optometry degree from The Ohio State University College of Optometry, where he concurrently earned his Master of Science degree in Vision Science and served as Class President. He then continued his training by completing a residency in Ocular Disease at the renowned Cincinnati Eye Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Lappin practices at Phoenix Eye Care and the Dry Eye Center of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona, where he treats a wide variety of ocular diseases, with a primary focus on dry eye and ocular surface disease. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a member of the American Optometric Association, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Optometric Association. He is also a member of the editorial board for the online eye care publication Eyes On Eyecare. Dr. Lappin received the American Academy of Optometry Foundation Practice Excellence Award and was named the 2023 Young Optometrist of the Year by the Arizona Optometric Association.

Craig Thomas, OD

Dr. Craig Thomas has practiced in Dallas, Texas for the past 37 years. As a noted consultant, lecturer and author, Dr. Thomas frequently travels around the country to educate Optometrists on the latest trends, techniques and technologies in the field of optometry. He has been a member of the American Optometric Association for 40 cumulative years and was named Optometrist of the Year by the Texas Optometric Association in 2001.

Curt Baxstrom, MA, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, FNORA

Curtis R. Baxstrom received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1984 from Pacific University College of Optometry(PUCO).  After Optometry school he completed a Master’s degree in Reading at Seattle Pacific University. He is currently in private practice in Federal Way specializing in vision therapy and rehabilitation.  His practice consists of special needs patients, learning disabled children and patients who have suffered traumatic brain injuries or stroke. He is also adjunct faculty at PUCO where he helps teach several courses and is director of the Vision Northwest-Vision Rehabilitation Residency Program.  He has privileges at multiple rehabilitation hospitals and also consults at the Good Samaritan and Mary Bridge Children’s Therapy Unit. He is a fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, American Academy of Optometry and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. In 1989 he was named, Young OD of the Year for the State of California.  In 2018 he received the G.N. Getman award from COVD and the Advancement of Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation award from NORA. He has lectured on a variety of visual topics in the areas of child development, learning, visual rehabilitation and vision therapy both nationally and internationally. He currently serves as Immediate Past President of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association.  He is also active in the community and was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship by the Kent Lions Club. In his spare time he enjoys and teaching and leading climbs for the Tacoma Branch of the Mountaineers. 

Dan Cunningham, OD, FAAO

Dr. Cunningham graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 2004. He has spent the majority of his career practicing Optometry in private practice with a strong emphasis on in-office vision therapy. Dr. Cunningham currently practices full scope Optometry and vision rehabilitative therapy at Eye Care First in Windsor, Ontario and vision rehabilitative therapy at the Guelph Vision Therapy Clinic in Guelph Ontario.

Dan DeAngelis, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Dan DeAngelis completed his medical school and ophthalmology training at the University of Toronto. After residency, he undertook a one-year Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the University of Toronto. Dr. DeAngelis was then awarded the important E.A. Baker Fellowship Award from the C.N.I.B. to further pursue his interests in trauma and oncology through a two-year fellowship in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. DeAngelis returned to Toronto in 2002 and joined the academic faculty of the University of Toronto, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences. He is also an appointed staff surgeon at Mount Sinai Hospital. His practice is limited to surgery of the orbit, eyelids, and lacrimal systems in children, with a special interest in trauma and oncology. He has published numerous articles in the peer-reviewed literature, has lectured on all aspects of ophthalmic plastic surgery and has taught courses in advanced techniques in facial surgery at international meetings. In addition to helping train SickKids Paediatric Ophthalmology fellows, he is one of the few members of the prestigious American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is also a preceptor for the Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery fellowship at the University of Toronto.

Dan Samaha, OD, MSc, FAAO

After obtaining is undergraduate degree in physiology from McGill University, Dr. Dan Samaha obtained is optometry degree from the Montreal University School of Optometry in 2011. He then obtained a master’s degree in Vision Sciences during which he studied a novel screening method for glaucoma. Dr Samaha works in a multidisciplinary practice, where he oversees the emergency, glaucoma and retina clinics. Dr. Samaha is also an associate professor at the School of Optometry where he teaches ocular physiology and glaucoma management.

Danica Marrelli, OD, FAAO, AAO Diplomate (Glaucoma)

Dr. Danica Marrelli received her Doctor of Optometry Degree from the University of Houston College of Optometry (UHCO) and completed a Residency in Hospital-Based Optometry at the Baltimore VA Medical Center in Baltimore, MD.  Dr. Marrelli is currently a Clinical Professor at UHCO where she serves as Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and staffs the glaucoma, retina and general eye disease clinics. In the classroom, Dr. Marrelli teaches ocular pharmacology, glaucoma and case-based learning courses. Dr. Marrelli became a diplomate in the ocular disease section of the American Academy of Optometry in November 2009 and is the secretary of the Optometric Glaucoma Society.

