We care for our team, patients, community, and world. We strongly believe that healthcare is a human right and that everyone should have access to it. We aim to help change the world by helping people find beauty and greatness in each other.
Through eye care, we can make a positive impact on the world. Our team believes in helping others through compassion, understanding, and dignity. We want to help ensure the world is a better place through our efforts.
Visit us to learn more and be a part of our mission to help spread positivity—in our community and worldwide!
We love taking every opportunity to give back through community initiatives like support programs at the Airdrie Public Library or partnering with Eye See…Eye Learn for local fundraising. Our humanitarian efforts stretch worldwide beyond the borders of Airdrie, with many eye care missions around the world, including Guatemala, Nicaragua, Romania, and many others.
Our core values are more than just random buzzwords. We genuinely put them into practice and show them in every interaction we have with each other and our patients.
Compassion
We strongly believe that it’s a gift to be able to care for others, and we strive to go above and beyond to exceed our patient’s expectations.
Optimism
We believe in looking for greatness in both ourselves and in others. Our team injects a positive, energetic attitude throughout the workplace to ensure we have a great time, even on the busiest days!
Kindness
We honour and respect the humanity of every person. That means we treat everyone with care and consideration sincerely and straightforwardly.
Teamwork
Eye care is a collaborative effort! Our team believes that through collaboration, we can achieve greatness. We have each other’s back and know we can do more together.
Passion
We’re passionate about all things eye care and making a difference worldwide. We have an unending drive to change lives and make the world a better place.
Integrity
We act in a manner that is consistent with our beliefs. We are honest in how we conduct ourselves.
Dr. Heather Cowie received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo and most recently completed her Masters in Public Health at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Heather is the most extroverted person you might ever encounter!
She hugs strangers like they’re long lost family members, and while she is the smallest member of our team, coming in at a whopping 5 feet and 1 inch tall if she stands up super straight (her words), she has dreams taller than the clouds. She loves her fellow humans, and her desire to make a difference in the world expands beyond optometry.
Heather’s determination to help people is awe-inspiring. She always says, “love is action,” and truly lives by that statement.
Dr. Cristy Franco, Optometrist
Dr. Cristy Franco graduated from the University of Waterloo with her Doctor of Optometry degree. She recently completed her certification in vision therapy and is one of a small group of optometrists with a special interest in this field within the Calgary area.
Cristy excels at everything! Seriously, we don’t think there’s anything she’s not good at! Dr. Franco is a fantastic baker and keeps our tummies blissfully content with cupcakes. She can fix computer issues (even the tough stuff that turning it on and off and banging on it won’t fix). She can make an Excel spreadsheet like nobody’s business, and she can even sing! The list is endless, but her best quality is her desire to help. Dr. Franco is always willing to lend a hand with anything, and we all adore her and all her wonderful magical powers.
Dr. Leanne Joly, Optometrist
Dr. Leanne Joly graduated from the University of Waterloo with her Doctor of Optometry degree. Dr. Leanne is one of the sweetest human beings that has ever graced the earth. She is kind from the tips of the hair on her head right down to her toes. She brings a feeling of peace that follows her wherever she goes.
The days we are privileged enough to get to work with her are when you leave the office feeling full of goodness that’s spilled over from her endless supply. It’s very evident that her greatest joy lies in the tiny humans that she follows to hockey practice, and a close second is the people she helps on a daily basis.
Dr. Brandea Balcomb, Optometrist
Dr. Brandea Balcomb graduated from the University of Waterloo with her Doctor of Optometry degree. Dr. Brandea has lived a life so interesting that it inspires the people around her. She’s worked in 4 provinces in Canada and loves to travel. Dr. Brandea is always up for trying new things and is literally always registered in a fitness class, education class, triathlon, or race. While her list of accomplishments is super impressive, what we find most inspiring is her ability to do all of this with confidence, which is infectious.
Dr. Balcomb would never describe herself as bold or fearless, but we watch her in awe as she sets goals and smashes them. Her only competition is surpassing the girl she was yesterday. Dr. Balcomb is encouraging to everyone around her, and she fit in seamlessly when she joined our team. It feels like she has always been a part of our family!
Dr. Salina Kanji, Optometrist
Dr. Salina Kanji graduated from the New England College of Optometry with her optometry degree and did her residency in ocular disease. She’s fun and energetic and brings complete joy to the office.
