Board of Directors
Board of Directors
As Canadian Optometrists, we are dedicated to enhancing optometric education and public awareness of Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation to improve the lives of our patients.
Meet Our Board of Directors
- Tedra Kindopp, BSc, OD, FOVDR – President
- Kristel Jefferies, BSc, OD, FOVDR -Vice President
- Dr. Alice Yuan, OD, FAAO – Secretary
- Sarah Hutchens, OD, FCOVD – Treasurer
- Matthew Anderson OD, FOVDR, FCCSO – Director of Continuing Education
- Kristen Letwinetz, OD – Director of Internal and External Affairs
- Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor, OD, MSc CPNP FOWNS -Director of Marketing
- Tanya Polonenko, OD, FAAO, FCOVD – Director of Membership
- Debra Holtzhauer – Director of Therapist Relations
Tedra Kindopp, BSc, OD, FOVDR – President
Dr. Tedra Kindopp attended Andrews University in Michigan where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry in 1993. She then attended the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Sciences where she received her Doctor of Optometry in 1997. Dr. Kindopp has pursued her passion for neuro-optometric rehabilitation with continual learning. She has completed the Sanet Vision Seminars, the Core Curriculum with the Optometric Extension Program Foundation, and advanced training in Syntonic Phototherapy. Dr. Kindopp has taken many Post-Concussion Rehabilitation courses and loves the changes it makes in her patient’s lives. She received her Fellowship from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development in 2019.
Dr. Kindopp wants to support the amazing vision therapy community that she is proud to be a part of and has a desire to help others learn more about all the vision therapy offers. She is a Clinical Associate Instructor for the University of Waterloo School of Optometry. She is a core committee member for Alberta’s Neurosciences Rehabilitation and Vision Strategic Clinical Network. She locally lectures to fellow optometrists, physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists and teachers.
Kristel Jefferies, BSc, OD, FOVDR – Vice President
Visual rehabilitation and vision therapy have been Dr. Jefferies’ passion since her second year of schooling when she became fascinated by the neurology behind the visual process. She has focused her practice on behavioural optometry and the treatment of binocular vision disorders since began her career in 2013. Having suffered a concussion herself, Dr. Jefferies understands first-hand the important role that visual neuro-rehabilitative therapy can play in achieving a full recovery from a traumatic brain injury. She also offers vision therapy to individuals with eye turns and amblyopia, sports vision treatments to athletes, and developmental optometry services to children with autism, dyslexia, non-specific reading disabilities and other academic difficulties. Dr. Jefferies is privileged to have assisted hundreds of patients to improve the quality of their vision. She is thrilled to provide care to the community of Pembroke and surrounding areas.
Dr. Jefferies obtained a baccalaureate degree in Biochemistry from the University of Guelph in 2008. In 2013, she graduated with her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Jefferies started a binocular vision and vision therapy practice in Ottawa, Ontario. During her training, Dr. Jefferies was the recipient of several awards including the W. Ross Andrews Prize for Clinical Optometry, the Essilor Low Vision Award, and the Reginald Williams Memorial Scholarship for Academic Excellence. She was also the Vice President of her graduating class and remains a strong advocate for volunteer work and community involvement. Dr. Jefferies has been an integral part of many optometric mission trips to under-developed countries including Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras and Ghana, where she provided free eye-care to citizens in need. In April 2020, Dr. Jefferies obtained her Fellowship with the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (FCOVD), a US organization that certifies Optometrists who have additional training and expertise in the field of Behavioural, Developmental and Rehabilitative Optometry.
In 2015, Dr. Jefferies moved to Pembroke, Ontario with her family. She is a proud mother to 2 children and provides a home to two beautiful cats, which she adopted from an animal shelter. She enjoys spending her leisure time outdoors through activities such as camping, hiking, running and biking. As a young adult, she was a competitive soccer player and horseback rider. Dr. Jefferies remains a horse enthusiast but now enjoys these sports as hobbies.
Dr. Alice Yuan, OD, FAAO – Secretary Dr. Matthew Anderson OD, FOVDR, FCCSO – Director of Continuing Education
Dr. Alice Yuan grew up in Vancouver, BC. She completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Waterloo and has completed a residency in Pediatrics and Vision Therapy through the University of Waterloo.
Dr. Yuan now lives and practices in the Halifax area. She is passionate about helping children with binocular vision difficulties achieve their full potential. Dr. Yuan practices with a focus on strabismus, amblyopia, binocular vision dysfunction, learning-related vision problems, developmental vision, and acquired brain injuries. She is committed to bringing greater awareness of vision therapy to central Nova Scotia through lectures to fellow optometrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and teachers.
Dr. Sarah Hutchens – Treasurer
Dr. Hutchens holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Biology) from Memorial University, a Doctor of Optometry Degree from the University of Waterloo, has completed the Optometric Extension Program Core Clinical Curriculum, and has completed her Fellowship from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development to become board certified in vision development, vision therapy and vision rehabilitation.
Her focus in Developmental Optometry has driven her to open The Vision Development Centre – the first dedicated, in-office vision therapy practice in Newfoundland and Labrador; successfully improving visual skills of patients through rehabilitation of learning-related vision problems, binocular vision problems, and visual issues secondary to concussion.
Dr. Hutchens is heavily involved in both the Optometry and Vision Therapy communities, currently serving on the Board of Directors of Vision Therapy Canada. She is also a Past President of the NLAO (Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists) and the Past Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador CNIB Foundation Divisional Board.
Outside of work, she enjoys working out, baking (the two balance each other out nicely), a great latte, and spending time with her husband, two daughters and their husky, Indy.
