Optometrists
Dr. Jameel Kanji OD MSc FAAO - Clinic Director and Chief Optometrist
Residency Trained in Pediatrics
Dr. Kanji was born and raised in Richmond Hill, Ontario. He graduated from the New England College of Optometry in Boston with a Doctor of Optometry as well as a Master’s of Science in Vision Science. Having a passion for children’s eye care, Dr. Kanji also completed a post-doctorate residency program in pediatric optometry. He has practiced in Boston as well as in various locations around the GTA, including midtown Toronto, Orangeville and Newmarket.
Dr. Kanji was a recipient of the Terrance N. Ingraham Pediatric Optometry Residency Award by the American Optometric Foundation, recognizing his service to the field of pediatric optometry. He has contributed to the optometry literature through his research on the visual consequences of concussions within the child and adolescent population.
In 2019, Dr. Kanji was designated as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry for demonstrating commitment to the highest level of excellence and professional competence in the field of eye care. He has expertise in diverse areas of eye care, including detection and management of variety of eye diseases (i.e., glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration), dry eye, diabetic eye disease, as well as performing vision therapy on both pediatric and adult populations.
Dr. Kanji has a passion for teaching and has previously taught advanced optometric techniques at the New England College of Optometry in Boston and Waterloo University School of Optometry and Vision Science. He has served on the College of Optometrists of Ontario as part of the Clinical Practice Panel of the College, and more recently serving as a director in the Alumni Association of the New England College of Optometry. He has also been active in community outreach, by providing voluntary eye care services to children at schools and various community events. Dr. Kanji has participated on eye-care humanitarian missions, most recently to the Dominican Republic.
Dr. Rekha Thayaparan OD - Associate Optometrist
Dr. Rekha Thayaparan completed her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto Scarborough, where she double majored in Human Biology and Psychology. She went on to earn her Doctor of Optometry degree with honours from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science.
Dr. Thayaparan is a member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario and the Ontario Association of Optometrists. During her training, she completed externships in Kelowna, British Columbia and Brandon, Manitoba, where she developed a strong appreciation for providing care in rural and underserved communities.
She has extensive experience in the diagnosis and co-management of ocular diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. She also participated in an international mission trip to Jamaica, where she provided eye care services with a focus on cataract detection in underserved populations.
Following graduation, Dr. Thayaparan began her career as the lead optometrist in La Crete, Alberta, where she gained valuable experience managing a wide range of ocular conditions, including ocular surface disease and retinal pathology, in a rural setting. She later returned to Ontario, practicing in Pembroke and serving geriatric and military populations, before continuing her work across the Durham Region, including Pickering, Ajax, and Oshawa.
Dr. Thayaparan is passionate about delivering patient-centered eye care and building long-term relationships with her patients through education and preventative care.
Outside of the clinic, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, reading, and relaxing with her dog, Daisy