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Mahnia Madan, BSc, OD, FAAO
Dr. Mahnia Madan obtained her Doctor of Optometry Degree from Pacific University College of Optometry. She completed an Ocular Disease Residency at the Eye Center of Texas in Houston, Texas. She practiced in Minnesota for several years at a large Ophthalmology practice as a medical Optometrist. She served as Director of Optometric Services at the clinic being a liaison between Ophthalmologists and Optometrists in the community and had the opportunity to teach optometric interns. Dr. Madan is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and has lectured on the management of ocular diseases at various meetings throughout North America. She also serves as Vice President for the BC Doctors of Optometry. She has had the opportunity to travel to Haiti with Volunteer Optometric Services to provide eye care to those in need. She moved back to Canada in 2012 and practices with a focus on ocular disease treatment such as dry eyes, glaucoma and surgical co-management. Dr. Madan is passionate about providing cutting-edge eye care to her patients and she is a strong proponent of continuing to educate herself and her patients about vision and eye health.
Manveen Bedi, OD, FAAO, FSLS
Dr. Manveen Bedi pursued her Doctorate of Optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry. During her time there, Dr. Bedi was awarded membership to the Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society, Tomb & Key Honor Society and a life long membership to the Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society based on her leadership efforts and academic performance. After graduating, Dr. Bedi completed a residency in Cornea and Contact Lens at the Southern California College of Optometry at the Marshall B. Ketchum University. She focused on specialty contact lens fitting for corneal pathologies, aphakia and prosthetics. Dr. Bedi is passionate about teaching and has lectured at local optometry societies and universities. She has written articles for Contact Lens Spectrum and presented at several meetings. She is a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Society and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
Marc B. Taub, OD, MS, FAAO, FCOVD
Dr. Marc Taub is a professor and Chief of Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation Services at Southern College of Optometry. He teaches in the vision therapy and pediatric clinics. He is also the co-supervisor for the Pediatric and Vision Therapy Residency. Dr. Taub is the Editor-in-Chief of the Optometry & Visual Performance and serves on the review board of Optometry Times. He has written numerous peer reviewed articles and has lectured and presented posters at international, national, and local conferences. He is the lead editor and a multiple chapter author on Visual Diagnosis and Care of the Patient with Special Needs and editor and chapter author on Visual Development, Treatment, and Diagnosis of the Pediatric Patient. Dr. Taub is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the College of Optometrist in Vision Development and is active in the Optometric Extension Program Foundation.
Marcella LaBelle, Bsc, OD
Optometrist with decades of experience working in Refractive Cataract clinics doing pre- and post- operative care. Practicing at Clarity Laser Vision in Calgary, Alberta alongside corneal specialist Dr. Ahmed Al Ghoul. CEO/Owner of OSITE Programs Inc with a mission to help Refractive Cataract clinics reduce their chair time and increase advanced technology adoption though innovative patient pre-surgery preparatory programs. Lectured extensively throughout Western Canada to a wide range of audiences from patients to physicians on surgical care and advanced dry eye management.
Maria L. Parisi, OD, FAAO
Dr. Maria Parisi received her Doctor of Optometry Degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry and completed a Residency in Primary Care Optometry at The Eye Institute of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO). Dr. Parisi is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She is an Associate Professor at Salus University and teaches in the Pediatric Optometry Course and examines patients in the Pediatric/Binocular Vision Suite at The Eye Institute of PCO. Dr. Parisi has lectured nationally and internationally and currently teaches in the Pediatric/Binocular Vision section for the International Master’s Program. She lectures on the topic of Pediatric Eye Disease for the Advanced Studies Certificate Program for the PCO Optometric Degree Program. Dr. Parisi also serves as the Associate Dean for Optometric Clinical Affairs at Salus University Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
Maria Sampalis, OD
Dr. Sampalis earned her Doctor of Optometry Degree from New England College of Optometry and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northeastern University. She lectures nationally on various practice management courses. Dr. Sampalis is the CEO and co-founder of Sampalis Eye Care in Rhode Island.
Marie Bodack, OD, FAAO
Dr. Marie Bodack earned her BS in Psychology from Fairfield University and her OD from The State University of New York State College of Optometry. She completed a residency in Pediatrics and Binocular Vision at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomat in its Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry Section. She is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and serves on the Board of Directors. She also has held faculty appointments at SUNY Optometry and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and is currently Chief of Pediatric Primary Care at Southern College of Optometry.
Marie-Helene Morin
Marie-Helene is a highly motivated, committed leader with experience in project management, change management, training, sales, event planning and production. She is recognized for quality of work and execution time. Her passion includes enhancing procedures to capture the business philosophy and drive results. Marie-Helene is currently the director of sales, implementation and support for Optosys Software.