Dr. Matthew Anderson OD, FOVDR, FCCSO – Director of Continuing Education
Dr. Matthew Anderson, FCCSO, FOVDR, is a leading voice in Canadian developmental optometry, dedicated to advancing professional education and clinical excellence in vision therapy. He also is a proud father of seven children.
In 2010, Dr. Anderson founded the Gordon Ray Anderson Vision Development (GRAND) Institute, growing it into one of the largest dedicated, vision-therapy-only practices in Canada. Supported by a specialized team of six vision therapists and two patient care coordinators, the institute transforms the lives of approximately 400 patients each year by diagnosing and treating complex binocular vision disorders.
A 2005 graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, Dr. Anderson’s career is anchored by an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. He has pursued advanced continuing education every year since opening his practice, completing over 1,000 hours of postgraduate training. He holds a prestigious fellowship with the Canadian College of Specialties in Optometry (FCCSO) and is board-certified by the international Optometric Vision Development & Rehabilitation Association (OVDRA).
Dr. Anderson actively fosters a culture of learning within the broader optometric community. He facilitates weekly training sessions for his clinical staff, hosts specialized courses within his office for fellow optometrists and therapists.
Kristen Letwinetz, OD – Director of Internal and External Affairs
Dr. Kristen Letwinetz, OD is a practicing optometrist with a clinical focus on binocular vision dysfunction, vision therapy, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. Raised in rural Alberta, she brings a strong appreciation for accessible, community-based health care and the unique challenges faced by patients in rural and underserved regions. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo in 2023.
Dr. Letwinetz was introduced to behavioral optometry through a clinical internship, which sparked a lasting interest in functional and developmental vision care. She has since pursued ongoing education, mentorship, and advanced clinical education and training in vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation, integrating these principles within a comprehensive optometric practice setting. Her clinical interests include pediatric vision care, concussion and acquired brain injury rehabilitation, and strabismus/amblyopia management.
She currently practices in Pembroke, Ontario, and is passionate about advancing education, collaboration, and access to vision therapy services across Canada through her work with VTC. She is proud to provide care in both English et en français.
Outside of practice, Dr. Letwinetz enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking with her dogs, staying active through sport, and exploring national parks across North America.
Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor, OD, MSc CPNP FOWNS – Director of Marketing
Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor is a passionate optometrist, vision science educator, and advocate for advancing vision therapy and holistic eye care. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Benin in 2007 and completed a Master of Science in Vision Science at the University of Waterloo, Ontario, in 2014.
Dedicated to lifelong learning and excellence in patient care, Dr. Maureen has completed advanced training through the Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF), the Practical Vision Therapy Program, and is a Certified Personalized Nutrition Practitioner through the American Nutrition Association. She has also completed fellowship training in ocular wellness and nutrition, further strengthening her expertise in the integration of nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and visual health.
Dr. Maureen is an active member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Group, and the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association. Her professional interests include vision therapy, binocular vision, neuro-optometric rehabilitation, ocular wellness, and preventive eye care.
A strong believer that Wellness is Medicine Dr. Maureen is passionate about connecting the brain, the eyes, nutrition, and overall health. She regularly delivers educational talks that bridge the gap between preventive healthcare, lifestyle medicine, and eye health, empowering individuals and families to make informed choices that support lifelong visual wellness. Beyond the clinic, she develops personalized meal plans and shares inspirational messages and wellness education through her Instagram platform, @swordsbymo.
Dr. Maureen is equally committed to inspiring the next generation. She actively mentors high school students within her community and recently guided a student who participated in the STEAM Fair, presenting a project on the 17 visual skills essential for learning, reading, sports, and everyday performance. Her dedication to education reflects her passion for cultivating future leaders and increasing public awareness of the vital role vision plays in overall success and well-being.
Tanya Polonenko, OD, FAAO, FOVDR – Director of Membership
Dr. Tanya Polonenko is a residency trained Optometrist and a board-certified Fellow in vision development, vision therapy and rehabilitation. After obtaining her Optometry Degree at the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry, she completed her Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy Residency at UC Berkeley School of Optometry where she continued serving as clinical faculty in the Binocular Vision Clinic. She returned to Canada in 2013 where she practiced in Toronto in a vision therapy focused full scope practice and a concussion centre. She loves to teach, and is an adjunct assistant clinical professor at the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry. There, she has had an integral role in establishing the concussion and vision therapy clinics. In December 2019, Dr. Polonenko opened her own full scope Optometry clinic in Kitchener, Visual Sense Eye Care, which has an emphasis on vision therapy, amblyopia, strabismus, learning related vision problems, concussion, and pediatrics. She has become an instructor for the PVTAP curriculum through VTC and is excited to join the Board of Directos.
Debra Holtzhauer, CCOA, PVT, COEP-T, COVT – Director of Therapist Relations
Debra is a certified vision therapist and the Director of Therapist Relations for Vision Therapy Canada. She was awarded the OEPF Star Award for Excellence in Behavioral Optometry at the 2024 International Congress of Behavioral Optometry. Debra brings extensive experience in neuro-optometric rehabilitation through her leadership roles at multiple clinics. She is passionate about mentoring developing therapists, advancing clinical education, and strengthening professional standards across Canada.
She actively fosters interdisciplinary collaboration through partnerships with allied health professionals and researchers, including those at the University of Waterloo. Debra is currently completing her MSc in Neuroscience with the University of Warwick, integrating research and evidence-based practice into her clinical and organizational work.
Outside of work, Debra enjoys fitness, hiking, and spending time with her family.