Shuswap Optometric Centre is committed to providing you with eye care you can depend on. No matter your need, you can expect a tailored experience while we work diligently to find the solutions best for you.
Our vision is clear: to provide our valued patients with an exceptional experience. Our focus on innovation, service, and training ensures that we maximize your vision’s potential and exceed your expectations.
It might be cliché to say that the communities of Salmon Arm and Chase are in our blood, but it’s true!
Our practice was founded in 1974 by Jim Beckner and has since become one of the most trusted sources of family eye care in the Shuswap area. Since then, we relocated to our new clinic in Salmon Arm, opened another practice in Chase, and expanded our family of experienced doctors.
Dr. Alan Ewanyshyn, received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alberta, a Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry. Dr. Ewanyshyn joined Shuswap Optometric in 2008.
Dr Ewanyshyn has a special interest and experience in laser vision correction and pediatric optometry. He enjoys working with patients of all ages and maintains a focus on patient satisfaction.
He is an active member of the community, volunteering his time, coaching soccer and he also enjoys hiking, running and Nordic skiing.
Dr. Tracy Thompson
Dr. Tracy Thompson graduated with honours from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry, in 2010. She moved to Salmon Arm following graduation where she began her practice at Shuswap Optometric Centre.
Dr. Thompson enjoys general family optometry from babies to the elderly and especially enjoys working with children. She specializes in treatment of dry eyes and patients with Blepharitis.
Dr. Thompson promotes a great patient experience utilizing the most current and up to date equipment available.
She loves living in the Shuswap with her husband and three children, exploring the great local foods and wines. She enjoys cooking, gardening, knitting, and running.
Dr. Lauren Koch
Dr. Lauren Koch graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry in June, 2012, and joined Shuswap Optometric Centre immediately following graduation.
Dr. Koch specializes in patients of all ages with unique ocular concerns.Her goal is to provide thorough and thoughtful care to all her patients while addressing their eye care needs.
Currently Dr. Koch, is training for an Iron Man distance triathlon that will take place at the end of July. She also enjoys hiking and camping.
Dr. Katie Stewart
Dr. Katie Stewart attended the University of Winnipeg, receiving her Bachelor of Science with a major in biology in 2019. She went on to graduate with honours from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry, in 2023. Following graduation, she moved to Salmon Arm where she joined the Shuswap Optometric Centre.
Dr. Stewart has a special interest in myopia control and managing ocular disease. She loves educating patients about their eyes and sharing tips for maintaining eye health. In the practice, Dr. Stewart works with patients of all ages and focuses on providing comprehensive, quality care.
In her spare time, Dr. Stewart can be found taking in the sights of the Okanagan or tasting the local cuisine. She loves playing hockey and exploring all the Salmon Arm community has to offer.
Dr. Patricia Beatson
Dr. Patricia Beatson graduated from Pacific University in 2021. She spent a few years working in Nelson before moving to Vernon.
Dr. Beatson believes in creating a welcoming environment where patients feel heard and well cared for. She has a special interest in managing ocular disease and spent time in Senegal giving eye exams to individuals without access to care.
Outside of work, you can find her hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying live music with her husband.
Dr. Kimberly Rossman
Dr. Kimberly Rossman grew up in rural Alberta and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from MacEwan University in Edmonton. She then moved to Oregon to pursue her passion for optometry, graduating with a Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry.
After graduation, Dr. Rossman returned to her hometown in Alberta, where she practiced for a few years before relocating to Enderby. She is excited to now call the Shuswap home and provide comprehensive eye care to individuals and families of all ages.
Outside of the clinic, Kimberly enjoys making the most of the outdoors with her husband and their dogs. You’ll often find her biking the rail trail, paddleboarding at Gardom Lake, or in the winter months, snowmobiling at Hunter’s Range.
Dr. Rossman enjoys working with children and looks forward to providing compassionate and thorough eye care to patients and their families throughout the Shuswap.
Dr. John Gentles
Dr. Gentles brings warmth, experience, and a genuine love of patient care to every exam. Known for his charismatic and personable approach, he enjoys getting to know patients, answering their questions, and helping them feel comfortable and confident in their eye care.
A graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 1984, Dr. Gentles has provided comprehensive eye care to patients across British Columbia for more than 40 years. After returning to his hometown of Fort St. John, he spent his career delivering full-scope optometric care throughout northeastern BC, including service to remote and First Nations communities.
Throughout his career, Dr. Gentles has also been actively involved in professional and community leadership. He served as President of the BC Association of Optometrists and contributed to the advancement of optometric care in British Columbia . He has also served as President of the Fort St. John Rotary Club and as a member of the Northern Health Board of Directors.
Now enjoying a semi-retired practice, Dr. Gentles is delighted to continue caring for patients at Armstrong Optometry and to share the experience and perspective gained over four decades in the profession.
Outside the clinic, he enjoys skiing, snowboarding, sailing, kayaking, cooking, gardening, woodworking, playing piano, and travel. Most of all, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Our Locations
Shuswap Optometric Centre
How To Find Us
From the Trans-Canada Highway, turn on to Alexander Street NE going south and take your immediate right into our spacious parking lot. Accessible parking spaces are available.
How To Find Us
From the Trans-Canada Highway, turn on to Alexander Street NE going south and take your immediate right into our spacious parking lot. Accessible parking spaces are available.
