Our People
Our people are the most important part of Insight Eye Care. It takes a huge team to make it all happen: optometrists checking your eyes, opticians reviewing lens technology, boutique eyewear consultants finding the perfect frame, and office staff keeping the place humming. We would not be Insight without our amazing people.
Our Optometrists
Our knowledgeable and friendly optometrists make your eye health the number one priority by conducting thorough examinations and considering the specific visual needs of each patient. We are proud to offer full-scope optometry services to our community. Our priority continues to be providing exceptional eye care to our patients.
Our Team
Our highly skilled team uses their expertise to ensure that patients have an incredible experience at Insight and receive the highest level of care from start to finish.
ABIGAIL CANADA
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Abigail is currently studying Biomedical Science at the University of Waterloo and is working part time at Insight. She loves connecting with patients as they come to the office and believes that she can make anyone's day better!
When she’s not studying or at work, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, running through the city, or getting creative with new projects.
Her go-to eyewear brand is Lindberg, and she’s a fan of local favourites like Ice Cream 2 and Poppy’s Bagels.
Alisha Prem Kumar
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With a background in dentistry and a diploma in Healthcare Administration, Alisha brings valuable experience to the front end team at Insight Eye Care. Passionate about building meaningful connections, she takes pride in supporting patients and collaborating with colleagues.
Outside of the clinic, Alisha loves spending time with friends at Chuck’s Roadhouse and is always up for an adventure. Whether it’s a new hiking trail or a trip to an amusement park, she’s ready to explore it all in her favourite Ray-Ban sunglasses.
Denisa Avram
Receptionist & Diagnostic Technician (she/her)
Beki Banman
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Beki has a background in child care and is a graduate from Conestoga College with a Health Office Administration Diploma. Her favourite independent eyewear collections are Lindberg and Matsuda.
In her free time Beki is raising her three children, gardening, reading and is a seamstress with a knack for historical reproduction. Beki’s favourite place to shop local is Ontario Seed Company.
Ben Brewer
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Ben loves exploring cities with his partner, and tiny and sassy dog Clementine (don’t tell her she’s tiny though). If you’re out on Lake Ontario, you might spot Clementine sailing in her swanky life jacket!
Ben received his degree in Communications, Media, and Film at the University of Windsor prior to moving to Waterloo in 2021. When he’s not hiding in the bushes birdwatching or hiking, Ben loves to play video games, board games, listen to history podcasts, spin records on the turntable, and spend time with his two birds named Atticus Finch and Petunia. Ben has a wide taste in music ranging from Dolly Parton to MF Doom. His favourite eyewear brands are Vinylize and Matsuda. Ben’s favourite local Waterloo businesses include Ethel’s Lounge, J&J Cards and Collectibles, and The Crumby Cookie Dough Company.
Elizabeth Chiu
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Elizabeth holds a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Guelph and is currently in her second year of the Optometry program at the University of Waterloo.
She loves supporting local and often visits Sweet Loop Café, Four All Ice Cream, and Poppy’s Bagel and Bakery. Her favourite eyewear lines include Bruno Chaussignand, Tavat, SALT, and Lindberg for their clean and modern designs.
In her free time, she likes to read, cook, fence, and go rock climbing. At Insight, she’s excited to help patients find the perfect pair of glasses and gain hands-on experience during eye exams as an intern.
Elina Ho
Student Optician & Eyewear Consultant (she/her)
Jordyn Tull
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Jordyn is currently a student in the Optometry program at the University of Waterloo. You’ll usually find her on our friendly dispensing team, but don’t be surprised if she joins your eye exam as an intern too!
Her favourite independent frame lines are SALT, Blake Kuwahara and Orgreen. In her free time she loves to try new food places and go on walks around the city! Jordyn loves a good cafe, sweet treats and a fun pool game with friends so some of her favourite local businesses are Poppy’s Bagels and Bakery, Four All Ice Cream and the Huether Hotel.
