Merivale Optometric: Doctors and Staff

Our Doctors
		Dr. Kirsten North - Optometrist Dr. North has been at Merivale Optometric Centre for over 15 years and is now the clinic owner. Dr. North was the president of the Canadian Association of Optometrists from 2009-2011. She has been living in Ottawa since 1992 when she graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry. Dr. North enjoys getting to know her patients in order to better meet their vision needs. She enjoys spending her free time with her daughter.

		Dr. Estelle Saunders - Optometrist Dr. Saunders joined Merivale Optometric Centre in 1991. She is originally from South Africa but has been living in Canada for 30 years. She graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 1986. She enjoys the diversity of patients she has the opportunity to see working in primary eye care. In her spare time, Dr. Saunders enjoys yoga, Qi-gong and gardening.

		Dr. Kristine MacDiarmid - Optometrist Dr. MacDiarmid is from Miramichi, New Brunswick and started her education at the University of New Brunswick in science before graduating from Optometry at the University of Waterloo in 1993. She then joined Merivale Optometric Centre in 1996. She truly enjoys meeting new people and helping to solve their eye problems. In her spare time she plays hockey and tennis and enjoys hanging out with her kids.

		Dr. Joelle Zagury - Optometrist Dr. Zagury is from Montreal and joined Merivale Optometric Centre in June 2008 when she moved to Ottawa. She received her education at the University of Waterloo, first in the biomedical sciences and then in Optometry. She is a former co-president of the Ottawa Society of Optometrists. Dr. Zagury enjoys getting to know patients and their families. Outside work she likes going to concerts with her husband, taking Ashtanga Yoga classes, and playing with her new daughter.

		Dr. Connie Chen – Optometrist Dr. Chen is from Whitby Ontario and moved to Ottawa in 2008. She has degrees in science and Optometry from the University of Waterloo. In her spare time Connie enjoys playing the piano and violin.

		Dr. Neil Haney - Optometrist Dr. Haney joined Merivale Optometric Centre in September 2008. He is from The Pas, Manitoba and completed his science degree at the University of Winnipeg. Dr. Haney then completed his studies the University of Waterloo in Optometry. In his spare time he enjoys hockey, baseball, soccer, Aikido and cooking.


		Dr. Melissa Ings - Optometrist Dr. Ings is from Saint John, New Brunswick and joined Merivale Optometric Centre in 2009. She has a Biology degree from the University of New Brunswick and received her Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo. She enjoys meeting and getting to know her patients and helping them with their vision needs. In her spare time Dr. Ings enjoys cooking, spending time with family and friends, and walking with her dog.

Our Staff
		Colleen - Office Manager Colleen has been at Merivale Optometric Centre since 2002 and was recently promoted to office manager. Colleen ensures the entire office runs smoothly and keeps very busy pre-testing patients and organising staff meetings and finances. In her spare time she enjoys walking and reading.

		Kari - Optician Kari started at Merivale Optometric Centre in the spring 2008. She has an honours degree in science from the University of Western Ontario and completed her Optician course at Georgian College. Kari truly enjoys helping people find the glasses they will love! In her spare time she likes entertaining friends and family at home with her husband.

		Shari - Optometric Assistant Shari started at Merivale Optometric Centre in 1998. She enjoys the variety that her job affords her and seeing familiar faces come through every year for their checkups. She is also an avid reader and sings with her local choir.

		Janice - Optician Janice joined the Merivale Optometric Centre in 2010.

		Sarah - Optometric Assistant Sarah started at Merivale Optometric Centre in 2010. She is a mother of two working part time in the office helping patients at the front desk and with pre testing.

		Lindsey - Optometric Assistant Lindsey is a certified optometric assistant by the Canadian Association of Optometrists and has been working in the field for over three years. She is currently completing the Ophthalmic assistant program as well. Lindsay pre-tests patients before they see the doctor and sometimes helps people pick glasses. In her spare time she plays hockey and soccer and enjoys entertaining friends and family.