Mary Schmidt, ABOC, CPO
Mary Schmidt is the President of EyeSystems, a leadership development firm specializing in the eye care field. Mary has over 40 years’ experience within the eye care field. The last 30 years have been focused on leadership and staff development. She has trained thousands of practice leaders and paraoptometrics. Her passion is the professional development of new and emerging practice leaders and team members. She was voted one of Vision Monday's 50 Most Influential Women in Optical.
Maryke N. Neiberg, OD, FAAO
Maryke Neiberg received her Doctor of Optometry degree in 1998 from The New England College of Optometry (NECO). She completed a postgraduate residency in 2004 in Primary Care at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry. She graduated from the Technikon Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa with a diploma in Optometry in 1987. She holds a certificate of Advanced Study in Ocular Disease and Pharmaceutical Application from the New England College of Optometry and joined the British College of Optometrists as a member in 1991. Dr. Neiberg was an Assistant Professor of Clinical Optometry at NSU until 2008. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Optometry at Southern College of Optometry. Dr. Neiberg has published several poster abstracts and articles. Her professional areas of interest are in the area of disease; ocular, systemic and neuro-ophthalmic disease. Dr. Neiberg writes peer reviewed COPE approved journal articles for her column entitled Systemic InSight for the Journal of Ophthalmic Education. Dr. Neiberg is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She is currently a Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) Reviewer. Dr. Neiberg received both the NSU Preceptor of the Year Award and the Golden Apple award for the Most Inspirational Professor award in 2008. She has served as a clinical examiner since 2005 for the National Board of Examination in Optometry Clinical Skills Examination. She is active in peer review of Articles for the Journal of the American Optometric Association.
Mark Eltis, OD, FAAO, Diplomate, American Board of Optometry
With twenty years in practice and 14 years in academia, Dr. Eltis has presented and published internationally and has been sought as an expert for national television and print. He is the current president of the College of Optometrists of Ontario (provincial regulatory body) and the Canadian Ambassador for the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Eltis is a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS) and a ACOE team chair for residency site evaluations. He has been a consultant for academic institutions overseas, law firms, and a subject matter expert for competency evaluations. Dr Eltis has also been a previous examiner for NBEO and the Canadian board examinations. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Eltis has practiced in New York, California, and Toronto.
Mark T. Dunbar, OD, FAAO
Dr. Mark Dunbar graduated from the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University in 1986 and went on to complete a Fellowship in Ocular Disease at the Omni Eye Services of Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Dunbar has been on staff at the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute for over 25 years and currently serves as Director of Optometric Services and Optometry Residency Supervisor. Dr. Dunbar is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a founding member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society and the Optometric Retina Society. He also serves on the Editorial Board for Review of Optometry and currently writes the monthly Retina Quiz.
Martin Bell, RO
As a Registered Optician and Certified Contact Lens Fitter, Martin Bell’s career as an Ophthalmic Dispenser covers 30 years. He owned his own high-end dispensary in Waterloo, Ontario, dispensing premium eyewear and fitting complex contact lenses for over 17 years. Martin developed a reputation for specialty lenses and became an expert in fitting progressive addition lenses. After so long on the retail side, he sold his store and made a change in his career path, moving to the wholesale side of the optical industry. Martin’s hands-on knowledge as an Optician has given him excellent insight into the technology and the complex issues in virtually all types of fittings with prescription lenses. In 2013, Martin was part of the opening team of Shamir Canada serving as National Sales and Marketing Manager working to launch new products and helping to grow a dynamic new sales team. In 2016, Martin was promoted to a new position within Shamir and continues in his role as Director of Education and Quality Assurance.
Meenal Agarwal, OD
Dr. Meenal Agarwal is the owner of the Pickering Town Centre Optometric Clinic. She graduated on the Dean’s Honour List with her Doctor of Optometry Degree from the University of Waterloo in 2008. She went on to complete an internship at the Parkland Health and Hospital in Dallas, Texas where she received extensive training in ocular disease management, low vision and contact lens care. Dr. Agarwal was awarded the prestigious William Feinbloom Low Vision Award in 2008 for aptitude and clinical care of low vision patients and was featured in the September/October 2008 issue of “Women in Optometry” magazine. As an active member of her community and professional networks, Dr. Agarwal is always seeking new information and advancements to better serve her patients. She is an active member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists and is committed to increasing awareness about the importance of comprehensive eye exams and improving the future of eye care. Dr. Agarwal has a special interest in Laser Vision Correction/Lasik and was the Clinical Director at TLC Laser Eye Centers in Toronto. She also has an interest in complicated contact lens fittings such as rigid gas permeable and scleral lenses. Dr. Agarwal is passionate about helping to slow down the progression of nearsightedness/myopia in children. She completed the training course, the Future of Myopia Management, and Managing Myopia by the Brien Holden Vision Institute. She is well versed in Laser Vision Correction and Myopia Management and loves to discuss options with her patients who are interested in either. Dr. Agarwal owns two other practices as well, Stouffville Family Eye Care and Promenade Optometric Clinic. Dr. Agarwal is also able to perform eye exams in Hindi. She is dedicated to offering the highest standard of patient care and welcomes new patients of all ages, starting at 6 months of age!
