ArtSee_1
ArtSee_1
Jess has fulfilled her lifelong dream of working in the field of eyecare that was spurred by her Grandmother who worked for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Growing up she heard stories and met individuals who benefited so deeply from the services they provided which gave her a passion for helping people to have the best possible vision correction. She began her career in 2013 and has gained a lot of experience since then.
She has a wonderful husband Jeromey and delightful daughter. She loves all things spooky (especially horror movies), everything purple as well as gems and minerals. In her down time she likes to write, draw and spend time with her family going for scooter rides, bike rides and casual walks around the cemetery.”
Ray moved to Victoria and started in the optical industry in 1982. A few years later, Ray purchased an optical in Sidney and worked there for over 25 years. After selling the business, Ray retired in 2020. Nearly two years later, Ray joined the team at Artsee Eyewear part time.
In his spare time, Ray enjoys trips to Hawaii, gardening, visiting with friends, and most of all, spending time with family.
Born and raised in Victoria, BC, Lesley has been working in the optical field since 2016. She really enjoys talking to patients and hopes that everyone who comes in to have an eye exam has a pleasant, enjoyable experience (even the test with the “puff of air”). You’ll find Lesley, behind a big smile, supporting the doctors by gathering data with you before you see the Optometrist.
In her spare time, Lesley enjoys golfing, going on long walks and spending time with her loveable rescue cat and her hubby Derek. Lesley is thrilled to be a part of the ArtSEE Eyewear/Optimed Optometry team and is looking forward to meeting you soon!
Lindsay has been in the optical industry since2015 and has been at artSEE since 2020! She has enjoyed working and growing in all areas of the business. Starting out at the front desk & pre exam, her skills and involvement have expanded to include working in the laboratory and behind the scenes as our operations manager!
In her spare time you can find her at the local beach/park, thrifting, spending time with pals/her partner or at home with their three cats!
World traveler, book lover, and homebody who’s always up for climbing big hills! Originally from Halifax, but after a childhood of Navy life, Ashley ended up on the island—and honestly, she wouldn’t have it any other way! She’s the voice behind the phone and the face behind the desk. Ashley dove into the optical world in 2017, took a quick detour to explore some other adventures, but the industry called her back, finding her happy place at ArtSEE Eyewear in 2023! When Ashley’s not working, you’ll catch her curled up, binge-watching her latest show obsession or in the middle of a movie marathon, with her cat, Meatloaf, demanding belly rubs and the occasional scratch!
CaitlynLicensed Optician
Caitlyn, a Licensed Optician in the industry since 2018, has been with ArtSEE Eyewear since the summer of 2023. She is knowledgeable, kind, stylish and loves the combination of medical science with fashion that culminates in finding the perfect pair of glasses for each unique individual.
In her spare time, she can be found with her husband, their toddler and two dogs tromping through the forests and beaches, or at home sewing clothing and making things. She is happy to be part of the dynamic ArtSEE Team.
Shannon
At the tender age of 21, Shannon decided to leave Montreal and move west. Many moves and years later, she was living in Qualicum Beach raising 3 wonderful children. After a 13 year maternity leave, it was time to look for a new career and optical was calling to her. With a keen eye for fashion and a strong passion for vision and patient care, Shannon quickly fell in love with helping people find the perfect glasses and sunglasses for their individual needs.
Weekends find Shannon walking along Dallas Road, into town or along the beach in Sidney. Evenings are spent dancing and enjoying live music, especially when her husband’s band/s are playing.
Shannon is super excited to help you find your next beautiful glasses.
Ezri
In a hole in the ground lived an Ezri; an odd little human with a borderline obsessive interest in the human eye.
Ezri began their journey in the optical world in 2018 by pure happenstance and hasn’t looked back since. Their educational background includes everything from Anthropology, Computer Science, and Human Biology. Their role in the office is just as varied; you’ll see them in the dispensary helping with glasses, in the pretest room running state of the art equipment and at the front desk greeting you when you come in. They are always eager to learn and even more eager to share the assortment of strange eye facts they’ve picked up over the years.
In their spare time you can find them on stages across Victoria performing as their alter-ego Dublin Tendre, making art, and consuming stories in all their formats. Ask them for a TV recommendation!