Have you ever met someone and felt like you’ve known them forever? That’s what it’s like for everyone that has the pleasure of being in her presence. Dr. Kanji feels like your long-lost best friend or favourite cousin, and she has the most beautiful way of genuinely feeling excited for the people around her.
Everyone she meets feels this instant comfort, and she’s someone that you’re always glad you met. She is truly gifted when it comes to making others feel comfortable, and we’re extremely proud to have her as part of our team.
Dr. Emilie Yammine, Optometrist
Dr. Zoe Stein, Optometrist
Dr. Zoe Stein received her doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo and completed her residency training in pediatrics and vision therapy before moving out to Alberta.
Dr. Stein has a passion for working with children as well as helping those with post-concussive symptoms. And she’s also passionate about getting outside, trying new foods, and doing crossword puzzles!
Dr. Hannah Taylor, Optometrist
Dr. Hannah Taylor received her Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry. During her time at Pacific University, she became well-versed in binocular vision disorders and treatment. Upon graduation, she was presented with the Donald A. Bybee Memorial Award for best performance in vision therapy. Dr. Hannah believes that everyone should be given the opportunity to experience their full visual potential.
She completed her clinical rotations at multiple locations, including a private practice vision therapy clinic in Bozeman, Montana where she treated patients of all conditions such as traumatic brain injury, eye turns, learning disabilities, and stroke. Dr. Hannah also trained at a private practice in Calgary, Alberta where she enhanced her contact lens skills. While at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Salt Lake City she strengthened her knowledge of ocular disease and took the opportunity to train at the Moran Eye Centre focusing on specialty contact lenses. Lastly, she trained at a high-volume private practice in Cheyenne, Wyoming where she became highly skilled in dry eye therapy, myopia management, and performed emergency eye care on a regular basis. Throughout this training, she has acquired a great deal of experience in treating the visual needs of patients of all ages.
Dr. Hannah’s compassionate and caring mannerism builds solid relationships with everyone she crosses paths with. You are guaranteed to be greeted with a smile each and every time she walks into the room. Her zest for life and passion for adventure have taken her to great heights such as hiking the “Big 5 in Utah” to the beaches in Bali, not to mention kayaking the Algarve in Portugal.
Dr. Hannah’s number one priority has always been helping people whether it was volunteering at the hospital, being there for family and friends, or providing eye care to those in need in the Portland area on the traveling EyeVan. You are sure to feel welcomed and cared for when attending an appointment with Dr. Hannah.
Explore expert advice, practical tips, and the latest research on maintaining eye health, preventing diseases, and more in our blog!
Can Myopia Be Cured or Reversed?
The short answer is no, however, myopia can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses, and treatments are available to manage the progression of myopia in children. Treatment options include specialized multifocal lenses and atropine drops.
In adults, surgery options like LASIK can reduce or eliminate dependence on corrective lenses by reshaping the cornea, though this does not cure myopia. […]
Myopia Control Lenses: Understanding the Benefits & Your Options
Imagine your child struggling to see the board at school or squinting at their homework every night. Myopia, or nearsightedness, can make daily activities a challenge, but there’s good news—myopia control lenses offer a way to slow the progression of this condition and protect your child’s long-term vision. These specialized lenses don’t just improve how […]
Myopia vs. Hyperopia vs. Astigmatism: What’s the Difference?
Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry due to an elongated eye. Hyperopia makes close objects blurry because the eye is too short. Astigmatism distorts vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. […]
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and we’re here to shed some light on this stealthy yet potentially vision-threatening condition. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. Think of the optic nerve as the unsung hero behind the scenes, responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Now, here’s the catch […]
Let me start by saying WOW. Did I read that correctly? Has it really been 10 years? I remember bringing my 6-month baby to the clinic so that we could repaint, install counters and a sink, and hoping it would be dried for our first patient the next day. I remember feeling like I had […]
Stress and Your Vision: How They Relate To Each Other
Your eyes are not just windows to your soul; they are intricate, delicate organs, acting as finely tuned cameras, designed to capture the world’s beauty in vibrant detail. These remarkable organs deserve their own superhero theme song, but instead, they often get hit with the blues when stress comes to town. Recognizing the significance of […]
Halloween is just around the corner, and you might be gearing up to put together the most epic costume ever. You’ve got the spooky decorations, the eerie soundtrack, and a killer costume idea. But wait, have you considered adding a unique touch to your look with colored contact lenses? Before you dive into the world […]
Optomap Ultra-Widefield Retinal Imaging: Seeing The Bigger Picture
What is the Optomap? Have you ever wondered what the inside of your eye looks like? The Optomap is like the ultimate selfie stick for your eyeballs. It is a diagnostic tool that allows our Optometrists to capture an ultra-widefield view of your retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. The Optomap […]
The Impact of Digital Devices on Children’s Eye Health: Tips for Parents
It’s no secret that computers, tablets, cell phones, and video games have become staples in our children’s everyday lives. So how does this affect our children? The truth is that most children are spending too much time on screens, which can lead to poor eye development and increases your child’s risk of developing certain eye […]
Just like the common cold, eye infections can happen to anyone. From shopping carts, door handles, and other everyday items, you can pick up bacteria and germs that can make their way into your eyes. Preventing eye infections takes positive hygiene practices, like using clean towels and washing your face and eyelids daily, to help […]
Medical terms for many conditions develop new names that are easy to digest for the layperson. Eye diseases are no different. Amblyopia and strabismus are sometimes referred to as “lazy” eyes because one eye sees better than the other. Not only is the term lazy eye misleading, but it’s also inaccurate. These conditions aren’t a […]
There’s no conclusive evidence to suggest that dark mode helps digital eye strain, but it may help reduce blue light, potentially affecting sleep quality.
It’s been suggested that dark mode isn’t enough, and what makes the difference is dimming the screen’s brightness setting.
Many factors can contribute to dry eye, including the foods you eat, your environment, and digital eye strain. The good news is, adding vitamins and minerals such as omega-3s and Vitamins A, D, and B12 can help protect against dry eye disease and maintain your overall health. […]
For many children of school age, myopia, sometimes known as nearsightedness, is a fact of life. About 30% of Canadians have it, with projections suggesting as much as 50% of the world population will have it by 2050! Suffice it to say, if you have it, you’re in good company. But what if your child […]
Experiencing dry eyes is never pleasant, and finding relief is usually the first thing on your mind. The first step to finding relief is visiting your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam to get to the bottom of your dry eye symptoms. But dry eye can come in different forms, like evaporative dry eye. Let’s […]
Simply put, a comprehensive eye exam evaluates the health and function of your eyes. During an eye exam, your optometrist will check all parts of your eyes to check overall health and identify any eye conditions if present. Eye exams for adults, seniors, and children provide a proactive approach to eye health. Early detection of […]
It’s important to start your young children off right in every manner, including their eye health. But when should you begin having your child’s eyes examined? Beginning early is best to ensure they are successful at home, at school, and during after-school fun. It’s crucial to schedule eye tests for children early because some early […]
Vision care is a consistent process. With the evolution of vision care research, your optometrist has more options than ever to help manage your vision. Vision therapy is a program built on evidence-based activities to help your visual system. Let’s look at how vision therapy works, including some exercises you can do and the vision […]
You’ve probably heard people talking about our eyes being windows to our souls, which is a nice thought but lacks evidence! On the other hand, routine comprehensive eye exams regularly catch many different diseases and conditions. Diabetes is one of those diseases that isn’t directly related to your eyes. However, not only can it affect […]
Contact lenses can be a great alternative to wearing eyeglasses. They can be more convenient and hassle-free and they don’t fog up! Have you tried wearing contact lenses and given up on them because they didn’t quite work for you? Wearing contact lenses can cause dry eyes, although this can be treated and avoided by […]