Megan Forchetti
Megan started her career with Jones Lang LaSalle, where she worked for over 5 years and held the roles of Financial Transactions Manager, Brokerage Associate and Project Manager. In tandem, she worked as a Brand Manager/Ambassador at Boardman Productions, where she freelanced for 3 years. After completing a consulting contract for the Pepsi Superbowl Brand Activations in NYC, she joined The Estée Lauder Companies, where she worked for the next 4 years as a Senior Project Manager, building Counters for both Travel Retail and LATAM Domestic Markets for the full Estee Lauder Brand Portfolio. Most recently, she joined Kering Eyewear in April 2018 as DOS Regional Eyewear Expert, and currently, has been appointed as Director of Training for North America, where she implements the Training Strategy for the Internal & External Channels for the entire Kering Eyewear Brand Portfolio.
Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS, FBCLA
Dr. Melissa Barnett is a principal optometrist at the University of California, Davis Eye Center in Sacramento and Davis, California. She is an internationally recognized key opinion leader, specializing in dry eye disease and specialty contact lenses. Dr. Barnett lectures and publishes extensively on topics including dry eye, anterior segment disease, contact lenses and creating a healthy balance between work and home life for women in optometry. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, a Diplomate of the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry, a Fellow of the British Contact Lens Association and serves on the Board of the American Optometric Association Cornea and Contact Lens Council, Gas Permeable Lens Institute, International Society of Contact Lens Specialists and is Past President of The Scleral Lens Education Society. Drs. Melissa Barnett and Lynette Johns authored and edited the book Contemporary Scleral Lenses: Theory and Application with the unique perspectives and contributions of international experts. Dr. Barnett was awarded the inaugural Theia Award for Excellence for Mentoring by Women in Optometry. She was granted the Most Influential Women in Optical from Vision Monday in 2019. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, yoga, hiking and spending time with her family, Todd Erickson, also an Optometrist, and two sons, Alex and Drew.
Michael Chaglasian, OD, FAAO
Dr. Michael Chaglasian is an Associate Professor at the Illinois College of Optometry and Chief of Staff of the Illinois Eye Institute. He is a graduate of State University of New York College of Optometry and completed a Residency in Primary Eye Care/Ocular Disease at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He oversees the Glaucoma Service at the Illinois Eye Institute, providing patient care while instructing optometry residents and students. He is a founding member and currently the Executive Vice President of the Optometric Glaucoma Society. Dr. Chaglasian’s clinical practice is directed exclusively to patients with glaucoma while co-managing surgical care with two glaucoma specialists. His research interests include normal tension glaucoma, automated perimetry and the clinical use of OCT imaging. Dr. Chaglasian has a number of published articles and is passionate about teaching fellow clinicians on the care and management of patients with glaucoma.
Michael G. Gross, MD, FACOB
Dr. Michael Gross is a nationally recognized expert in the emerging field of wellness and prevention. A graduate of Temple University School of Medicine, he went on to become a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. He distinguished himself in this field and served in leadership positions including Associate Professor at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Medical Director of Vanguard OB/GYN Associates, National Medical Director for MedPartners Women’s Health and Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital. He is a lifetime Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. After many years in clinical practice and 15 years in physician practice management, he moved in a different direction to follow his life-long passion of wellness and prevention with particular emphasis on improving the healthcare experience. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team and serving as Chief Visionary, Program Director and, finally, Director of New Business Development, he played a key role in the creation of the Health and Wellness Center by Doylestown Hospital in Pennsylvania. In pursuing his study of the best modalities in prevention for this health and wellness project, Dr. Gross learned about the benefits of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAS) or Omega-3s. His strong desire to help people avoid disease and reduce the effects of existing conditions led him to the development of his present company, PRN (Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals).
