The Face of Vision Care: Dr. Tamsyn Sitler

Dr. Tamsyn Sitler is not your average optometrist (eye doctor). “Of course, I am an optometrist first and foremost,” says Dr. Sitler of Kamloops Vision Therapy Optometry. “But I have always had a special interest in vision therapy. In fact, I’m the only one practicing this niche area of eye care in Kamloops.”

Vision therapy goes beyond seeing 20/20 to teach the brain how to better use the eyes together and process visual information to help improve a person’s function and performance in life. “Prescribing glasses or contact lenses to see clearly is a part of that,” explains Dr. Sitler. “But, we also provide in-office vision therapy sessions, with techniques and activities to help improve how a person uses their vision.

Every program is customized to each patient’s specific visual condition. We work with a wide range of people, from those who struggle with discomfort when reading or using the computer, to those with strabismus and amblyopia (turned and “lazy” eyes), and patients with sensory processing disorders, including autism. I also do a lot of work with people post-concussion and post-brain injury.”

It all has to do with neuroplasticity. The brain is malleable, and with practice, a person can learn how to improve how the eyes function together. “For example, we often struggle with our vision in the modern world because humans are not designed to stare at something up close, (like screens), for long periods of time. Learning how to better locate near targets and how to move the eyes together can greatly reduce symptoms many people experience while working on the computer or reading,” she says.

Being able to provide vision therapy has required years of extra course work and learning, and she is currently working on a Fellowship in the discipline. The reward of being able to help people who are struggling because of their vision is worth all the hard work.

Dr. Sitler did not wear glasses growing up in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. But her sister did, and it was her sister who first suggested being an eye doctor. Dr. Sitler had already decided in high school she wanted to pursue a career in health care, so attending the School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo was a natural fit.

It was there that she met who would become her husband, Tyler Lowey, now also an optometrist in Kamloops. She chuckles about having two optometrists in the family and is grateful for all his support over the years. After graduating in 2011, the stars aligned for them both to move to Kamloops and start their careers and lives together.