About Me

Workaholic, optometric assisting guru, trainer extraordinaire, photo geek, kick-ass volunteer; all in one not-so-neat package

My name is Myra, and I’m a workaholic.  Yup, that’s pretty much how I should introduce myself in real life too.  I have recently become a software trainer and practice consultant for a company that makes practice management software for optometrists.  Part of the reason I was hired for the position is that for 13 years, I worked as a Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant in 3 different independent optometry clinics.  I also lecture and do hands-on coaching at workshops for the Optometric Assistant Course.  So really, asking me about my job depends on what day you’re talking to me. I’ve worked in eye care since 1999. It’s a career about which I am very passionate. I could go on for quite a while about it, but you don’t want to read all that…you want to see more photos!

I started getting interested in photography through the retinal photography I do at work. I figured if I can make something that interesting, I’ve got to be able to make more of it. So off I went to Ian Cook’s beginner photography class through the Vancouver School Board, and I was hooked. Got myself my trusty Olympus E-500 and off I went. That first year was flowers, flowers and more flowers. I’m trying to branch out, I promise!

So, I’m passionate about optometric assisting, I’m nutty about photography…and…I’m very enthusiastic about my volunteer work. I’ve known from Grade 10 when I did my first volunteer stint with UNICEF Regina that I absolutely had to dedicate a part of my life to helping others. It’s out there in the field on an eyecare project or in the booth doing a recording that I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing with my life. In the past, I’ve worked with UNICEF Regina, UNICEF BC, and Remote Area Medical Volunteers Canada. I currently volunteer with Third World Eye Care Society, collecting used eyeglasses and going on eyecare projects overseas. I have also volunteered in the past with the Crane Resource Centre at UBC, reading textbooks onto computer for students who are visually impaired.

My family consists of me and two cats I adopted from the SPCA.  The white and orange cat is Sir Spotacus the Lazy.  As his name suggests, his best skill is finding a spot where he can nap in peace.  The fluffy grey cat is Little Miss Autumn.  She’s a princess, and is definitely the boss of me around the apartment.

I hope you enjoy the photos here as much as I enjoyed creating them. I do ask that you respect the copyrights on my work; these photos belong to me. If you wish to use them, please contact me to discuss.