Michael Henry, MD, FRCSC, FAAO, DABO
Dr. Michael Henry is Acting Chief of Ophthalmology at North York General Hospital and currently practices in Toronto, Ontario. Dr. Henry completed a Fellowship in Neuro-ophthalmology at Washington University in St. Louis in 1977- 1978. Dr. Henry previously held the position of Past Chair Section on Ophthalmology with the Ontario Medical Association. His interests include cataract, glaucoma and anterior segment surgery. He first became involved with lens implants in 1973 and was a member of the original American Intra-Ocular Society, which is now known as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
Matthew C. Bujak, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Matthew C. Bujak graduated with an honours degree in Physiotherapy from Queen’s University. After working briefly as a physiotherapist, he completed his medical degree and his ophthalmology specialty training at University of Toronto and then pursued two years of subspecialty training in cornea, external ocular disease, and refractive surgery at Doheny Eye Institute at University of Southern California and the Moran Eye Center at University of Utah. He has also trained in the prestigious London Vision clinic in London, England. During his academic years Dr.Bujak received numerous awards in recognition of his success in athletics, academics, and leadership, but most importantly, in 2009 Dr. Bujak received the prestigious Toronto university-wide Sopman Humanitarian Award in recognition of compassionate patient care. Dr. Bujak’s dedication to patient care has stretched beyond international boundaries, providing ophthalmic care to developing countries worldwide including India, Nepal, Philippines, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana. Through his work with the non-profit organization “Himalayan Cataract Project” Dr. Bujak has paired up with projects from the World Health Organization, Millenium Villages Project, Vision 20/20, ORBIS and USAID. He has assisted in developing residency training programs and corneal transplantation in sub-Saharan Africa. Recognized for his accomplishments in the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Bujak was the first to author and design novel treatment for diplopia with Monovision Treatment for Diplopia and has first authored chapters to a number of surgery textbooks. In addition to being the Corneal Specialist at Herzig Eye Institute, he also provides training to ophthalmology residents at University of Toronto and continues to be involved in international efforts through his role as Co-Director of International Ophthalmology. Dr. Bujak is fluent in English, French and Polish. His personal interests include outdoor activities, namely rock climbing. He has climbed worldwide summits including a 20,000 ft mountain in the Himalayas, the largest sandstone towers in the world located in Mali, and the renowned El Capitan in Yosemite.
Michael Gallaway, OD, FAAO, FCOVD
Dr. Michael Gallaway is an associate professor of optometry at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University in Philadelphia. He is also in private practice in Marlton, NJ specializing in pediatric optometry and vision therapy. His research interests include the efficacy of vision therapy, the impact of concussions on visual function, amblyopia, the impact of vision disorders on reading and learning, and school vision screening protocols. He is currently the Principal Investigator at PCO for the nationwide study, Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial: Attention and Reading Trial (CITT-ART.co m). He was the Pl at PCO for the CITT study published in 2008, and has been a clinical investigator for PEDIG for the Amblyopia Treatment Studies. He is a Fellow of The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) and the American Academy of Optometry. He received the Skeffington Award for excellence in optometric writing from COVD in 2015.
Michael Kaplan, OD, Dip. Optom. FOA (S.A.)
Dr. Kaplan has a Doctor of Optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry. He is a tenured dry eye specialist with over 12 years' experience as an Optometric Consultant. He provides education to Canadian ODs through workshops and speaking engagements on a wide variety of topics. He is the director of specialty services at FYI Doctors which includes overseeing ocular surface disease, myopia management, vision therapy and emerging innovations. In 2019 he added the Systane iLux© as a treatment option in the dry eye arm of his practice. Leveraging his tenured experience, he takes great pride in working with optometric clinics to help them find solutions to case-specific practice challenges.
Michael Kling, OD
Dr. Mick Kling earned his Doctor of Optometry Degree, with honours, from Southern College of Optometry. Dr. Kling is a leadership trainer, consultant, speaker, writer, innovator and entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Impact Leadership, which provides leadership, culture and business consulting for the eye care community. In addition to his role with Impact Leadership, Dr. Kling is the founder and CEO of lnvision Optometry, one of the largest, single location optometric practices in San Diego, California. He has developed a notable reputation for providing conscientious and impactful advice, an engaging and influential speaking style, and innovative solutions for the most critical challenges facing practice owners today.
Michael Mills, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Michael Mills specializes in diseases of the retina and vitreous. His practice is focused on retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinovascular occlusive disease, retinal tears and lattice degeneration, macular edema, epiretinal membrane and retinal degenerations. He provides in-office treatments including retinal laser treatments and intravitreal injections. Dr. Mills has completed two fellowships in surgical and medical diseases of the retina and vitreous. He has studied at the Barnes Retina Institute, St. Louis and the University of Toronto. He holds a fellowship in diabetic retinopathy research from the University of Toronto where he also completed his ophthalmology residency. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Western Ontario.
Milan Madhavji, DMD, MSc
Dr. Milan Madhavji is an Oral Radiologist by trade and a developer by passion. As founder of Canaray, Canada's largest oral radiology and 3D printed surgical guide provider, Dr. Madhavji is now applying digital imaging and 3D printing to the optical field with Specsy. With formal education in Dentistry (DMD received from the University of Manitoba in 2006) and Oral Radiology (MSc. received from the University of Toronto in 2010), Dr. Madhavji has applied the medical precision inherent in dentistry to the development of the Specsy's digital design software and manufacturing process.