Gin Fraser
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Virginia, or Gin for short, is our lab technician and sometimes eyewear consultant (if you’re lucky).
Gin went to school for photography and has also graduated with her BA in Social Development Studies and a minor in Psychology from the University of Waterloo. Her favourite lines are Lindberg and ROLF Spectacles. Always wearing a flower in her hair, Gin enjoys gardening and reminiscing about the good ol’ days when she used to rough-house on the roller derby track (she has separated many bones, hers and others). She also loves attending concerts in KW, Hamilton and Toronto. The best local independent businesses, according to Gin, are Princess Cafe, Belgium Nursery and Four All Ice Cream.
Jennifer Wall
Receptionist & Diagnostic Technician (she/her)
Karoline ELias
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Karoline graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Social Development Studies and a specialization in Social Work. As our Front End Lead, she ensures every patient feels welcomed from the moment they arrive and keeps our reception running smoothly.
Outside of work, Karoline enjoys supporting local favorites like Harmony Jewelry & Co, Princess Cafe & Cinema, and Four All Ice Cream. She’s also a fan of our eyewear line, GiGi Studios, and loves long walks with her dog.
Mae Drost
Social Media & Eyewear Consultant
Julie Glofcheskieshe
Eyewear Consultant (she/her)
Madison van Zyl
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After graduating with an HBSc from the University of Toronto in 2022, Madison recently completed a Master’s in Biotechnology at the University of Guelph. She brings over two years of experience in the optometric field, having started as a Receptionist and Diagnostic Technician, and now combines her love of science and style in the eyewear side of vision care. Madison is planning to pursue opticianry and is especially interested in the research, design, and innovation behind modern lens technologies.
Since moving to Waterloo, she’s already discovered a few local favourites, including Princess Café, Poppy’s Bagels, and Carry-On Comics. Her top eyewear picks at the clinic include Blake Kuwahara, Matsuda, and Garrett Leight for their unique style and design. Outside of work, she enjoys reading with her book club, playing recreational volleyball, weightlifting, and spending time with her four cats: Ozzy, Storm, Mikey, and Sabo.
Miranda Vanderkooy
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Miranda has an Honours Bachelor of Illustration from Sheridan College and brings a strong eye for design and creativity to the world of eyewear. With her artistic background, it’s no surprise that she has a deep appreciation for bold, artistic frame lines, especially Bruno Chaussignand, RES/REI, and Theo.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys drawing, painting, crocheting, rock climbing, and biking around the city. She's also learning the ropes of gardening, with mixed results but plenty of enthusiasm. Some of her favourite local spots so far include Grand River Rocks, Seven Shores, and MCC Thrift Shops.
Grace Maier
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Grace is currently enrolled at Western University for a bachelor of fine arts, honours specialization in studio art, but is working to switch into a STEM stream.
Grace has worked at Insight Eye Care since 2020 as a receptionist and became an eyewear consultant in 2021. Her favourite frame lines are Matsuda, Jean Phillippe Joly, and Lindberg. Her favourite local restaurants are Jinzakaya, Princess Cafe, and Poppy's Bagel and Bakery.
Karen Kienapple
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Karen graduated from Conestoga College with a Health Office Administration Diploma. She joined us in 2017 and jumps back and forth between reception and diagnostic testing.
Her favourite independent brands are Lindberg and SALT. Optics. In her free time, Karen likes to go shopping, try out new Pinterest recipes, and enjoy walks around the neighbourhood with her family. Her favourite local spots are Arabella Park, Vincenzo’s, and Belgian Nursery.
Kim Hoang
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Kim is a stationary enthusiast and has made it her mission to discover and taste all of the KitKat flavours.
