Dr. Tyler Strong
Owner, Optometrist
He/Him
Dr. Tyler Strong was born and raised in the great community of Rocanville, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan for his undergraduate studies and then went on to graduate with honors from the Doctor of Optometry program at the University of Waterloo in 2006. During his studies he was given a great opportunity to complete an externship at Vision America in Birmingham, Alabama where he received great experience in post-surgical co-management with surgeries such as laser vision correction, and cataracts surgery as well as the diagnosis and management of retina disease, corneal disease and oculoplastics.
Dr. Strong has added interest in areas such as diabetes, dry eyes, soft, rigid and specialty contact lens fittings and building a family practice for patients of all ages.
Whenever he can, Dr. Strong loves spending his free time running, mountain biking and playing hockey.
Dr. Strong and Dr. Kim met during optometry school which brought Dr. Strong out west to reside in North Burnaby which they happily call home. They have two young boys who share their passion for sports and are often found as a pod riding and playing hockey on the local streets of Burnaby.
Dr. Strong is committed to sharing his small town upbringing to the city of Burnaby to build a strong community based optometry practice where he is excited to serve you and your family’s visual needs.
Spotted wearing: Andy Wolf 4598, Cutler and Gross 0822V2, Moscot Lemtosh, Mykita Lovell
Favourite Local Stop: Prado Cafe, Sopra Sotto Pizzeria
Dr. Nelly Kim
Owner, Optometrist
She/Her
Dr. Nelly Kim was born and raised in Coquitlam, BC and then moved to this amazing city of Burnaby after high school. She attended the University of British Columbia for her undergraduate studies in Microbiology and Immunology. She was accepted into the co-operative program which lead to opportunity to work with researchers in the field of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia as well as at the National Research Council in Montreal, Quebec. Dr. Kim then continued on to graduate with honors from the Doctor of Optometry program at the University of Waterloo in 2005. During her optometry studies, she completed an externship at the Houston Eye Associates in Houston, Texas and gained great clinical experience working alongside ophthalmologists specializing in corneal and retinal disease.
Dr. Kim has an added interest in areas of retinal disease, dry eyes, contact lenses and co-management of cataracts surgery and refractive laser eye surgery patients. She also enjoys working with patients of all ages and is excited to build a family practice at WHEO.
Dr. Kim enjoys the Westcoast active lifestyle and loves the outdoors. Whether it’s snowboarding, running or mountain biking, you will likely find her out enjoying the BC fresh air whenever she can with her family.
Dr. Kim is excited to provide patient care in this amazing community and can’t wait to meet you.
Spotted wearing: Barton Perreira Javelin, Face a Face Zenit 2, Krewe Reynolds
Favourite Local Stop: Small Victory, JJ Bean, Chez Christophe
Waseem
Optometric Dispenser, Technician, Lab Manager
He/Him, also speaks Arabic
Waseem joined WHEO as our very first team member when we opened back in 2019. Originally from Iraq, he brings a wealth of experience in both the dispensary and behind the scenes in the lab.
When he's not in the lab, you’ll likely find him hiking, admiring cars, or chasing after his son—usually all three at once!
Spotted wearing: Mykita Jefferson, Mykita Perry
Favourite local stop: Bin 4 Burger, Bill & Walter's Garage
Chelsea
Optometric Dispenser, CCOA
She/Her
A small-town girl at heart, Chelsea is all about helping others and making a difference. She earned her Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant certificate in 2017 and has been passionate about eye care ever since.
When not at work, you can find her drawing on her iPad, making Spotify playlists, and getting her hands dirty with pottery.
Spotted wearing: Garrett Leight Whitney, Moscot Lemtosh, Mykita Tobi
Favourite local stop: Gardenworks, Glenburn Soda Fountain
Irving
Optometric Assistant
He/Him, also speaks Tagalog
A real jetsetter, Irving has lived in the Phillipines, Dubai, and Los Angeles before finally calling Vancouver home. In addition to being WHEO's primary pretester, you'll find him patiently teaching new wearers of all ages how to use contact lenses.
Off-duty, he can be found playing basketball, growing his sneaker collection, and spending time with his daughters.
Spotted wearing: Mykita Jelva, Garrett Leight Earvin
Favourite local stop: Potato Corner, Sulbing Café
Taylor
Optometric Assistant
She/Her
Taylor is the friendly voice you’ll often hear answering the phone and handles a million other tasks behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly. She’s currently studying to become a pharmacist and is always on the go.
When she’s not in the office or studying, you’ll find her running, working out, baking, or spending time with her dog, Ollie.
Spotted wearing: Etnia Barcelona Alexandrite, Barton Perreira Binti
Favourite local stop: Nemesis Coffee, Sushi Nanaimo