Milton Hom, OD, FAAO
Dr. Hom is a graduate of UC Berkeley School of Optometry, California and currently practices in Azusa, California. He is a Diplomate in Cornea and Contact Lenses and has written over 140 publications. He serves on several editorial boards including Review of Optometry, Optometric Management, Primary Care Optometry News, Review of Cornea and Contact Lenses and Optometry Times. He has over 35 published abstracts and peer-reviewed papers.
Mitchell Fineman, MD
Dr. Mitchell Fineman graduated Summa Cum Laude from Emory University School of Medicine where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. He completed his medical internship at UMDNJ, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, NJ. He performed his Ophthalmology Residency and a two-year vitreoretinal fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. Following his formal training, Dr. Fineman was in private practice for three years as a vitreoretinal surgeon in Pittsburgh, PA and was a Clinical Instructor in Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is Board Certified in Ophthalmology, an Associate Surgeon at Wills Eye Institute and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Jefferson Medical School of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Dr. Fineman is a member and fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Montgomery County Medical Society and the American Society of Retina Specialists (Vitreous Society). He is also a member of the Greater Philadelphia Ophthalmic Society, an organization dedicated to continuing education and information sharing of Ophthalmologists throughout the tri-state area, where he has served as Secretary/Treasurer and President. Dr. Fineman has served as Associate Examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology and currently serves as a medical expert for the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program of the Department of Health and Human Services for the U.S. Department of Justice. He is a Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners and serves on the Continuing Medical Education Committee of Wills Eye Institute. He lectures for the Medical Resident Education Program at Wills Eye as well as for the medical students at Jefferson Medical College. He has authored numerous scientific publications and also is an investigator for several major international clinical trials. Dr. Fineman is a highly regarded expert in his field and has been honoured with inclusion in Best Doctors in America® 2007-2008, Guide to America’s Top Ophthalmologists 2008, and a South Jersey “Top Physician” 2008.
Mitchell Scheiman, OD, PhD, FAAO
Dr. Mitchell Scheiman is currently Dean of Research, Director of Graduate Studies, and a Professor at Salus University. In the last 25 years, he has spent the majority of his professional time as a researcher involved in randomized clinical trials. He was the Study Chair of the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial that was completed in 2008 and two other randomized clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of treatment for convergence insufficiency. Dr. Scheiman is currently Study Chair of the new CITT-ART study investigating the effect of vision therapy for convergence insufficiency on reading and attention. In recent years he has his research focus has shifted to the diagnosis and treatment of concussion-related vision disorders. His specialty areas are paediatric optometry, binocular vision, and vision therapy. He has published over 200 journal articles and has written four textbooks including, Clinical Management of Binocular Vision, Optometric Management of Learning-Related Vision Problems, Understanding and Managing Vision Deficits: A Guide for Occupational Therapists, and Low Vision Rehabilitation: A Guide for Occupational Therapists. Dr. Scheiman is a Diplomate in Binocular Vision, Perception and Paediatric Optometry in the American Academy of Optometry, and a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD).
Mohammad Rafieetary, OD, FAAO
Dr. Mohammad Rafieetary is a Consultative Optometric Physician who has been in practice at the Charles Retina Institute (CRI) since 1996. He is a graduate of Boston University and received his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He completed a residency in Primary Care Optometry and Ocular Disease at the Southern College of Optometry (SCO) and the Memphis Health Center. Upon completion of his residency in 1989, Dr. Rafieetary joined SCO’s faculty and served as an Associate Professor and the Chief of Advanced Ocular Disease Service and at the Southern College of Optometry until he joined CRI. Dr. Rafieetary has received several awards including the SCO Faculty of the Year, American Diabetic Association’s National Achievement of Distinction Award and the Tennessee Associations of Optometric Physician’s Optometrist of the Year. He has served on the board of several professional organizations such as the Church Health Center and the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Rafieetary is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and Optometric Retina Society and board certified by the American Board Optometry as well as the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry. Dr. Rafieetary has published numerous professional publications and lectures extensively on the subject of diseases of the eye with emphasis on conditions of the retina and vitreous.
Murray Hurlbert, OD
Dr. Murray Hurlbert graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry in 1995 and in 1997 he went on to join Maple Ridge Eye Care Optometrists in British Columbia and assumed ownership of the practice shortly thereafter. Dr. Hurlbert attended the Omni Eye Center in Atlanta where he worked alongside cataract, glaucoma and retinal surgeons in the treatment of advanced eye disease. Subsequently, he was certified by the American Board of Examiners in the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease. He previously worked on the B.C. Association of Optometry Public Relations Committee and was elected to the board of the College of Optometrists of B.C. serving for close to four years.
