In this section of the Insight alumni newsletter, we invite you to share your personal updates with other Optometry & Vision Science alumni, up to a maximum of 100 words, with an optional photo. We’d all love to hear about your weddings, babies, retirements, achievements, milestones and anything else you’d like to share. Please submit your updates using the class notes form.
Jessica Wood (OD ’22)
Dr. Jessica Wood was featured on CBC for taking her clinic on the road, providing on-site eye exams at long-term and community care homes across western Prince Edward Island. She started the pilot project in April with a modest provincial grant. Since then, she has provided more than 100 eye exams to patients who often have mobility challenges. Read the article on cbc.ca.
Cedrick Mah (OD ’22)
Dr. Cedrick Mah, who works at Mt. Pleasant Optometry in Vancouver, was recently named the BC Doctors of Optometry Young Optometrist of the Year. Since he graduated as class valedictorian, he completed a residency at the Oklahoma College of Optometry, specializing in ocular disease with an emphasis in low vision rehabilitation. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry.
Alexis Keeling (OD ’16), Kim Bugera (OD ‘96), Scott Brisbin (OD ‘65) and the Hon. Judy Sgro
Drs. Alexis Keeling, Kim Bugera and Scott Brisbin were the recipients of the School of Optometry & Vision Science Alumni Awards of Honour for 2025, while the Hon. Judy Sgro was awarded the Vision Champion Award.
Keeling, a former teacher, is the immediate past president of the New Brunswick Association of Optometrists and incoming chief examiner for the Optometry Examining Board of Canada. Bugersa is currently registrar and CEO of the Alberta College of Optometry and founding owner in Capital Vision Care, a group of six clinics in the greater Edmonton area. Brisbin, served the optometric profession as well as his patients his whole career, from being president of the Edmonton Optometric Society a year after he graduated to being elected president of the World Council of Optometry in 2000. Sgro, MP for Humber River – Black Creek since 1999, championed Bill C-284, the bill for a national strategy on eye care.
There is much more to say about all these wonderful leaders, so check out the full article on the Alumni Awards of Honour page.
Mindy Blumberg (OD ’16) and Darren Wagner (OD ’06)
Drs. Mindy Blumberg and Darren Wagner are featured in an Eye Care Business Canada article about their journeys to rural practice. Blumberg opened Sea to Sky Optometry in Pemberton, B.C., in 2020, and later a second clinic in Lillooet. Wagner co-runs For Sight Vision Centre in Brooks, Alberta, with his wife Dallas Wagner (OD ’05). Read the article.
Class of 2015
The Class of 2015 is holding its 10-year reunion dinner, coinciding with CAO Congress, on July 2 at Gahan House Nova Centre. If you’d like more information, contact [email protected] .
Devan Trischuk (OD ‘11)
Dr. Devan Trischuk recently received the President’s Award from the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists. He has a strong interest in myopia management both in his practice and lecturing on the topic. He is also active in the work of the national association as the representative for Saskatchewan on the CAO Council. He practices at Family Focus Eye Care in Saskatoon.
Shaun MacInnis (OD ’07)
Dr. Shaun MacInnis, who with his wife Carissa has run Island Eyecare in Sydney, Nova Scotia, since 2015, recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the business, which was founded by original owners Dr. John and Donna Fleming in 1975. MacInnis serves as a clerkship supervisor for the School. Dr. Jessica Prendergast (OD ‘18) also works at Island Eyecare. Read the article in the Cape Breton Post.
Greg Wilson (OD ‘04)
Dr. Greg Wilson, owner of William Street Eyecare, received an Accessibility Award in the Built Environment category from the City of Brantford, Ontario. His practice is located in a historic 1911 residence, but Greg has ensured it’s accessible. In 2025, the clinic introduced an accessible exam lane, ensuring patients who use wheelchairs can receive a comprehensive eye exam. Learn more.
Class of 2000
The Class of 2000 held its 25-year reunion at the BCDO conference in Vancouver in May, with 23 people from across the country attending. One of the events had a “Saturday Night Fever” theme!
Kerry Salsberg (OD ‘94) and Alan Ulsifer (OD ‘90)
Drs. Kerry Salsberg and Alan Ulsifer, along with Dr. Stan Woo, were among the panelists who spoke at a recent event in Toronto celebrating the partnership between RBC and the Academy of Ophthalmic Education (AOE) called “Shaping the Future of Eye Care Together.” The panel was meant to serve as a catalyst for the exchange of ideas across industry, academia, healthcare, and financial services.
Tammy Labreche (OD ’99)
Dr. Tammy Labreche, an associate clinical professor with the School, director of the George & Judy Woo Centre for Sight Enhancement and head of the Low Vision Service, was one of two professors to receive a 2025 Excellence in Science Teaching Award from the Faculty of Science. Learn more about Labreche and her teaching philosophy.
Class of 1995
The Class of 2015 is holding its 30-year reunion dinner, coinciding with CAO Congress. It will be on Thursday, July 3, at the Mercantile Social restaurant in Halifax from 5:30 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact [email protected].
Heather Hunter (OD ’99) and Rich Kort (OD ’22)
Dr. Heather Hunter recently became president of the Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists, moving up from vice-president and taking over from Dr. Richard Kort, who finished a successful term as president. Hunter is optometrist and owner of Tisdale Eye Care Centre, northeast of Saskatoon, while Kort practices at an FYidoctors location in Saskatoon.
Guy Stewart (OD ’90)
Dr. Guy Stewart passed away in March. He was a well-respected optometrist who practiced in Victoria, B.C. for 20 years. A loving husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed motorcycling, the outdoors and woodworking, and held deep faith. Read his obituary.
Susan Cooper (OD ‘77)
Dr. Susan Cooper has been named the recipient of this year’s World Council of Optometry (WCO) 2025 Distinguished Service Award in Memory of Dr. Uduak Udom. The highest award the WCO can bestow, the award is given to an individual who, over time, has made outstanding contributions to the achievement of WCO’s vision and mission. She was WCO president from 2011-2013 and WCO managing director from 2018-2023.
Etty Bitton (OD ‘88)
Dr. Etty Bitton, a much-awarded professor at the Université de Montréal École d’Optométrie, was named Dry Eye Practitioner of the Year at the recent British Contact Lens Association meeting in Birmingham. Learn more.
Jack (John) Huber (RO ’52)
Dr. Jack Huber passed away in May. He graduated from the School’s predecessor, the Ontario College of Optometry, in 1952, receiving the designation of Registered Optometrist (R.O.). He later earned an OD degree and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He practiced for 51 years and remained involved in the profession even after his retirement. President of the CAO in 1979-1980, he received the CAO President’s Award in 1993. He was also extensively involved in his local community in Regina, Saskatchewan. Read his obituary.
