Our Practice in Waterdown

Dr. Kay was born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario. She received her Honours Bachelor of Science at McMaster University in Hamilton. She continued her studies at the University of Toronto, where she completed her Master of Science in laboratory medicine and pathobiology before deciding to pursue a career in optometry.

She then received her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo and, throughout her academic studies, was recognized on the Dean’s Honours List.

Her experience includes a 4-month externship at an ophthalmologic center in Birmingham, Alabama, specializing in diseases of the retina, glaucoma, pre-and post-operative cataracts, refractive surgery, as well as oculoplastics. In addition, she completed clinical rotations in pediatrics, contact lenses, and binocular vision.

She is a member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) and the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) and has travelled to Guyana to provide eye care to underprivileged children.

Dr. Kay enjoys travelling and spending time with friends and family in her spare time.

Dr Gorecki has been at Waterdown Optometric since 2014. He was born in Poland but grew up in Waterloo, Ontario.

He graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2009 with his Bachelor of Honours Science degree and Doctorate of Optometry. Following graduation, Dr. Gorecki lived and worked in Toronto in private practice and at the TLC Toronto Laser Eye Centre.

After leaving the GTA, he and his wife set down roots in Dundas. Dr. Gorecki enjoys working with patients of all ages and is interested in contact lenses and laser vision correction, which he underwent. He is also fluent in Polish.

In his spare time, Dr. Gorecki prioritizes spending time with his wife and daughter. He also enjoys travelling and spending time outdoors on foot or mountain bike.

Dr. Gilbert was born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina, where she competed on the soccer team. She received her Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo and was named to the Dean’s Honours List all 4 years of her studies there.

Dr. Gilbert is passionate about humanitarian efforts. She has travelled to rural Mexico on an optometric mission trip, served as a head coach for special needs group fitness classes, and volunteered with the Special Olympics’ Opening Eyes initiative. She was awarded the Roland des Groseilliers and Margaret Hansen-des Groseilliers Humanitarian Award for her involvement in the community and academic excellence. Dr. Gilbert loves working with patients of all ages.

She has extensive clinical experience in ocular disease, binocular vision, laser eye surgery, myopia control, contact lenses, geriatrics, and pediatrics. In her spare time, Dr. Gilbert enjoys hiking, working out, travelling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Couse obtained a Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences and a Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo, graduating in 2019 with the Attridge Award for Excellence in Pathology.

During her studies, she completed a clinical externship at the Eye Foundation of Utah in Salt Lake City, gaining extensive experience in diagnosing, treating, and managing ocular disease, focusing on glaucoma.

She subsequently completed her primary care externship at Mind’s Eye Optometry in Etobicoke, performing comprehensive eye care emphasizing pediatric optometry and binocular vision assessment. During her studies, Dr. Couse also contributed to various research projects in vision science.

Notably, Dr. Couse worked as a research assistant at the Kensington Vision Research Centre in Toronto, analyzing retinal images for biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease. In 2016, Dr. Couse received the Howard Stein Summer Research Award for her contributions. Dr. Couse is a member of the University of Waterloo’s Clinical Research Ethics Board.

Outside the office, Dr. Couse is an avid reader, a music and art lover, an outdoor enthusiast, and a cyclist.

Dr. Nina Yan was born in Japan and raised in Vaughan, Ontario. Growing up with nearsightedness sparked her passion for eye care and preventive vision health. She completed both her Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Optometry degree with Dean’s Honours at the University of Waterloo.

Her clinical training took her to Fort Frances, a rural Ontario community, where she gained experience managing retinal disease, glaucoma, cataracts, and binocular vision conditions. She later trained at Waterdown Optometric Clinic—an experience that inspired her to return.

Dr. Yan’s commitment to eye care extends beyond the clinic—she volunteered on a mission trip to the Philippines, delivering care to underserved communities. She was recognized with the Dr. Karen Tompa Nowy Memorial Award for her excellence in compassionate and patient-centred care.

Her clinical interests include ocular disease, dry eye, myopia control, refractive surgery, and specialty contact lenses. After having LASIK herself, she enjoys helping others explore the best vision options for their lifestyle. Dr. Yan is fluent in English, Mandarin, and conversational French.

Outside of the clinic, she enjoys the outdoors, travelling, crocheting her new wardrobe, and dancing recreationally and competitively.