Business Details
Your Trusted Opticians in Kitchener for Eye Care & Eyewear
At Kitchener Eyecare, we have dedicated ourselves to providing exceptional vision care and optical services to the Kitchener community since 1899. Our team of experienced optometrists, including Dr. Mary-Jo Shanahan, Dr. Joseph Heslip, and Dr. Sarah Hanmer, delivers comprehensive eye exams, advanced diagnostic testing, and personalized corrective solutions tailored to each patient's needs. With an on-site lab for prescription glasses, we ensure quick turnaround times without compromising quality, backed by direct billing to insurance for added convenience. Our optical gallery features a curated selection of premium eyewear from leading brands, ensuring every patient finds frames that combine style, comfort, and functionality. We prioritize patient education, offering expert guidance on contact lens fittings, dry eye therapy, and ocular disease management, including glaucoma and macular degeneration.As active members of the Ontario and Canadian Associations of Optometry, we maintain the highest standards of professional excellence and community service. Our commitment to innovation is evident in our use of advanced technologies like optical coherence tomography (OCT) for precise eye health assessments. Whether addressing routine vision correction or complex ocular conditions, we approach every patient interaction with empathy, transparency, and a focus on long-term eye health. Our convenient location, flexible hours, and welcoming environment reflect our dedication to making quality eye care accessible to all. For over a century, families in Kitchener-Waterloo have trusted us to help them see their best, and we remain committed to upholding that legacy through unwavering attention to detail and patient-centered care.
Services
Vision Exams
Prescription Glasses
Contact Lenses
Eye Health Assessments
Sunglasses & Specialty Eyewear
Highlights and features
- We offer comprehensive eye exams with direct insurance billing
- On-site lab provides rapid prescription glasses service
- Certified optometrists with over a century of combined experience
- Curated selection of premium eyewear brands in Kitchener
- Advanced diagnostic technology for precise eye health assessments
What people say
Professional and helpful
Great glasses selection
Experienced local doctors
Comforting attitude
Top-rated patient care
Services
Vision Exams
Our comprehensive vision exams include advanced diagnostic testing using optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology. Our certified optometrists assess visual acuity, detect ocular diseases, and provide corrective recommendations. Patients receive personalized consultations about prescription glasses, contact lenses, or specialized vision solutions tailored to their lifestyle needs.
Prescription Glasses
We offer premium prescription glasses with single vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses. Our optical specialists help patients select frames from top designer brands that complement facial features while ensuring comfort. On-site lab services guarantee quick turnaround times with quality-assured lens edging and fitting.
Contact Lenses
Our contact lens services include fittings, training for first-time users, and specialty lenses for complex prescriptions. We provide monthly disposables, toric lenses for astigmatism, and scleral contacts for irregular corneas. Patients receive detailed instructions for proper insertion, removal, and care routines.
Eye Health Assessments
We conduct thorough eye health evaluations to detect conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Our optometrists use advanced imaging technology for early disease detection and implement management plans for chronic ocular conditions. Regular screenings help maintain long-term vision health.
Sunglasses & Specialty Eyewear
Our optical gallery features prescription and non-prescription sunglasses with UV protection. We offer sports-specific eyewear including ski goggles and swimming masks. All products combine functionality with style from trusted brands like Ray-Ban, Nike, and Oakley while ensuring proper eye safety standards.
People
Dr. Mary-Jo Shanahan
Optometrist
Dr. Shanahan graduated from the University of Waterloo with honors in 2008. She has practiced in Toronto and Kitchener, providing comprehensive eye care with Spanish language proficiency. She volunteers in underserved communities and maintains open communication with patients through multiple channels.
Dr. Joseph Heslip
Optometrist
Dr. Heslip earned his optometry degree with honors in 1996. He has extensive clinical experience in ocular disease treatment and previously served as Trinity Village Care Centre's resident optometrist. He combines medical expertise with personalized patient care in Kitchener.
Dr. Sarah Hanmer
Optometrist
Dr. Hanmer graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in 2017. She specializes in ocular disease management and pediatric optometry, with clinical experience across North America. She joined Kitchener Eyecare in 2023 after practicing in Collingwood and Portland, Maine.
Questions
What eye care services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive vision exams, prescription glasses, contact lens fittings, ocular disease management, and specialty eyewear including sunglasses and sports goggles.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we offer direct billing to most insurance providers for your convenience during eye exams and optical purchases.
How quickly can I get prescription glasses?
Our on-site lab typically completes standard prescriptions within 1-2 business days, with expedited options available for urgent needs.
Are your optometrists certified?
All our optometrists hold Doctor of Optometry degrees and maintain active memberships in the Ontario and Canadian Associations of Optometry.
Can you help with eye emergencies?
For urgent eye conditions outside regular hours, we recommend visiting the nearest hospital emergency department for immediate care.
What eyewear brands do you carry?
Our optical gallery features premium brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Kate Spade, and Nike, along with specialty frames from independent designers.
Reviews (6)
Bev Suderman-Gladwell
Sep 21, 2021
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The fine folks at this office have cared for the vision needs of our family since we moved to KW in 2002. They are professional, helpful, and caring. I love their glasses selection too! I highly recommend them.
Alex Chicherov
Jan 07, 2021
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Web site needs a proper maintenance. Booked an appointment online ,as a result - wasted 2 weeks waiting to see a doctor. I simply wasn't in their schedule. Though, receptionist was trying to help me.
Randy Fletcher
Jan 03, 2021
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All three doctors are fantastic! I've been going here for over a decade and would highly recommend Kitchener Eyecare.
Jess
Oct 12, 2020
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Oh my goodness! What an amazing place!! I took my son here for a regular check up and Im so glad we came here. The place is so clean and tidy and the staff are incredible. The doctor was very thorough and great to my son. We will definitely be returning.
Carissa G.
Jan 27, 2020
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This was my first optometry visit in maybe 18 years, let alone first visit at Kitchener Eyecare and was incredibly impressed with the level of professionalism. From the start, I was made to feel comfortable and at home which is exceptionally nice during a first visit. Dr. Shanahan was super friendly and even after suggesting seeing a specialist kept me at ease and not worried whatsoever. I would highly recommend this clinic to all friends and family!!
Alex Haack
Oct 09, 2017
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Great place for eye dr. My family (grand parents, parents, me, etc) has been going here for many years. Also great service, no matter who is working. They do direct billing to coverage plana which is a bonus. I get glasses and sun glasses every checkup but this time inquired about contacts, so probably getting Othro-K which you wear while sleeping at night and don't need to wear anything during the day. It reshapes your cornea temporary like Lasik, so you don't need to wear anything during the day.
