Our Practice in Barrie

Dr. Erin Haney has practiced within the neuro-optometric specialty since 2012 and in the primary eye care field since 2007 at Bayside Eye Care and Vision Rehabilitation Centre. She specializes in the diagnosis and management of visual dysfunction in acquired brain injury and concussion patients. Dr. Haney also treats children with functional or binocular vision disorders.

She uses her background in kinesiology and neurology to integrate the vestibular, proprioceptive, and cervical systems to help improve visual function. Dr. Haney is a member of the College of Optometry and Vision Development and actively involves herself in continuing education in the area of neuro-optometry and concussion.

Dr. Haney graduated with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at the University of Waterloo in 2002. She went on to earn her Master of Science in neuroscience with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto in 2004 and a Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2007.

Areas of Specialty: Concussion Care, Dry Eye, Myopia Management, General Optometry

Leah MacDonald was born in Scotland and moved to Canada at the age of three. She has called Barrie her home since the age of twelve.

Leah has over five years of experience in the eye care field, specializing in vision therapy. She has travelled to the United States to complete advanced courses in binocular vision and vision therapy. Her background includes treating visual dysfunctions related to learning disabilities, concussions, acquired brain injuries, and strabismus (ocular misalignment). She is able to draw from her own personal experience, as child with strabismus to an adult that suffers with migraines, to further improve her own binocular vision status and that of others. She is able to easy identify with her patients and quickly establish a good rapport.

Leah started her professional career as a Law Clerk, having graduated from Georgian College in 2012. Early in her career, she realized her preference for working with people and made the choice to change her career path. Leah feels that she stumbled into the world of vision therapy, but that is where she belongs. Vision therapy is an ever-evolving specialty, in which one can truly affect the lives of patients; from improving a child’s ability to read and removing any visual barriers to learning to helping an athlete return to sport following a concussion or help eliminate a patient’s migraines. It is this aspect that motivates Leah in her career and drive her to continue to develop and refine her skills.

Dr Nicole McKenney was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. After completing her undergraduate degree in Bio-Medical Science from the University of Guelph in 2016, she went on to receive her Doctor of Optometry Degree from the University of Waterloo in 2020. During her studies she completed clinical rotation in contact lenses, ocular health, pediatrics, low vision and binocular vision. She also completed externships in Waterloo, Kitchener and Kenora, Ontario. During her time in rural Kenora, Dr McKenney was exposed to significant ocular disease and become passionate about this area of optometry. She also enjoys seeing patients of all ages, especially little ones and tries to make eye exam both fun and informative.

In 2018 Dr McKenney traveled to Senegal, Africa where she was part of a team of optometry student doctors volunteering to provide eye care for those I need. Since she started in the profession in 2020. Dr McKenney’s passion for helping patients continues to grow. When she is not in the office Dr. McKenney can be found at the dog park with her Husky and Samoyed, camping with her partner or enjoying delicious Italian food.

Areas of Specialty: General Optometry, Dry Eye, Pediatrics, Ocular Disease

Dr. Talia Jacob graduated from Western University with a Bachelor of Science and then received her Doctors of Optometry with Honours from the University of Waterloo where she served as the Director of the Education of CAOS (Canadian Association of Optometry Students).

Due to complications with her father’s eyes, Dr Jacob made many trips with him to the optometrist from a young age which eventually inspired her to pursue the career. Dr. Jacob has special interests in neuro-optometry and is taking continuing education courses to help with management of patients inflicted by acquired brain injuries and concussions.

Her main motivation as an optometrist is taking care of patient’s vision to help them reach their potential. When not in the office, Dr Jacob enjoys hiking, spending time with friends and family, trying new foods and reading.

Areas of Specialty: Concussion Care, Dry Eye, Myopia Management, General Optometry