Meet Our Team
Dr. Sarah Hutchens B.Sc, OD, FCOVD
Optometrist and Founder
Dr. Hutchens holds a Bachelor of Science Degree (Biology) from Memorial University, a Doctor of Optometry Degree from the University of Waterloo, has completed the Optometric Extension Program Core Clinical Curriculum, and has completed her Fellowship from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development to become board certified in vision development, vision therapy and vision rehabilitation.
Her focus in Developmental Optometry has led her to become a Clinical Associate with OEP (Optometric Extension Program), become a member of both VTC (Vision Therapy Canada) and COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision Development), and has driven her to implement the first dedicated, in-office vision therapy practice in the Province; successfully improving visual skills of patients through rehabilitation of learning-related vision problems, binocular vision problems, and visual issues secondary to concussion.
Dr. Hutchens is heavily involved in the local Optometry community, currently the President of the NLAO (Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists) and the Past Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador CNIB Foundation Divisional Board.
She also enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and 2 dogs.
Janine Stanley BN, PVT
Practical Vision Therapist
Janine was born and raised in St. John’s. She graduated from Memorial University in 2007 with her Bachelor of Nursing degree. Following graduation, she spent time traveling the world: living in India with her husband until moving to Texas where her two children were born and finally coming back to NL in 2012. After spending 10 years as a stay at home Mom, Janine joined the team as a Vision Therapist with Dr. Hutchens.
Janine is a registered member with VTC, has completed her certification through Emergent Vision Therapy training and has gained her Practical Vision Therapist designation. In her free time, Janine is an avid volunteer in her community particularly with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of NL, a cause near and dear to her heart.
Kara Osmond BA, MA Candidate
Vision Therapist
Kara was born and raised in Newfoundland and grew up in Portugal Cove. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and is currently working on her MA thesis. During her bachelor’s degree she began volunteering and eventually working with people on the autism spectrum.
She first began working in Vision therapy after she moved to Ontario with her husband where she worked at a vision therapy clinic in Guelph. She quickly fell in love with vision therapy for the ability to spend dedicated one-on-one time with patients. Kara and her husband made the move back to Newfoundland in March 2021 where she started working with The Vision Development Centre. Most of her free time is spent hiking around the island with her husband and 2 dogs.
Meghan Brown
Patient Care Coordinator
Meghan was born and raised in Newfoundland and grew up in Mount Pearl. She graduated from Academy Canada’s Esthetic and Business Management program in 2013 and joined the team in August of 2021. Meghan enjoys working with the public as she has 14 years of customer service experience and loves gaining new skills and knowledge.
Most of her free time is spent with her husband and dog, Otis. Meghan also enjoys relaxing with a good book, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.