Myrna Lichter, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Myrna Lichter was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and received her undergraduate degree and medical degrees there. She came to Toronto to do her Ophthalmology training at University of Toronto. She continued with fellowship training in Washington, DC at Armed Forces Institute of Pathology under the famous Dr. Lorenz Zimmerman and Dr. Ian McLean. On returning to Toronto, Dr. Lichter practiced general ophthalmology and is on staff at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Her interests are eclectic – at St Michael’s Hospital, she has the HIV clinic, has an interest in Low Vision and a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching at the University of Toronto.
Nancy G. Torgerson, OD
Dr. Nancy Torgerson’s passion is to help those that struggle needlessly in school, work, sports and/or life because of visual difficulties. Her team of vision therapists, patient care coordinators and doctors love the challenge and strive to live up to their motto of “Transforming Lives Through Vision.” Dr. Torgerson is a graduate of PUCO and past President of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. She has received numerous awards including the 2015 Washington State Physician of the Year. She is a frequent lecturer and consultant to educators, rehabilitation and therapy providers and other eye care professionals.
Nancy Tucker, MD, FRSCS
Dr. Nancy Tucker is an oculoplastics surgeon specializing in cosmetic eyelid surgery. She is an assistant professor at the University of Toronto and works at the Bochner Eye Institute, the Toronto Retinal Institute and Mount Sinai Hospital. She completed her Ophthalmology Residency at McGill University and then went on to do a further two years of sub-specialization in Oculoplastics, the first in Montreal and the second in San Francisco, completing her training in Oculoplastics in 1994. She then joined the Ophthalmology Department at McGill University and the University of Montreal where she practiced for 8 years. She then moved to Chicago, joining the University of Chicago and also opened a private practice to focus on cosmetic eyelid surgery. In 2006 she moved to Toronto and joined the Ophthalmology Department at Mount Sinai Hospital. She is past president of the Canadian Oculoplastics Society, past Chief of Oculoplastics at the University of Toronto, the recipient of multiple surgical awards, has multiple publications and has lectured extensively both nationally and internationally.
Neera Singal, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Singal obtained her medical degree from the University of Toronto Ophthalmology Residency and University of Toronto Fellowship: Corneal External and Refractive Surgery. Her present positions include lecturer at the University of Toronto, on staff at Toronto East General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network and on staff at Yonge Eglinton Laser Eye Centre Staff: Kensington eye Institute. Her memberships include the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, Ontario Medical Association American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Nick Nianiaris, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Nick Nianiaris received his medical degree in 1988 from the University of Toronto. His Ophthalmology residency training followed at the University of Toronto. He continued training and completed a Fellowship in Ophthalmic Research (including excimer laser studies) at Mount Sinai Hospital. He is Ophthalmology certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and he is a Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He has trained and practiced extensively in laser refractive procedures with some of the worlds foremost authorities in refractive surgery. Dr. Nianiaris is also an expert in small incision cataract surgery. Dr. Nianiaris has been a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the Canadian Ophthalmologic Society, College of Physician and Surgeons of Ontario, the Ontario Medical Association and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Nianiaris has been a Medical Director of TLC Toronto since 1994. He is Chair of the Ethics Review Board of TLC Toronto and is a member of the TLC Toronto Advisory Board. He is also a Clinical Instructor at the University of Toronto. Dr. Nianiaris is the former Chief of Ophthalmology at Toronto East General Hospital where he sits on several committees and performs his cataract surgeries.
Nirojini Sivachandran, BSc, MD, PhD, FRCSC
Dr. Sivachandran is a trained retina specialist. She completed a 2-year Vitreoretinal fellowship at the University of Ottawa. Dr. Sivachandran obtained her PhD and her medical degree at the University of Toronto and completed her residency training at McMaster University in Hamilton. While at McMaster, she was the recipient of the International Surgery Desk (ISD) Resident Scholarship as well as the Dr. Henry C. Witelson prize in Ophthalmology. Dr. Sivachandran has a keen interest in team-based approach to comprehensive retinal care including underservices areas of Ontario. She is an expert in complicated cataracts with secondary lens fixation and in MSICs. She is skilled in molecular biology, design and execution of scientific projects. Dr. Sivachandran is passionate about novel treatment approaches and drug targets that will optimize vision and quality of life. She continues to seek out new opportunities to learn, gain skills, experience and contribute to the community at large. Dr. Sivachandran joined the world-renowned team at the Toronto Retina Institute in 2022.
