Written by Chantelle Procunier
Through the Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS) Mentorship Program, I had the pleasure of shadowing Dr. Stephanie Britton at Giddens Optometry in Georgetown. After completing her Doctor of Optometry and Vision Science from the New England College of Optometry, Dr. Britton completed a one-year residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses from the University of Waterloo. Outside of private practice, Dr. Britton is also the clinical director of TLC Laser Eye Centre in Waterloo where she conducts consultations for laser correction and cataract procedures and manages pre-operative and post-operative patient care.
Dr. Britton was very welcoming and happy to answer all of my questions while I was able to shadow various appointments. For each appointment I observed the friendly interactions between Dr. Britton and her patients and how she remembered important life details about each patient. Her knowledge and expertise were evident while caring for patients. I also had the opportunity to view some ocular structures through the slit lamp and learn more about how a phoropter works.
Speaking with Dr. Britton, she advised me on the importance of making close connections with local ophthalmologists and optometrists in the community to provide patients with the best possible care. Given her involvement with TLC Waterloo, she also detailed her experience with post-operative and pre-operative laser correction and cataract procedures.
I am very thankful I was able to connect with and shadow Dr. Britton as I learned so much from my visit with her. I am looking forward to shadowing Dr. Britton again at Giddens Optometry and TLC Waterloo and continuing to gain insight from her experience!
