Heather McDonald
Heather has a decade of experience in marketing, communications, and education, specializing in strategic consulting and facilitation. Heather’s deep project management skills and experience come from being both a leader and integrator in many large and complex mandates that have come through her marketing and business development company HALA Connected and her non profit consulting company Philanthropica.
Able to communicate, energize, and engage, she has been a trusted speaker in the third sector, government, small businesses, and international and national corporations, providing a range of tactical, inspirational, and educational presentations.
Heather is an expert in simplifying the complex, from concepts to projects. Driven, action-oriented, and always positive, Heather’s approach is to plan, act, measure, and react – in that order
Mark Eltis, OD
With twenty years in practice and fifteen years part-time in academia, Dr. Eltis has practiced in New York, California, and Toronto. He is the current president of the College of Optometrists of Ontario and a director of the American Board of Optometry. Dr. Eltis has presented and published internationally and has been sought as an expert for national television and print. He is a graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science and continues to lecture there. Dr. Eltis has been honored as a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society (OGS) having “demonstrated excellence in the care of patients with glaucoma through professional education and scientific investigation.” 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 US (NBEO) and the Canadian board examinations. Dr. Eltis is the Canadian Ambassador for the American Board of Optometry and a team chair for US residency site evaluations (ACOE).
Vanessa Bachir, OD
Dr. Bachir graduated from the University of Montreal School of Optometry in 2011 and then completed a residency in ocular disease (SUNY College of Optometry, 2012). Her areas of interest are ocular disease, specifically neuro-ophthalmic disorders, ocular neuropathic pain and dry eye disease. She is currently an assistant professor at the University of Montreal School of Optometry, where she runs the neuro-optometric rehabilitation clinic and teaches various topics in ocular disease. For over a decade, she has also spent part of her career working in a full scope multidisciplinary ophthalmology practice. Her research is currently focused on validating biomarkers using corneal confocal microscopy, evaluating ocular biomarkers in neurodegenerative disease, as well as validating clinical tools to improve standardization of concussion management in optometry and ophthalmology. Dr. Bachir loves sharing her passion for optometry through continuing education and lectures both locally and internationally to optometrists and various health care allies.
Kevin Messier, OD
Dr. Messier, optometrist (O.D.), received his doctorate in optometry from the Université de Montréal in 2008. In 2011, he obtained the first-ever residency certificate in ocular disease offered by the University of Montreal. He subsequently completes his master's degree in Vision Science in 2019. In addition to being in private practice, Dr. Messier is an assistant professor at the University of Montreal School of Optometry. He also participates in the activities of the Centre de perfectionnement et de référence en optométrie (CPRO) by giving lectures to optometrists in addition to being the scientific coordinator. In 2015, he became the principal reader of the Centre de lecture de l'Université de Montréal, which provides screening for diabetic retinopathy in Quebec's Aboriginal communities. In addition to being on the board of directors of the AOQ and CPRO, he has participated in several committees on optometric practice, such as the INESSS committee on the development of optimal use guidelines for several ocular conditions. He is also a speaker and consultant for several pharmaceutical companies in the field of glaucoma, dry eye and contact lenses. Dr. Messier has extensive experience in many areas of optometric practice such as glaucoma, diabetes, dry eye and many others. He regularly gives conferences to various health professionals, such as pharmacists and general practitioners on various topics related to ocular health.
Julie Sirois -Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC)
Julie (she/her/elle), BSc, Clinical Service Lead (CSL) and Certified Low Vision Therapist (CLVT). With a decade of experience supporting individuals with a vision loss, Julie is motivated to educate and integrate best practices and high-quality rehabilitation within NB. She has supported over a dozen students towards professional certification, while delivering bilingual services across the province. On her spare time, you can find Julie enjoying all four seasons doing a variety of outdoor hobbies, including; skiing, hiking, and playing ultimate frisbee.
Lori Carson - Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC)
Lori serves as the Transition and Employment Lead at Vision Loss Rehabilitation, where she brings a wealth of experience in education to her role. Lori's educational background includes a master's degree in education in Leadership and Curriculum Development, certification in Career Practicing, and a bachelor's degree in psychology. Her professional pursuits are further driven by her ongoing efforts to pursue a master's degree in counselling psychology, which will enable her to better serve the needs of working-aged clients. She also sits on the board of directors of Easter Seal NB device loan program and the NB Career Development Association, ensuring that current developments and resources are available to persons with vision loss. With her extensive expertise in development and planning, Lori plays a critical role in delivering top-quality services to clients of Vision Loss Rehabilitation. Her professional acumen and educational background equip her to serve clients in a manner
Michelle Lane, OD
Dr. Lane is an co-owner/optometrist at Spectrum Eyecare and Eyewear, a full scope dispensing practice in Fredericton, NB. She studied at the University of Waterloo where she earned a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees. She has a special interest in dry eye and runs a dry eye clinic in her practice where she offers comprehensive dry eye examinations and in office treatments. She has taken part in industry advisory boards, been a podcast guest and has spoken on the topic of dry eye. Dr. Lane is also involved in optometry outside of the clinic and is Past-President of New Brunswick Association of Optometrists and served on the Canadian Association of Optometry’s working group to improve third party insurance coverage.
Sarah Harmon, Regional Product Specialist
With a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Photographic Communications, Sarah has an extensive background in Ophthalmic imaging. Her career includes eight years at the prestigious Wills Eye Institute and ten years at the historic Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, where she worked closely with specialists in Retina, Ocular Oncology, Cornea, Cataract, Glaucoma and Neuro Ophthalmology, and achieved her status as a Certified Retinal Angiographer. Her images have been featured in numerous journal articles and textbooks, and have won awards from her peers in the Ophthalmic Photographers Society. A year and a half ago, Sarah transitioned to the industry side of ophthalmology by joining Optos as a Product Specialist. In this role, she trains staff and doctors on the use of Optos devices and software applications. She enjoys teaching budding imagers how to capture stellar photographs while maintaining an efficient clinic flow. Sarah resides in Manhattan during the week and on a small farm on weekends in New Jersey with her husband, Brian, and their two whippets. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her pets and embracing farm life.
Mark Chappell
Mark is the territory account manager for Johnson & Johnson Vision for the Atlantic provinces.