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. 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 fellowships in Cornea and Anterior Segment and in Medical Retina, including fellowship training at the Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School. Dr. Shokrollahi is now a practicing Ophthalmologist in New Brunswick, his clinical interests include keratoconus, corneal diseases (including DSAEK and penetrating keratoplasty), medical retina, cataract, and refractive surgery, including PRK and femtosecond LASIK. He has authored and co-authored several peer-reviewed publications in anterior segment diseases and diabetic retinopathy, and he is passionate about translating the latest evidence into practical clinical care and continuing education. Hi personal interests are oil painting and tennis.
Dr. Shokrollahi’s Google Scholar profile, including a list of his publications, can be found under the name Siamak Shokrollahi
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.
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.
Rachelle Savoie, OD
Dr. Savoie is an optometrist, entrepreneur, educator, and passionate advocate for myopia management. A graduate of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, she has spent nearly two decades providing patient-centered eye care while continually pursuing advanced training in specialty contact lenses: orthokeratology, scleral lenses, RGP’s and myopia control. Dr. Savoie is the owner of Optix by Dre Savoie in Bathurst and Campbellton, New Brunswick, where she leads growing teams dedicated to delivering modern eye care. Her passion for education has led her to become a speaker for both the Opticians Association and CooperVision, and she currently serves as a clinical preceptor for University of Waterloo 4th year optometry students.
Among her many professional interests, she is particularly passionate about helping children preserve their vision and educating families on the long-term benefits of proactive myopia management. Beyond optometry, Dr. Savoie is deeply committed to her community. She has organized charitable initiatives supporting children with vision loss, mentored students, welcomed foster children into her home, and supported refugee families. Her dedication to service reflects the same values that guide her professional life: education, compassion, and creating opportunities for others to succeed. Today, Dr. Savoie is excited to share her experience and enthusiasm for CooperVision’s myopia control contact lens options.
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.
Christine Misener, OD
Dr. Misener is a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry in 2011, Dr. Misener, practices broad scope primary care Optometry in Ancaster, Ontario. Areas of interest include eye exams, soft disposable contact lenses, anterior segment ocular disease, practice management, and family eye care. Dr. Misener is also interested in Optometric service and has volunteered on eye care missions in Mexico and Haiti. She also provided eye care to athletes and coaches participating in the Pan Am Games in Hamilton Ontario. Dr. Misener is passionate about looking for ways to grow her practice while providing the best possible eye care and products to her patients. When not practicing Optometry, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her husband and two children.myopia control contact lens options.
Amanda Murphy, Bcomm
Bausch + Lomb | Vision Care Territory Manager - Maritimes
After graduating from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2010, Amanda Murphy began her career in sales, developing a passion for helping businesses grow through practical solutions and meaningful partnerships. Since joining Bausch + Lomb Vision Care in 2018, she has had the pleasure of partnering with Eye Care Professionals across Southern Alberta and now Atlantic Canada, sharing strategies to improve both patient experiences while supporting practice growth.
Khrysty Walters - Coordinating Instructor┃Opticianry
Khrysty is a dedicated educator and experienced professional in the field of opticianry. As the Coordinating Instructor for the Opticianry program at New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to the classroom, preparing the next generation of optical professionals for success in a dynamic healthcare industry. With a strong background in optical sciences and hands-on experience in vision care, Khrysty is passionate about bridging theory and practice. Her teaching approach emphasizes precision, patient-centered care, and the latest advancements in eyewear technology. She is committed to fostering an engaging learning environment where students develop both technical skills and professional confidence. Beyond her instructional role, Khrysty advocates for lifelong learning and professional development within the optical community as an active member of the Opticians Association of New Brunswick. Her dedication to excellence ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of patients and the optical industry.
Brigitte Gaudet – Opticianry Instructor
Brigitte is an accomplished opticianry instructor at New Brunswick Community College (NBCC), dedicated to shaping the future of vision care professionals. With over 20 years experience in the optical industry, Brigitte combines technical expertise with a passion for education, ensuring her students gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in a rapidly evolving field. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes hands-on learning, precision, and patient-focused care. Brigitte is committed to integrating the latest advancements in eyewear technology and optical sciences into her curriculum, preparing graduates to meet the highest standards of professional practice. Beyond the classroom, Brigitte is an active council member of the Opticians Association of New Brunswick and is dedicated to growing the profession. Her passion for the field of Opticianry has made her a respected leader and a trusted resource for both students and colleagues.