Store Manager and Licensed Optician
Meet Christina, ArtSEE Eyewear Manager and Licensed Optician. She has been active in the eye care and eyewear world since 2000. So many years now! In 2007, she hit a professional and personal jack-pot being hired on by Trina, at ArtSEE Eyewear. It was a game changer. The opportunity to work alongside such skilled and experienced Opticians over the years has greatly elevated her abilities and overall Optical know-how. It has given her the opportunity to work with Trina and grow professionally and personally. Together, with the rest of their wonderful team, they have built a store with a vision: That clients and colleagues alike, may come into our space and truly enjoy the energy, and the vibe while receiving or providing fantastic, professional and friendly services. They have proudly become a trusted and lively part of their community.
Chrissy is a hard working Licensed Optician who is very mindful of the optical, functional and fashion needs of her clients. Working at ArtSEE allows her artistic mind to flourish. With so many unique frame and lens options, combined with the variables of face types, personalities, style choices, prescription requirements; it is endless fun for her to assist our clients.
If you fancy the idea of coming in, getting comfy, having a short consultation around your needs/wants and then having someone personally curate a selection for you to choose from based on your consultation and her professional “je ne sais quoi”, feel free to call or click on the link below to book an appointment with her. Let her lead you through a fun and easy experience that results in you making knowledgeable choices and walking out with a new killer look.
In her time out of the office, Christina enjoys enjoying life. As her kids are getting older she soaks up the precious moments she still gets with them. She also loves exploring (aka wondering), socializing, bouldering and golfing with her partner, Glen, and friends. She focuses on being healthy both mentally and physically, making room for a good Costco hotdog, or La Belle Patate poutine. Mmmm gravy…. Life is gravy 🙂
Optometrist – Owner of Optimed Optometry Clinic
Dr. Sara Buckley was born and raised in Victoria and received her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Victoria in 2006. From there she attended the University of Waterloo and graduated with honors in 2010 with her Doctor of Optometry degree. In her final year at Waterloo she was awarded The Canadian Contact Lens Society Prize for proficiency in contact lens application.
Dr. Buckley has decades of experience in the eye industry – including dispensing eyeglasses while working at artSEE Eyewear prior to attending optometry school. Dr. Buckley’s optometric training includes an externship in therapeutics and ocular diseases in Muskogee, Oklahoma where she gained valuable experience in diagnosing and managing many eye conditions including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. She is knowledgeable at prescribing medications for treating eye infections and other ocular problems.
Dr. Buckley has not only been growing her optometry practice, but also her family! She’s the very proud mother of two energetic boys. In her time outside of work she loves making her kids laugh, cooking with her husband, and relaxing with a good book. She also has a love of travelling and hopes to one day continue exploring the world.
Dr. Buckley understands that every person’s eyes are unique and require individual attention. She is happy to answer any questions related to your eye health. Dr. Buckley loves seeing patients from 3 months to 100+ years old! She looks forward to seeing you and your entire family.
We are passionate about helping our clients meet all of their eyewear needs and wants. Trina Mendria (local Victorian), has been building her business since 1998 on the basis of truly great service, a clear and deep understanding of lens optics, frame materials and of course a fabulous selection of high quality, unique eyewear that gives artSEE Eyewear its name. The Opticians that work alongside Trina share these same qualities. Together we have created an environment where clients can come in, feel comfortable, be confident they have the right information to make good choices, select from premium products and have an all around positive experience.
At artSEE Eyewear, we are focused on bringing you an inspired collection of quality eyewear. We search for collections that are truly crafted frames; smaller collections that are made by people who see their work as an art, not a logo. You are anything but ordinary, just like our team and the eyewear we carry. We have fun at what we do and are passionate about creating a memorable experience that lasts the life of your eyewear.
We offer a 2-year warranty for manufacturer defects on most frame and lenses *
Here’s How It Works:
Licensed Optician
Working in the optometric field began as a part time job after high school and has since flourished into a decades long career during which I’ve acquired the Optometric Assistant certification, a degree in Optical Sciences and my Opticians License.
I’ve loved this industry for its continued growth and development and its intersections of science, technology, visual and creative arts, and healthcare – all my favorite things.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work with patients and respect the trust they place in us to help with anything from the simple to the complex.
When away from the office my greatest joy is spending time with my family, friends, and of course my mini dachshunds.
Miles is a Tatooine farm boy who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest Jedi the galaxy has ever known. Along with their friends Princess Leia and Han Solo, Miles battled the evil Empire– Wait, sorry… that’s not right.