Wow! What a whirlwind these last few months have been, we sincerely hope that you and your families are healthy and happy during this challenging time. On April 30th the Alberta government announced that essential health services, which includes Optometry clinics can return to offering routine care. This announcement means that we can now begin […]
Making a Difference: How To Contribute to Healthy Vision in the Developing World
What I was in my 20s, I spent some time living in Guatemala. I worked at an eye care mission and saw first-hand how even the most basic care could make an unbelievable difference in someone’s life, particularly someone living in a developing country. My experiences in Guatemala played a huge role in my decision […]
Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of local Airdrie businesses close their doors. As a local business owner and a proud member of the Airdrie community, it makes me sad to see so many awesome Airdrie stores, restaurants, and more go under. Lately, I’ve been trying to support more local businesses and I’ve […]
Visual Problems in Kids Affect More Than Just Learning
80% of learning is visual, which is why optometrists try to stress the importance of eye exams for kids. But as a parent and optometrist, I think we’re focusing too much on a single facet of a multi-faceted issue. The reality is that vision affects your child in every area of their life, not just […]
The Myopia Epidemic: Why Parents Should Manage Screen Time
Vision is a crucial part of the learning process. In fact, research indicates that approximately 80% of learning is visual. Regardless of your child’s age, they rely on their eyesight to help them reach developmental milestones, keep up with peers academically, and even pick up on social cues. However, the increase in myopia or nearsightedness […]
It’s no secret that vision problems can severely disable a child’s vision problem. But what happens if your child has vision issues and another learning disability? Research shows that children with learning disabilities are actually more likely to suffer from vision problems. Unfortunately, the symptoms associated with many learning disabilities often overlap with the symptoms of […]
UV & You: How Ultraviolet Light Affects Your Eyes You know you should wear sunglasses for your eyes and you know not to look directly at the sun. But do you know why? Every day, you’re warned against the dangers of UV light. But do you know what that means? Before you can protect yourself, […]
Living Without Colour: Understanding Colour Deficiency Did you know that colour blindness really isn’t blindness at all? It’s a deficiency. Did you know that about 8 percent of men are colour deficient, while less than 1 percent of women are? We’ve heard a lot about colour deficiency or “colour blindness” over the span of our […]
A Close Look at Macular Holes Your body changes over time; sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. While we can’t always change this fact, we can educate ourselves so we know what to look for, and when a change requires medical attention. In this article, we’ll be covering macular holes; what you need […]
Corneal Abrasions: Do They Damage Your Eyes? The human eye is not a particularly tough organ. It’s soft, exposed, and an essential part of our everyday lives. As such, it’s no surprise that eyes sustain injuries every day. The most common of these injuries is the corneal abrasion. A corneal abrasion is really just a […]
Understanding Double Vision Double vision is a condition that’s familiar to most. It’s so common in fact, that cartoons and comedies often use double vision as a joke or a gag. While it can set up some funny situations, double vision can cause significant difficulty and frustration, and can even be a symptom of a […]
“What an amazing experience! The office is easy to locate in Towerlane Mall and there’s lots of parking right in front. Entering, it is very clean, bright and the friendly staff greet you right away! Looking for new glasses for myself, we were presented with a very large and diverse selection to choose from. I can’t begin to recommend this Family Clinic highly enough and would without hesitation, rate a 10⭐ if that option were available. If you’re looking, give them a call, you’ll be happy you did!!”
-Ted
My youngest and I will never go anywhere else. Your vision really is their number one priority. Treated with respect, kindness and compassion. Very grateful!
-Liane
Absolutely love this place, from the moment you walk in the door you’re greeted with smiling faces and positives attitudes. My kids love seeing Dr. Cowie, she can brighten up anyone’s day 💜
-Carmen
We are long time patients at Airdrie Family Eye Doctors for a very good reason. We have interacted with multiple doctors and front end staff and they are all amazing. You will never find a better eye doctor than this. They are honest, trustworthy, and compassionate. They are dedicated members of the Airdrie community working incredibly hard to make a difference far beyond their clinic practice. I can’t say enough good about them. Highly recommend.
-Jamie
Great team – always go above & beyond to help and get you to the place you need to be with your vision without overselling. They genuinely care about the service they provide. Thanks!
-Karen
“Airdrie Family Eye Doctors has been taking care of my whole family’s eye care needs since we moved to Airdrie 8 years ago. It always is a pleasant experience and every one is so caring and seem to really enjoy their jobs.”
-Sharon
“We see Dr. Kanji for our family and she is outstanding. She has a great sense of humor and is extremely thorough. Dr. Kanji is wonderful with children and teens alike. The staff that helps with glasses and contacts are incredibly friendly and helpful. They try every route with your insurance to save you on out of pocket expenses. I highly recommend Airdrie Family Eye Doctors.”