Welcome to WillowBrook Eye Care! I am Dr. Kara Vanderheyden, and it is my pleasure to introduce you to our practice. At WillowBrook Eye Care, we are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care during your visit.

I was born in McCreary and raised in Neepawa, rural Manitoba. I completed my Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Waterloo, followed by a Master of Science in Vision Science at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science. During my master's program, I published four peer-reviewed scientific articles on contact lens material properties. I then earned my Doctor of Optometry degree from the same institution, where I was honored with the Karen Tompa Memorial Award, the Canadian Contact Lens Society Award, and the COVD award. Following graduation I had the privilege of working at the Centre for Ocular Research & Education which led to further peer-reviewed publications on dry eye, particularly in patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome.

In 2014, I joined the practice in Dauphin, playing a crucial role in its expansion. In 2018, I established WillowBrook Eye Care as a certified Clerkship Teaching Site for the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science. Since then, we have had the privilege of training 29 now-practicing optometrists. In 2023, I initiated the creation of a monthly satellite retinal injection clinic at WillowBrook Eye Care.

I welcome patients from all backgrounds and am equipped to handle any ocular emergency or condition. My special interests include ocular diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye management, and myopia management. Additionally, I enjoy fitting specialty contact lenses for patients with irregular corneas or high refractive errors.

Beyond my clinical responsibilities, I am deeply committed to community service. I have been a member of the Rotary Club of Dauphin since 2015, where we have raised significant funds for projects like the Northgate Trails, Downtown Skate Park, and the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre waterslide. In 2023, I was honored to be named Rotarian of the Year.

Outside the clinic, I enjoy spending time on my acreage with my husband, daughter, and our many pets. Gardening and enjoying the outdoors are some of my favorite pastimes. I believe in striving for a fulfilling life and am dedicated to treating all patients with kindness and expertise, ensuring they leave our clinic happy and content.

Welcome to WillowBrook Eyecare, where your vision and eye health are our highest priority. I am Dr. Mills, and I am honored to be part of a team committed to delivering exceptional eye care in a welcoming and professional environment. Allow me to share a bit about myself and my journey in optometry.

I grew up in Boissevain, Manitoba, and have been fascinated by the complexities of the human eye since high school. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Manitoba. My pursuit of optometry took me to Bloomington, Indiana, where I obtained my Doctor of Optometry from Indiana University School of Optometry. I was privileged to gain diverse clinical experience at a Veterans Affairs Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as well as in specialty clinics in Indianapolis, Evansville, and Bloomington, Indiana.

My interests within optometry and vision care are broad, with a particular focus on pediatric eye exams. The unique challenges of working with children are immensely rewarding, especially when helping them overcome visual barriers to learning and development. Additionally, I have a strong interest in treating conditions that intersect the brain and eyes, such as addressing reading difficulties in children and managing visual symptoms associated with concussions in patients of all ages. Through targeted vision therapy, I strive to alleviate issues like double vision, eye tracking problems, and focusing difficulties, ultimately enhancing my patients' quality of life.

I believe that exceptional eye care combines state-of-the-art technology with personalized, attentive patient care. Whether you are visiting for a routine check-up, seeking the perfect pair of glasses, or requiring specialized treatment, I am committed to ensuring that all your needs are met with the highest standards of care. I remain dedicated to staying abreast of the latest advancements in eye health to provide the best outcomes for my patients.

Outside the clinic, you might find me on the golf course, at the curling rink, or enjoying time with my family and friends. I believe in living a life full of learning, laughter, and good health, and I bring this philosophy to my practice every day.

Hello, my name is Dr Brenna Yaschyshyn and I’m excited to join the WillowBrook Eye Care team in Dauphin & Roblin. I grew up in Swan River Manitoba, where my passion for eyes and the visual system began. I graduated from Brandon University with a Bachelors Degree in Biomedical Sciences, and shortly after I moved to Forest Grove, Oregon to begin my Doctor of Optometry Degree at Pacific University. During my time at Pacific University I became a part of the International Optometric Honors Society, served as President of the Rural Optometry Club and obtained certification to fit specialty contact lenses for Myopia Management. During my final year of Optometry School, I had the pleasure of interning at diverse clinic locations. These included the Washington State School for the Blind, The California Keratoconus Center, Visionmax Eye Center in Edmonton, as well as a Veterans Hospital and a Primary Care Clinic.

I bring a broad range of clinical experience, having worked with patients across various age groups, backgrounds, and ocular conditions. This diverse experience has allowed me to develop a well-rounded understanding of different eye health needs and treatment approaches, ensuring I can provide tailored, compassionate care to each patient in my chair.

I am excited to be back in the Parkland to be closer to family and friends. Outside of clinic I enjoy spending time at lake kayaking or fishing, as well as catching up on reality TV and sipping a good cup of coffee. I believe that eye care goes beyond just prescriptions –it's about ensuring overall well-being and helping you see the world with clarity and comfort.

Hello! My name is Dr. Megan Brunen and I am thrilled to be coming back home to serve the parkland community at WillowBrook Eye Care. I grew up in Laurier, Manitoba, and have always had a passion for learning. Many of you may already know me—I attended Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School (DRCSS), worked at the Dauphin Co-op Grocery Store, and even was summer student at WillowBrook Eye Care.

My post-secondary studies began at the University of Manitoba, where I completed the prerequisites needed to pursue and complete the Doctor of Optometry program at the University of Waterloo. Throughout my training, I gained hands-on experience in a variety of clinical settings. In my final year, I completed an externship in ocular disease at FYidoctors in Cold Lake, Alberta, where I had the opportunity to manage a high volume of complex cases. I also trained in primary care during an externship in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Additionally, my internship at the University of Waterloo allowed me to rotate through specialty clinics in low vision, pediatrics, binocular vision, contact lenses, and ocular health—areas that I have developed a special interest in, particularly ocular health and pediatric eye care.

Beyond optometry, I have always been passionate about community involvement. I was a dedicated member of 4-H for thirteen years, which helped shape my leadership skills and love for rural communities. In 2023, I was honored to receive the 4-H Manitoba Future Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship, recognizing both my volunteer contributions and my essay on the need for sustainable rural eye care.

When I’m not in the clinic, I enjoy baking, spending time with family and friends, and soaking up the prairie sunshine. I am so excited to be back in the Parkland region and look forward to providing high-quality, compassionate eye care to the community that means so much to me. I can’t wait to see you at WillowBrook Eye Care!