Born right here in Victoria, Miles Wells is not a Jedi Master but has been granted the affectionate title of ‘Optical Sorcerer’. Miles is passionate about finding eyewear that is a perfect balance between fashion and function, believing that everyone deserves quality vision correction that also makes them feel like the most exceptional and true version of themselves! Miles strives to make the experience for their clients as memorable, enjoyable and as stress free as possible. With a love for all things eyewear, you can find Miles nerding out about the latest and greatest technology used to fit and manufacture eyeglasses. They are dedicated to forging and maintaining a relationship of trust between each and every client, ensuring that everyone from every walk of life feels taken care of. In their free time, Miles likes going to the cinema, talking about movies and generally being a total film buff. They’re into science fiction as well as musical theater, super-heroes and traveling. They look forward to helping you discover your new favourite eyewear!
“Seize the time… Live now! Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.”
-Captain Jean Luc Picard, Star Trek – The Next Generation
TrinaBusiness Owner and Licensed Optician
Trina discovered her love of Optics in 1991, working part-time after school for an Optometrist. It launched her into a rewarding career as a Licensed Optician, helping people with their unique vision needs, a passion she continues to enjoy today. In 1998, Trina added in the entreprenurial side of her career, starting with the Broadmead location, opening a second location in Oak Bay in 2007.
Trina enjoys the technical element of lenses and frame fitting and pairing it with the perfect frame for you. She likes to dig into troubleshooting challenging prescriptions and visual requirements. Trina curates the eyewear collections you’ll find at artSEE Eyewear and loves to discover and introduce you to new, up and coming independent frame designers. Book a consultation time with Trina and take the stress out of choosing new eyewear. She will carefully listen to your ideas and collaborate with you to find the best solutions…usually with a side of giggles.
When she isn’t helping you find groovy glasses, you’ll find her catching live music somewhere and dancing the night away or enjoying and exploring our beautiful island and beyond.
Optometrist – Optimed Optometry Clinic
Originally from Delta BC, Dr. Meghan Hildebrand completed a Bachelor of Science degree at UBC. She then embraced the sub-zero winters of Waterloo, Ontario while pursuing her Doctor of Optometry Degree, graduating on the Dean’s Honour List. The days of walking to class in ice rain were rewarded by a four month Ocular Disease internship in Florida, where Dr. Hildebrand gained experience co-managing eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration and dry eye disease. She then moved back to the west coast, and made her home on Vancouver Island where she has learned to embrace the outdoor hobbies of hiking and camping (through some influence of her husband). She is thrilled to be working with the amazing team at artSEE, and conducts every eye exam with a smile, which has led to patients sending her their friends and family.
We want you to love your eyewear! We offer complimentary servicing of your eyewear purchased at artSEE Eyewear for the lifetime of your glasses at both of our locations (Broadmead and Oak Bay). Please pop in for little tweaks, adjustments, replacement nose pads and cleaning at no charge.
At artSEE Eyewear, we are focused on bringing you an inspired collection of quality eyewear. We search for collections that are truly crafted frames; smaller collections that are made by people who see their work as an art, not a logo. You are anything but ordinary, just like our team and the eyewear we carry. We have fun at what we do and are passionate about creating a memorable experience that lasts the life of your eyewear.
Bookkeeping and Office Administration
Ursula has been working with Trina since 2003. Born and raised in Germany, she started her career as a secretary of foreign languages after having worked as a flight attendant for Lufthansa for several years. She moved to Canada in 1998 after meeting her husband on a visit to Vancouver Island. artSEE Eyewear has given her the opportunity to excel and grow both professionally and personally, working in a team of great colleagues and enjoying a West Coast lifestyle. Some of Ursula’s passions are music and movement, alternative healing and spiritual practices, travelling and any way in which she can let her creativity flow. Ursula gets inspired by nature, art and her fellow human beings and loves exploring the world with all its cultural facets.
Many individuals who feel they have good vision are not aware of the importance of seeing an Optometrist on an annual basis. Seeing an Optometrist regularly is an important aspect of your health care. An eye doctor may be able to pick up eye diseases that don’t have symptoms, even if you have good eyesight. In fact, when doing a routine eye exam, an eye doctor can detect many health conditions at their earliest possible stages such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. This makes eye appointments all the more important as they may help assess your overall health, as well as the health of your eyes.