Daniel Montenegro, MD

Dr. Daniel Montenegro is a board-certified Ophthalmologist specializing in the medical and surgical management of cataract, as well as corneal and external diseases. Dr. Montenegro grew up in Venezuela and is fluent in both Spanish and English. He completed his college education at Barry University in Miami, Florida and went on to complete 3 years of research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He completed his medical education and graduated with Summa cum laude honors at the Universidad Central del Caribe in Puerto Rico. He was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honor society for his academic achievements. After medical school, he completed his Ophthalmology training at the Kresge Eye Institute (KEI) in Detroit, Michigan where he trained alongside some of the best Ophthalmologists in the country. He then went on to pursue a Cornea and External Diseases Fellowship at the prestigious Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Before joining Eye Centers of South Florida, he was a faculty member at the Kresge Eye Institute and the John. D. Dingell VA Hospital. He served as a mentor for future generations of Ophthalmologists and provided care for our country’s Veterans. He directed a busy Cornea service providing medical and surgical care for corneal diseases including corneal dystrophies, corneal ectasias (i.e. keratoconus), corneal ulcers, corneal scars, ocular surface tumors, and dry eyes. Dr. Montenegro performs full-thickness, partial thickness and endothelial keratoplasty corneal transplants. He also performs corneal cross-linking (CXL), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASIK. Dr. Montenegro has performed thousands of small incision cataract surgeries and cornea transplants. Dr. Montenegro chose Ophthalmology as his profession because he embraces the complexity of the eye and its intimate relationship with systemic health. He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

Dave Kading, OD, FAAO, FCLSA

Dave Kading owns a private practice in Seattle, Washington. He graduated from Pacific University College of Optometry before being accepted to their prestigious Cornea and Contact Lens Residency. Dr. Kading specializes in complicated contact lens fitting. His referral based dry eye and contact lens clinics are well known for utilizing the latest technology for complex or rudimentary dry eye or contact lens fits. He welcomes interns from 5 different optometry schools into the  practice, and is a frequent guest lecturer at schools around the US. Outside of practice he co-owns Optometric Insights. Optometric Insights Inspires Success  by helping emerging optometrist’s transition into the practice of their dreams as well as educating clinicians in novel and unique ways to diagnose and treat patients. Dr. Kading enjoys conducting clinical research within his practice, he has written over a hundred articles and papers, and has given several hundred lectures in North America, Europe, and Asia. He works closely with industry, publications, local, state, and national organizations. He has a regular column in contact lens spectrum, contact lens today, and a digital video series called Clinical Insights on Eyetube OD.

David W. Hansen, OD, FAAO

Dr. Hansen is a graduate of the University of Iowa and the Illinois College of Optometry. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (FCOVD). He is also a Diplomate of the Cornea, Contact Lens, and Refractive Technology Section of the American Academy of Optometry, and is a Distinguished Practitioner in the National Academy of Practices. He has served as a board member and past president of the Heart of America Contact Lens Society. Dr. Hansen was on the editorial board for the Optometric Management journal and a contributing editor of Contact Lens Spectrum. He was a consultant for many contact lens, medical device, equipment and pharmaceutical companies. His major areas of interest include contact lenses, ocular diseases and pediatric vision problems. He conducted clinical research, wrote for professional publications, lectured nationally and internationally, and was in clinical practice in Des Moines, Iowa. While in practice, he was a partner in a multi-specialty group practice and then established a multi-specialty group Optometric practice with full services, including comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of vision conditions with emphasis in ocular disease, including glaucoma; advanced treatment of contact lens and corneal conditions; pediatric care with vision therapy; and sports vision rehabilitation. He served as Head, Global Professional Services for Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. and Abbott Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) in Santa Ana, CA for 10 years.

