Member Spotlight - Dr. Paul Rollett

Dr. Paul Rollett

Member Spotlight

About Dr. Paul Rollett

After completing my degree in Optometry at the University of Waterloo, my wife Brittany (a fellow OD) and I made the decision to begin our careers out on “the rock” in Newfoundland. It was here that I began to run into patients and situations that, using my current model of vision, I was unable to help. I suspected there was more I could do to aid presenting reading difficulties, “lazy eyes” and those struggling following injury, but it wasn’t clear to me exactly what steps I should take. At this point, I made the decision to dive head first into postgraduate training and education, thus beginning my love affair with the world of Vision Therapy and functional eye care.

Eventually Brittany and I knew it was time to move closer to our Western homes, deciding on the Okanagan valley for its year-round appeal. Initially balancing both primary care duties and a growing VT sub-clinic, it soon became clear that Vision Therapy was my one Optometric love - prompting me to complete my fellowship in vision development (FCOVD), and open Okanagan Vision Therapy - a dedicated VT-only practice. Since our initial move to the area, we have expanded to a large downtown Kelowna headquarters, along with satellite training centres in both Vernon and Nelson. In addition to providing Vision Therapy services at these centres, our team also conducts research and provides consulting services to clinics across North America who are aiming to bring this life-changing therapy to their areas.

Career Path and BCDO How do you define success?

Success to me is primarily defined by positive impact. How does your community, your family and those around you benefit from the work you do or the efforts you make? This impact doesn't have to be grandiose. As long as what you do and who you are betters the lives of those around you, you’re certainly successful in my books.

Dr. Paul Rollett

Board Certified in Vision Development & Rehabilitation BC Doctors of Optometry member

What inspired you to choose optometry as your profession?

Interestingly, I never really had my eyes checked as a child, with my parents concerned that an optometrist would “just try to sell you glasses.” So, it’s rather odd that I’ve found my way to what I’m doing now! Fortunately for me, I’m a 20/10 low hyperope. Unfortunately for me, I had a convergence insufficiency that went undiagnosed until Optometry school.

I have however always been interested in the science of sight - how we acquire information and, more importantly, what our brains can do with what we take in. It is so easy to take vision for granted, and yet, it is the sense that most directly defines our experience of the world. I get endless satisfaction from optimizing, or helping patients recover visual skills. And yes, we certainly do a lot more than “sell people glasses!”

Why is being a member of BCDO important to you?

I’ve seen firsthand the incredible dedication and commitment that members of this organization have for our profession. Long days and tireless nights are spent guiding and shaping the trajectory of Optometry within BC. I’ve personally been extremely impressed with all that BCDO has been able to accomplish during my tenure as an OD and am continually committed to supporting their endeavours.

What would you like to see BCDO accomplish in the next few years?

Selfishly, I would love to see continued advocacy for Vision Therapy, along with expanded coverage for these services. It’s not an easy task, but there have been some impressive inroads made in this area as of late - I’d love to see that continue.

What kind of person do you need to be to succeed as an optometrist?

Each Optometrist that I would personally define as being successful has one clear and glaring trait - empathy. The ability to listen and give patients the stage to share their story will serve you far greater as an OD than just about anything else.

The Profession of Optometry What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?

Being immersed in the world of Vision Therapy, I’m fortunate to witness life-changing transformations regularly. Getting a patient back to work so they can provide for their family, or witnessing a child’s academic trajectory dramatically change are just a couple of examples of what I find deeply rewarding about my job.

What are the most challenging aspects of your job?

It’s not always easy to try to change the public’s perception and understanding of vision. For a long time, people have essentially seen vision as this static sense - either you see things, or you wear glasses to sharpen them up. Vision, however, is incredibly dynamic, and it can be frustrating at times to try to modify long-held beliefs and misconceptions.

What new direction would you like to see happen in Optometry?

I would really love to see us take ownership of many of the functional elements of eye care that I have witnessed over the years to be slipping away from our profession. Expanded interest amongst the younger cohort of ODs is critical if we hope to maintain a seat at this table.

Advice for New Grads What are three pieces of advice you have for New Grads entering the workforce?

1) Practice gratitude daily, 2) Don’t take yourself too seriously, and 3) Be sure to stay passionate and humble.