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Our Eye Care Clinic

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In 1973 Dr. Lindsay moved from his optometry practice in Grande Cache, which he started in 1969, to establish a practice in Hinton. In 1979 Dr. Gary Watson, a University of Waterloo graduate, joined the practice. Eye exams were one hour and there were no dilations, no co-management with ophthalmologists and no pre-testing. With a staff of two, the two doctors did all the contact lens fittings and the frame room sales and dispensing. In 1981 Dr. Lindsay passed away leaving Dr. Watson to run the practice alone. In 1982 he started co-management of cataract patients with Dr. Howard Gimbel from Edmonton. In 1989 the office became computerized and the clinic had doubled the staff to four.

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In 1994 Dr. Monika Braun, another graduate of the University of Waterloo joined the optometry practice. That same year the practice moved to its current location in the valley, and changed the name to Hinton Optometry Clinic. In 1996 Dr. Braun became co-owner of the practice. That same year Alberta Health care passed TPA Legislation that allowed optometrists to prescribe topical eye medications. In 1997 Dr. Watson and Dr. Braun opened Rocky Mountain Eyewear in Hinton’s Parks West Mall. In 2011 Dr. Jennifer Goettling joined the clinic after graduating from the University of Waterloo. Dr. Watson sold his half of the business in October 2014 after 25 years in practice. Dr. Langfield (nee Goettling) purchased Dr. Watson’s part of the Hinton Optometry Clinic and Rocky Mountain Eyewear.

In 2014 the scope of practice of Optometry was increased again to include prescribing glaucoma medications, oral medications and ordering blood work. The doctors purchased an OCT in February 2015 to aid in the diagnosis of glaucoma and macular disease, and in June of 2022 upgraded to a leading edge Retinal Camera to aid in the diagnosis of glaucoma and macular disease.

In 2023, The clinic introduced NetCare, enabling the doctors to access the Health Care system ensuring better care for patients. The full time staff has expanded to ten with consistent training in all areas. In July 2023 after 26 years, Dr. Braun and Dr. Langfield closed Rocky Mountain Eye Wear and brought their more popular eyewear brands to Hinton Optometry Clinic to increase patient satisfaction.

Hinton Optometry Clinic continues to grow and expand its practice and the doctors are looking forward to the future. They will embrace new opportunities in order to offer the best eye health care to the community.

We handle everything from eye exams and hard-to-fit contact lenses, to computer vision problems, specialty lenses and eye surgery. By staying current with the latest developments in eye care, prescription lenses and advances in contact lens technology, our vision center can provide you with the best vision, advice and fit today—and in the years to come. We take pride in building lasting relationships with our patients, which is why we take the time to get to know you, your vision requirements and your lifestyle needs. Contact our eye care clinic today to find out how we can help.

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