Nohad Teliani, OD
Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Dr. Nohad Teliani attended the University of Alberta, going on to complete a Doctor of Optometry at the University of Waterloo in 2006. In the midst of her optometric training, she worked as an ophthalmic technician at Gimbel Eye Centre – Edmonton in the summer of 2004, continuing on to become their in-house Optometrist upon graduation in 2006, where she still works today under the newly branded Visionmax Eye Centre. Dr. Teliani also joined the Clarity Laser Vision Team in Calgary in November of 2016. Currently, she is responsible for the co-management in the pre and post-operative care of refractive and surgical patients, with an emphasis on dry eye assessments and treatments. Dr. Teliani also enjoys the variety in the work and constant influx of new technology to aid in treating the more complex ocular conditions. She enjoys lecturing on various topics ranging from Advancements in Dry Eye treatments to Comparisions of Refractive Surgical Procedures, and is currently the President-Elect of the Alberta College of Optometrists regulatory body. A snowboard enthusiast, Dr. Teliani enjoys travelling, and has done a variety of volunteer trips to help provide eyecare for those in need.
Nupura Bakshi, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Nupura Bakshi received her MD (with honours) from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. She went on to complete her Ophthalmology Residency at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and then completed a Fellowship in Uveitis and Medical Retina at the National Eye Institute in Maryland. Currently she is Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Medical Staff at St. Michael’s Department of Ophthalmology and Medical Staff at the Kensington Eye Institute. She has earned many honours and awards including the Kensington Eye Institute Award for Excellence in Surgery – Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto, Dr. Michael Shea Award for Outstanding Contribution as Senior Resident – Department of Ophthalmology at St. Michael’s Hospital and the Wilkinson Scholarship in Ophthalmology – Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Bakshi is extensively involved in research and clinical trails both as a primary investigator and an associate investigator. She has also published numerous journal articles, book chapters and abstracts.
Olga Savitska, OD
Dr. Olga Savitska completed her undergraduate studies at Queen’s University and graduated with an Honours B.Sc. in Life Sciences with a Minor in Economics. She received her Doctor of Optometry Degree from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science where she received the distinguished RACH Memorial Award and the COVD Award for Excellence in Vision Therapy. She completed her clerkship in therapeutics and ocular disease at the Eye Associates of Pinellas Park in Florida where she became proficient in caring for patients with diabetes and glaucoma. Dr. Savitska is completing a Residency in Pediatric Optometry and Vision Therapy at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science and pursuing a fellowship with the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Dr. Savitska holds board certification to prescribe TPAs in the treatment and co-management of ocular diseases. Her professional memberships include the Canadian and Ontario Associations of Optometry, Canadian Optometrists in Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development.
Pat Pirotte, OD, FAAO
Dr. Pat Pirotte graduated with honours from Southern California College of Optometry and has been practicing in Wichita, Kansas since 1985. He is a fully board- certified Fellow in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and has been treating children with amblyopia, strabismus and learning-related vision problems for over twenty years. In addition to his private practice, he is on the national speakers board for the American Optometric Association and educates Optometrists on the diagnosis and treatment of vision problems in children. He also serves as adjunct faculty at Northeastern State University College of Optometry in Oklahoma, the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Optometry and the Illinois College of Optometry as an on-site super-vising doctor for optometric interns who wish to specialize in children’s vision. Each summer Dr. Pirotte teaches classes at Friends University where he presents teacher re-certification workshops on the impact of vision to learning and classroom performance.
Patrick Quaid, MCOptom, FCOVD, PhD
Dr. Quaid founded VUE Cubed Vision Therapy Clinics out of his passion for visual rehabilitation, having suffered the consequences of a severe traumatic brain injury at age 8, so he knows first-hand what concussion can do to the academic potential of a child. He currently also serves at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry as an Adjunct Professor and is in his second year as the current President of the College of Optometrists of Ontario. Dr. Quaid has several peer reviewed scientific publications in both optometric and medical journals on topics ranging from glaucoma and perfusion pressure to the effects of eye teaming issues on reading efficiency in children. In Jan 2020, Dr. Quaid was invited to co-author a landmark medical book chapter on visual dysfunction in concussion (Title of Book: “Neurosensory disorders in Traumatic Brain Injury”) in conjunction with Dr. Eric Singman MD PhD, Chief of Neuro-Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins.
In addition to his training to as an Optometrist in the UK mainly within the NHS Hospital Eyecare System, Dr. Quaid attained his PhD in Vision Science in 2006 along with his post-doctoral year in 2007 from the University of Waterloo (post-doctorate York University) and subsequently received his USA Visual Rehabilitation Board Certification (FCOVD Fellowship) designation in 2011. He has delivered over 750 lectures worldwide to optometrists, physicians, educators and allied healthcare professionals on topics related to visual dysfunction in pediatric and adult concussion cases and on the topic of vision-based learning difficulties. Dr. Quaid makes it a priority to publish data from his clinics. He has attained on-going significant grants from the Canadian government by showing the “ROI” to society of Optometric Vision Therapy. In mid-2020, he wrote a book directed at parents and teachers of children with learning difficulties (Amazon, Kindle, Audible: “Learning to See is Seeing to Learn”, sold over 10,000 copies to date). Dr. Quaid makes a point of showing videos of cases to show how we can often make immediate and significant gains by realizing how powerful the visual system really is. Dr. Quaid’s main goal in his lectures is to show what seems “impossible” to achieve, but then explain it logically with known anatomy and physiology.
