KINGSTON & NAPANEE
VISION DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Dr. Zoé Briggs
OD, FAAO, FCOVD
Dr. Zoé Briggs is passionate about helping patients of all ages eliminate visual problems that interfere with learning and performance to enhance their quality of life. Dr. Briggs has extensive experience in vision therapy, learning-related vision problems, sports-vision training, and neuro-optometric rehabilitation for patients with brain injuries.
She received her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Montreal School of Optometry. She then completed a post-graduate Residency program in Pediatric Optometry and Vision Therapy at the University of Waterloo. She subsequently obtained advanced certifications and fellowships in Vision Therapy, Vision Development, and Neuro-Optometry.
Dr. Briggs has received awards for outstanding clinical care, and for distinction in practice excellence. She has experience as a clinical supervisor in the Binocular Vision Clinic at the University of Waterloo. She has also published work in international optometric journals and has been a speaker at numerous professional organizations including the Queen's University Sports Medicine Clinic and the Stroke Network of Southeastern Ontario.
Dr. Briggs is member of the Ontario College of Optometrists, and the Ontario Association of Optometrist. She has also obtained post-graduate fellowships in Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation (FOVDR) and with the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). She is an active member of Vision Therapy Canada (VTC), and the Neuro- Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA).
Originally from Kingston, Dr. Briggs is happy have settled down in the area. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, outdoor sports, and spending time with her husband and two young children.
Dr. Briggs is fluent in both English and French, and is pleased to offer eye exams in both languages.
Amanda Perry, CCOA, PVT
Vision Therapist
Amanda began working in the optometry field in 2013 and received her Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant (CCOA) certificate in 2015. After joining the team at Napanee Family Eyecare in 2019 she developed an interest in Vision Therapy. She then obtained her Practical Vision Therapy (PVT) certificate in 2020. Amanda enjoys working with both children and adults, and is especially interested in working with patients with concussions and brain injuries.
In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter. They enjoy camping, boating and spending time outdoors.
Kate Puffer, PVT
Vision Therapist
Kate began working in the optometry field in 2014 and received her Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant (CCOA) certification in 2016. Kate then pursued her training to become a Vision Therapist in 2022, completing her Practical Vision Therapy (PVT) certification in 2023. She is very excited to have joined this field. Kate enjoys working with patients of all ages and is looking forward to helping patients achieve better quality of life through vision therapy!
In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She loves spending time outside with her animals and has many including dogs, cats, chickens and ducks!
Lhamu Sherpa
Vision Therapist
Lhamu is a dedicated Vision Therapist with a strong foundation in optometry, specializing in binocular vision and vision therapy. She has extensive experience working with both children and adults, particularly those with special needs and neurological disorders. Lhamu is committed to improving visual function through individually tailored therapy programs.
Previously, Lhamu worked at the Centre for Autism in Nepal, where she conducted visual-motor assessments and provided in-office vision therapy. She played a vital role in educating families about visual issues, taught sign language to non-verbal children, and conducted research on visual challenges faced by children with special needs. Additionally, she has been working as a Clinical Application Specialist with vision therapy software in conjunction with vision therapy kits. Likewise, she served as a Program Coordinator at the Mero Eye Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at enhancing the optometry education in Nepal. In this role, she organized conferences and facilitated education for future optometrists.
Holding a Fellowship in Binocular Single Vision and Vision Therapy, Lhamu has also completed clinical training in vision therapy for patients with acquired brain injuries. Having worked in a multidisciplinary setting alongside occupational therapists, physiotherapists, behavioral therapists, and speech therapists, she understands the importance of interprofessional communication for optimal patient care. She is an active member of Nepalese Association of Optometrist.
With a strong dedication to patient care, Lhamu is passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of her patients. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, community involvement, and developing new skills.
Emily Metzler
Vision Therapist
Emily has a strong foundation in neurodevelopmental research and a passion for supporting both adult and pediatric populations. She began her training in the medical laboratory and biotechnology fields before pursuing studies in psychology at St. Lawrence College.
Her experience as a research assistant at the Queen’s Partnership on Neurodevelopment has allowed her to develop skills in collaborative projects and patient care, focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and Autism. She has also been involved in the planning and implementation of research projects with the Department of Psychiatry at Queen’s University, focusing on adults with mental health conditions. Previously, she worked with the Queen’s University Reading Camp, where she designed engaging reading and learning modules for participants.
In her role as a vision therapist, Emily implements customized therapy plans that address individual needs. Passionate about exceptional patient care, she is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages achieve their full potential through improved visual function. Outside of work, Emily enjoys gardening, staying active, and spending time with her family and pets.