NBAO 2026 Presenters
Sarah Hutchens, OD
Dr. Hutchens is a Newfoundland and Labrador-based optometrist and owner of The Vision Development Centre, with a clinical focus on pediatric vision, concussion-related visual dysfunction, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, and sports vision. A graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, Dr. Hutchens is board certified in vision development, vision therapy, and vision rehabilitation through OVDRA. She currently serves as treasurer of Vision Therapy Canada and has lectured to optometrists and allied health professionals on functional vision and concussion care. Dr. Hutchens has received multiple recognitions for innovation and community impact, including the Beyond 20/20 Award from the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists. Most recently, she assisted with sports vision testing during spring training with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.
Siamak Shokrollahi, MD
Dr. Siamak Shokrollahi graduated from Iran University of Medical Sciences as an Ophthalmologist and then completed his cornea and anterior segment fellowship in the same place. Following that, he completed his medical retina fellowship focusing in diabetic retinopathy from Harvard University in Boston.
Tracey MacDonald
Tracey is an executive coach (PCC), keynote speaker, NLP practitioner, and author specializing in self-mastery and transformational leadership. She helps entrepreneurs and senior leaders deepen self-awareness, elevate emotional intelligence, and strengthen communication skills to create greater success, fulfillment and meaningful impact in both business and life.
Gary Gimpel, OD
Dr. Gimpel graduated from optometry school in South Africa. In 1989, he relocated to Toronto, Canada, and completed his Doctor of Optometry at the University of Waterloo, graduating in 1992. He then passed his US state boards for California and Florida. Dr. Gimpel has made significant contributions to the field, serving on the optometric advisory boards for organizations like the Herzig Eye Institute, TLC Custom Lasik, and Crystal Clear Vision. He is a past examiner for the Canadian National Board of Examiners and has also been a speaker and lecturer for prominent industry partners, including Johnson and Johnson Vision Care. In 2004, he joined Johnson and Johnson Vision Care, where he led the Professional Services Division in Canada for five years while still providing patient care. This role deepened his understanding of the ophthalmic world and laid a strong foundation for his career. In 2015, Dr. Gimpel became the Vice President of Vision Source Canada, where he was instrumental in business development and overseeing vendor relations. He then joined FYidoctors board of directors. After stepping down from the board in 2020, he was selected for the FYidoctors advisory committee, where he launched the Myopia Management protocols for Fyi Doctors. Currently, Dr. Gimpel is providing patient care at the FYidoctors Markham location. His journey is a testament to his dedication to optometry and improving patient care.
Julie Beairsto, CSL, CLVT
Julie (she/her/elle) is a Clinical Service Lead (CSL) and Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT) based in Fredericton, New Brunswick. With a decade of experience supporting individuals with vision loss, she is deeply committed to delivering high-quality rehabilitation services across the province. Julie is passionate about collaboration and mentorship, and strongly values teamwork in both habilitation and rehabilitation, believing that this work is most effective when done together, not in isolation. Outside of her professional role, Julie enjoys skiing, camping, and has a long-standing fascination with the Titanic.