Paul Ajamian, OD
Dr. Paul C. Ajamian, OD is Board Certified by the American Board of Optometry and is the Co-Founder and Director of Omni Eye Services of Atlanta, the nation’s first Optometric Co-Management Center. He is an author of two textbooks and editor of Review of Optometry’s popular monthly column “Clinical Quandries.” He is a past president of the Georgia Optometric Association and as Legislative Chairman orchestrated the passage of Georgia’s Glaucoma, Narcotic bills, oral meds and injections bills. He is a well-known speaker and has served as General Chairman of the Education Committee for SECO International since 2002. He was appointed to the Georgia State Board of Optometry by Governor Brian Kemp in June of 2021. In 2014 he was the recipient of the AOA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 2015, he was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame. In 2017, he received Review of Optometry’s Career Achievement Award.
Paul Sanghera, MD, FRCSC
Dr. Paul Sanghera is a nationally renowned cataract and refractive surgeon. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree and medical school at the University of Alberta, where he was on the dean’s list. He was the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, including the Opal Hess Memorial Scholarship and the Dr. AJ Pauly Bursary in Medicine. Additionally, he was cited as the highest ranked applicant to enter the MD Program in 1997. Dr. Sanghera then specialized in Ophthalmology at the University of Toronto and went on to receive further postgraduate training in refractive surgery. Dr. Sanghera has been actively involved in research since his residency, including a research grant from the Glaucoma Research Society of Canada and numerous ongoing projects using state-of-the-art technologies in cataract surgery and intraocular lenses. He has also lectured both nationally and internationally at major Ophthalmology conferences. He is currently a lecturer at the University of Toronto and on staff at Mount Sinai Hospital and Kensington Eye Institute in Toronto. As well, he also performs cataract surgeries in Alliston and Newmarket, Ontario. Dr. Sanghera is actively involved in both resident and medical student education in the Greater Toronto Area. Dr. Sanghera is considered a pioneer in the use of new technologies to improve visual outcomes in surgery. Among his many other accomplishments, Dr. Sanghera is one of the first surgeons in Canada to perform laser cataract surgery, is one of the first surgeons in North America to use trifocal intraocular lenses, is one of the few surgeons in Ontario trained in Collagen Crosslinking (CXL) and T-PRK for treating keratoconus and he co-created and chaired Canada’s first laser cataract surgery teaching symposium. Having performed more than 15,000 intraocular surgeries across Canada, Dr. Sanghera is recognized not only as a leader in his field, but more importantly with having the skill and knowledge to cater todays cutting edge technologies to each patient’s unique visual needs.
Patrick Simard, OD, MSc, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA
Dr. Patrick Simard is graduated from École d’Optométrie de l’Université de Montréal in 2002 where he also obtained his Master’s Degree in vision’s science on keratoconus research (2006). He also obtained a Master’s Degree of Business Administration in 2010 from HEC Montreal. Dr. Simard is in private practice at Clinique d’Optométrie Bélanger and is a clinical instructor and lecturer at Université de Montréal since 2002. He is a Fellow of the AAO and the BCLA. His area of research is on myopia control and scleral lenses.
Peter Pham, MD
Dr. Peter Pham is a chemist, entrepreneur and practicing ophthalmologist in Houston. He received his medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis after graduating summa cum laude with a degree in chemistry. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Doheny Eye Institute in Los Angeles, and as a resident, co-developed the first online visual field system for glaucoma and macular degeneration. This innovative telemedicine platform is deployed on KeepYourSight.org. He patented an innovative system using okra polysaccharide complexes called Zokrex as a natural alternative for addressing inflammation. He’s also the CEO and Founder of Okra LLC, the first company to incorporate the Zokrex platform in its line of Zocular products.
Phernell Walker, MBA, ABOM, NCLEC
Phernell Walker is an internationally recognized educator, a Master in Ophthalmic Optics and author of the textbook Pure Optics. Phernell earned an MBA from Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon, is National Contact Lens Certified and a graduate of Hillsborough Community College with an Associate of Science Degree in Ophthalmic Optics. Phernell received multiple awards for his work in optics including the Joseph Bruneni Award in Ophthalmic Optics Association of Achievement Award in Ophthalmic Optics in 2011. Phernell is on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Opticianry, the National Academy of Opticianry and the Commission Opticianry Accreditation.