David B. Yan, MD

Dr. David Yan completed his undergraduate training at the University of Toronto in Aerospace Engineering in 1986. He then continued his engineering training at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he completed a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He returned to Toronto  in 1988 to attend medical school, and received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Toronto in 1992. He completed a four-year residency program in ophthalmology at the University of Toronto from 1992 to 1996. Dr. Yan is one of the founding members of Ophthalmic Consultant Centres, where he is the Medical Director of the Glaucoma Division and Surgical Director of the Cataract Division. He is a staff physician at Mount Sinai Hospital, University Health Network (Toronto Western Hospital) and Kensington Eye Institute. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at University of Toronto. He is also a member of the Surgical  Teaching  Committee and Admissions Committee for the Department of Ophthalmology. With wide-ranging research interests in both glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Yan has published numerous peer-reviewed articles. He has lectured extensively at both national and international levels. Dr. Yan is the current Chair of the Canadian Glaucoma Clinical Research Council, one of the largest private donor organizations in Canada supporting clinical research in glaucoma. Dr. Yan has unique qualifications in that he is the only ophthalmic surgeon practicing in Canada with an engineering background from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the premier engineering school in the world. He has also developed numerous surgical techniques, which have been adapted by numerous surgeons across the country, including advanced techniques to remove cataracts with lower ultrasound energy in the eye, and novel surgical techniques to implant artificial lenses into eyes with damage to the lens capsule. Dr. Yan is a strong proponent of the Canadian health care system, and is deeply committed to advancing the delivery of eye care in the Canada through resident teaching, patient education and research.

Dawn Dunford, OD

Originally from Manitoba, Dr. Dawn Dunford completed a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Manitoba. She then went on to complete an Optometry Degree from Pacific University College of Optometry, Oregon in 1998. Wanting something different before going into practice, she decided to further her studies by completing a residency at the New York State College of Optometry (SUNY). She specialized in binocular vision disorders in children and  in people with traumatic brain injuries. She was only the second Canadian in the entire program that was chosen into this residency program. In 2000, she began her own practice in Manitoba in the area of Optometry that she enjoys most – vision therapy.

Debbie Luk, OD

Dr. Debbie Luk is a Board Certified Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). She graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and completed her Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation residency in New York City. Dr. Luk serves on the board of directors for the COVD Canadian Chapter and Alberta Association of Optometrist’s Vision Development Committee and Editorial board. She is the Sports Vision and Vision Therapy Residency Director, and Adjunct Clinical Supervisor for the University of Waterloo. Dr. Luk is the team Optometrist for the Calgary Flames and she practices at Winsport Medical Clinic and Vision Therapy Calgary.

Denise A. Valenti, OD, FAAO

Dr. Denise Valenti received her degree and gerontology training from Oregon State University. Her optometry education is from Southern California College of Optometry where she did internships with the Santa Monica Center for Partially Sighted and the New York Lighthouse for the Blind. While at SCCO, Dr. Valenti worked as the teaching assistant in visual fields and low vision with Dr. Frank Brazelton. Upon graduation, Dr. Valenti did a low vision rehabilitation residency under the direction of Dr. Randy Jose at the University of Houston College of Optometry. While at the UHCO, she supervised fourth year interns in the House Calls Clinic Geriatric Clinic.  Dr. Valenti, along with colleagues, submitted and received federal funding to write and develop the curriculum related to aging that would be used in colleges and schools of optometry nationwide and in Canada.  More recently, her work is in the visual system, neurodegenerative diseases and cannabis.  Dr. Valenti has participated in a variety of research activities including sitting on the National Institutes of Health Study Sections including Bioengineering of Neuroscience, Vision and Low Vision Technologies.  She has undertaken pharmaceutical funded research related to Alzheimer’s disease and Namenda efficacy and NIH funded research regarding OCT imaging and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Valenti has had additional training as an MGH/MIT/HMS Functional MRI Fellow at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging in Boston, Massachusetts and participated in the yearlong seminar series in the Boston University Sleep Disorders Center Fellowship program. She reviews for a variety of journals related to vision and neurosciences. Dr. Valenti currently works with a technology to determine fitness to drive after cannabis consumption; IMMAD-Impairment Measurement Marijuana and Driving and is funded through an NIH NIDA SBIR contract. She has presented scientific abstracts and lectures national and internationally on the visual system, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, cannabis and cannabinoids.

Dennis Ruskin, OD, FAAO

Dr. Dennis Ruskin graduated from the University of Waterloo in 1976 with a Doctor of Optometry degree. In the same year, he established his full scope practice in Toronto, Ontario. In 1989, he became a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Ruskin has been an appointed advisory member to committees within the provincial government, College of Optometrists of Ontario, Ontario Association of Optometrists, Seneca College’s Opticianry Program and pharmaceutical corporations. As well, he has had a clinical affiliation with the Vision Institute of Canada and has served as examiner for the Canadian Examiners of Optometry. He has as interest in nutrition and its impact on ocular disease. He has authored research papers and lectured to health care professionals. Currently, Dr. Ruskin is a board member to the Ocular Nutrition Society, chair of the Nutrition Special Interest Group (SIG) of the American Academy of Optometry and serves as the president of the College of Optometrists in Ontario.

Derek Cunningham, OD, FAAO

Dr. Cunningham received his undergraduate education from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. He then completed his Optometric education at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Cunningham’s research background includes neuro-ophthalmology, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma surgery and macular degeneration.