Our Team

Susan Ferron

Began her career in an Optometric Practice in Brandon Manitoba in 1983 and achieved her credentials as a Registered Para-Optometric in 1986. She acted as Vice- President, then President of the Para-Optometric Association from 1987 - 1991 promoting education and growth of the Association in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Susan's move to BC in 1999 acted as the catalysis to attend BC College of Optics and to re-certify as a Licensed Optician/Contact Lens Fitter in 2001.  This precipitated her move to the Sunshine Coast in the spring of 2002.

Utilizing her experience and knowledge in the optical industry, Susan opened the doors at InSightful Visions in of June 2007. Her work days are spent loving what she does; assisting those who seek her expertise in finding and wearing the perfect eyeglasses for them. She also enjoys the challenges of a successful contact lens practice with healthy and happy lens wearers. Susan still finds time to purse her personal interests and hobbies and spending quality time with good friends.

Dr. Andrew Huhtanen

Originally from Oakville, Ontario, Andrew graduated as a Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2009.  He completed his Bachelor of Science degree from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario in 2004.  Upon graduation from the University of Waterloo Andrew was honored with the Award for Excellence in Patient Management by the Ontario Association of Optometrists. Andrew recognizes the importance of international volunteering and its role in contributing to the field of Optometry.  As such, he has participated in a number of international optometry missions, including missions in Mexico, India and Tanzania.

Growing up in Ontario and coming from a large family, he spent many summers at his family cottage in Muskoka.  Andrew finds many similarities between the close community in Northern Ontario and that of his new community on the Sunshine Coast. Andrew would like to provide his patients with a memorable experience at each visit.  With an emphasis on taking time to listen and educate, Andrew offers thorough eye examinations with a focus on eye health.

Dr. Marnie Spino

Graduated with clinical honors from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in May 1992, following graduation, Marnie had the good fortune to gain employment with an ophthalmologist who specialized in refractive surgery. Involved with the early PRK clinical trials conducted by Will's Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, she obtained specialized training and clinical expertise for laser refractive surgery. She has participated and spoken at international refractive surgery seminars and has served as a councilor for the BC Association of Optometrists.

As an optometrist, mother, wife, aspiring cook, beginner kayaker, and sea glass gatherer, among other things, Marnie strives to be at the top of her profession, a constant learner, a good listener, and trusted friend. With her family, they immigrated to British Columbia in 2004 as skilled workers, became Canadian citizens this summer, and feel fortunate to spend part of their time in Sechelt.

Rita Erickson

Joined the InSightful Visions Team as Administrative Assistant in March 2010.  As our front line Ambassador she generally is the first person to greet you and the last to say goodbye. Incorporating her skills and experience from her previous career in Customs Import/ Export she excels at being on top of her multi faceted duties, and is a great support to our Customer Service Mandate.  Working closely with the Optometrists she has utilized her talents and past achievements of organization and meticulous work ethic along with a positive attitude and listening skills focused on you, to ensure you have all the information needed pertaining to your eye care.

Rita lends us her expertise in artful flower arrangements, and the written word in our publications.  Being a well-read individual, she truly is a wealth of information outside of the eye care industry. She enjoys the pace and people of the Sunshine Coast where she resides with her family.

Joan Hourigan

Joined the InSightful Visions Team as a part time member in September 2010.  She brings to us her past experience as a Registered Nurse and her further studies in Holistic Heath.  Joan has worked diligently with the Optometrists to learn the depth of our eye care industry in her new role as an Optometric Assistant.  Her medical know how, pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement knowledge is a wonderful compliment to our services.   Joan's intuitive listening and practical approach allows each individual to express their concerns and personal health history to be addressed during their visit with the Optometrist.

Joan has a keen eye in frame selections and is always willing to voice her honest opinion and she has accumulated a tremendous amount of knowledge of the optical industry in her time with us.  She has shared her creative gift of photography with is by taking and  designing the slide show of pictures accompanying our Theme Song and she is truly a wonderful addition to our team.  As a devoted Mother and Wife she resides on the Sunshine Coast active in the community as a great friend and volunteer.

Liesha Hansen

Started her first part time job when she joined the InSightful Visions Team in June 2010. She attends Chatalech High School and came highly recommended to us by her peers. Liesha spent her summer holidays of 2010 intensely training with us to learn and perform the basic duties of Optometric Assistant, Contact Lens Training with continual training in the role of Frame Stylist, which she works part time in during her high school semesters. Liesha is an excellent candidate for the Post Secondary Certificate Programs we offer.

She has been commended on her telephone etiquette and pleasant manners and all who have the opportunity to work with her have enjoyed her confident knowledge and caring personality  Liesha shares with us her artist gift in designing and setting out our window displays giving us a fresh new look at the beginning of each month.  She is active in high school sports, striving to do her best in all she undertakes, absolutely loves the Sunshine Coast and all that it offers and is devoted to her family.

Dr. Omar Lenfesty

Omar is currently enjoying his winter home and working as an Optometrist in New Zealand.  After his trip the Africa this spring he plans to remain outside of Canada for the remainder of 2011.



                                

Aja Plows

Aja is currently on Maternity Leave enjoying her young and active family of three. Congratulation on the safe arrival of your new baby girl!

Mya

A Lacquer Black Alsatian (German Shepherd) began her training as official greeter at eight weeks of age with an enthusiastic and eager to please attitude. Wonderful with children and adults of all ages, she enjoys their attention and especially their willingness to engage her in practicing her tracking exercises.

Currently Mya is spending a large amount of time away from the office pursing her training for search and rescue certification, socialization time with her friends and enjoying some much needed down time as she prepares for her first litter of puppies in the Fall of 2011.