Joining the team in 2021, Kim comes to us with an Honours Psychology degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and minors in Biology and Sociology. Her favourite independent eyewear collections are MYKITA, FACE A FACE and VANNI. In her downtime, Kim loves to spend time with her white cat named Moe, travel, try out new restaurants and food trucks and invite friends over to enjoy delicious charcuterie boards. She is afraid of heights, but somehow still appreciates a good Ferris Wheel. Her favourite local places to shop are Nova Era Bakery, Red House, Gifted Waterloo, Q’s Cakes and Harmony.
Manny Tran
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One of Manny’s aspirations is to, one day, become an optometrist that assists with vision therapy and neurorehabilitation.
Manny joined us in 2021 and has graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Honours Specialization in Epidemiology and Biostatistics). Her favourite independent eyewear collections are SALT. Optics, Lindberg and FACE A FACE. In her free time Manny loves to go for runs in her neighborhood, cozy up with a good book and play the guitar. She is also a bit of a foodie and is always on the lookout for new restaurants to try with friends and family. Her favourite local businesses are Four All Ice Cream, Vincenzo’s and Princess Cinemas.
Mike Finney
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Mike is very experienced.
We’re talking all the way back to 1984 – the year he graduated from Georgian College as an optician. Most of our staff were not even born yet! Young at heart, Mike not only has experience but understands modern fashionable eyewear. His favorite collections are Lindberg, ROLF Spectacles and SALT. Optics. When he isn’t at Insight referencing bands nobody has heard of, he is driving his wife’s ’64 Falcon convertible named Rolly, playing hockey, golf and hanging out with his grandchildren. Mike’s favorite place to eat is Poppy’s Bagel and Bakery in Uptown Waterloo and he likes to shop at Sports Zone.
Salma Elnady
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You can find Salma’s friendly face welcoming you at the front desk or performing your diagnostic testing. Every summer, Salma jets off to her home country of Egypt where she spends her days beach-hopping, catching the breeze, and soaking up the sun (yes, it’s just as dreamy as it sounds).
She’s currently studying Honours Science at the University of Waterloo, with plans to pursue optometry in the future. Between school, working at Insight, and organizing local community programs, Salma is all about keeping busy and making a difference while she’s at it.
Salma swears by Precision1® contact lenses, and if you ever need a pizza recommendation, she’ll point you straight to Famoso.
Smita Meinzinger
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Smita swirls around reception, sometimes checking you in, sometimes checking you out!
Smita is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with a Degree in Sociology. She began working at Insight Eye Care in 2011 and also side-hustles as the freelance digital artist @smitameinzinger, hoping one day to see her vibrant art on apparel, home decor and fabric bolts. Smita’s favourite lines are Vinylize and RAPP. When she isn’t working, Smita is reading, playing ACNH, sewing, playing board games with her son, snuggling with her dogs Scout and Luna and has impromptu kitchen dance parties with her husband. The best local independent businesses, according to Smita, are Wyndham Art Supplies (Guelph) and Gifted Waterloo.
Vasilija Murgovska
Eyewear Consultant
Tina Kowalski
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Swishes and grand slams, Tina loves watching and attending Raptors and Blue Jays games whenever she gets the opportunity.
Coming to us in 2017 with a diploma in Medical Office Administration from Medix College, Tina spends most of her time in reception. Her favourite eyewear brands are MYKITA, SALT.Optics and Lindberg. Outside of the office, Tina enjoys cycling, snowboarding, beachy things, trying new food spots and nature walks with her dog, your dog, any dog. Her favourite local places to eat and drink are Princess Cafe, Gifted Waterloo and Vincenzo’s.
Yara Fahmy
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Yara thrives on bubble tea; it’s obviously the supreme beverage and all other beverages cannot measure up.
Currently Yara is studying Honours Science at the University of Waterloo. She joined us in 2022 and is one of our medical receptionists. In her free time, Yara enjoys painting and reading. Her favourite independent brands are Matsuda and ROLF Spectacles. Yara’s favourite places to shop local are Seven Shores Cafe and Words Worth Books.