About Our Eye Clinic in Kitchener-Waterloo

Dr. Bright graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 2011. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and the Ontario Association of Optometrists. Before her optometry training, she completed her Bachelor of Science and Master in Vision Science at the University of Waterloo. Dr. Bright is qualified to prescribe therapeutic agents for treating and managing ocular disease.

Dr. Bright is the proud owner of Waterloo Vision Care Clinic. In 2018, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care awarded Dr. Bright as one of Canada’s top 40 Optometrists under 40! Dr. Bright held a part-time faculty position at the UW School of Optometry, and in 2022, she decided to step away to focus on patient care.

Dr. Bright is passionate about providing eye care to those less fortunate and was part of a 6-week eye care mission in India. Dr. Bright enjoys all aspects of primary care optometry and is enthusiastic about diagnosing and managing Dry Eye Disease. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 young children, exploring the outdoors, and travelling the world!

Dr. Newman graduated from the School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo in 1981. Upon graduating, she was recognized with the Award for Clinical Proficiency, Outstanding Academic Achievement, and an Award for Excellence in Pathology. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and the Ontario Association of Optometrists.

Dr. Newman completed training in diagnosing and treating ocular disease from North Eastern State University in Oklahoma in 1995 and is qualified to prescribe therapeutic agents for the treatment and management of ocular disease. She is an active member and past president of the Zonta Club of Kitchener-Waterloo.

Dr. Newman likes to stay active with minor soccer, lacrosse, and basketball. She also enjoys sea kayaking, tennis, squash, and travel.

Dr. Vermeersch graduated from the School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo in 2011. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and the Ontario Association of Optometrists. She is qualified to prescribe therapeutic agents for for treating and managing ocular disease.

Dr. Vermeersch loves seeing patients of all ages and has a special interest in pediatrics and low vision assessment and rehabilitation. During her optometric training, she completed an ocular disease rotation in Mobile, Alabama, where she gained valuable experience in ocular disease management and pre and post-operative care of cataract and laser surgery patients.

Dr. Vermeersch enjoys spending time with her family, interior design, and travelling.

Dr. Shoemaker graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 2007, earning the College of Optometrists of Ontario General Proficiency Medal, the AMO Award for General Proficiency, and the Alcon Continuing Professional Education Award. Dr. Shoemaker has been practicing in the Waterloo region since 2007 and joined our practice in 2020.

Dr. Shoemaker completed externships in Michigan, Kentucky, and Goderich as part of her studies. In 2005, she received the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Health Professional Student Research Award. Dr. Shoemaker then worked with the Bobier Lab, studying the effects of refractive error in children on developing literacy skills. She has a special interest in working with children, as well as adults with special needs.

Dr. Shoemaker has remained involved with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry since she graduated as a clinical supervisor and lab instructor.In particular, she has been involved with the External Geriatrics Clinic (providing care for seniors in nursing homes), the Special Needs Clinic (providing care for children and adults with developmental delays and cognitive challenges), and the Low Vision Clinic. Dr. Shoemaker has also been involved in external clinics to provide eye care for school children in low-income areas of Toronto, as well as at The Working Centre in Kitchener, where she sees a variety of patients in need.

When Dr. Shoemaker isn’t busy seeing patients or teaching, she enjoys spending time with her 2 energetic boys, experimenting in the kitchen, and exploring hiking trails in the area.

Dr. Hanmer graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in 2017 with clinical honours. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and the Ontario Association of Optometrists. Dr. Hanmer is qualified to prescribe therapeutic agents for treating and managing ocular disease.

Prior to her optometry training, she attended Dalhousie University, where she graduated with her Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Food Science Engineering. As part of her optometric training, Dr. Hanmer completed clinical externships in Chicago, North Carolina, Wyoming, and Boston. Dr. Hanmer started her optometric career in Portland, Maine, and in 2018 she moved back to Ontario, where she continued to practice in Collingwood, Ontario.

Family and friends ultimately motivated Dr. Hanmer to move back to her hometown of Waterloo, Ontario, and she joined our practice in 2022. Dr. Hanmer has extensive experience practicing medically focused optometry—and is interested in managing and treating ocular diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and dry eye syndrome. Dr. Hanmer also has a special interest in neurological conditions and pediatric optometry.

Outside the office, Dr. Hanmer enjoys hiking with her golden retriever, Winonah, and catching up with friends and family in the area.