Ottawa South Optometry

Dr. Brian Flatt is a Kitchener native and graduated with honours from the University of Waterloo in 2009 with his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees. He interned at Ottawa South Optometry as a final year student before joining the office in the summer of 2009, and in 2021 he purchased the practice together with Dr. D’Silva. He has also worked as a Clinical Instructor with the University of Waterloo School of Optometry where he supervised optometry students in the University’s clinic. Brian enjoys seeing patients of all ages, and when not at the office he’s typically spending time with his wife and son on the slopes or at the beach!

Dr. Shawna D’Silva was born and raised in the KW area and is excited to continue serving patients in her hometown. Dr. D’Silva completed both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees at the University of Waterloo and graduated in 2010. She was awarded the Good-Lite paediatric award and continues to have a passion for working with children. After graduation she worked in both the GTA and Waterloo region in various practice settings before purchasing Ottawa South Optometry in 2021 with Dr. Flatt. Shawna resides in Waterloo with her husband and two young boys and the majority of her spare time is spent with her family enjoying the outdoors and staying active.

Dr. Don Nickel graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Doctor of Optometry in 1993 and has been practicing at Ottawa South Optometry since 1999. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and the Ontario Association of Optometrists. Dr. Nickel is also an Affiliate Doctor for the TLC Laser Centre and holds a certificate in Advanced Disease and Therapeutics. Outside of the office, Don is involved at his church and enjoys wood-working. Don is happily married and has three children. As a family they enjoy spending time together both at home and away, and are always looking forward to their next road trip

Dr. Liana Chinn was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She completed her Doctor of Optometry at the University of Waterloo in 2009, where she was also recognized for Excellence in Contact Lens Care upon graduation. She has since called Kitchener home - investing in the community through Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Pregnancy Centre and Nutrition for Learning. Dr. Chinn also enjoys sharing her experience in a teaching capacity through clinical supervision of students at the School of Optometry as well as ASOPP for those who have optometry training outside North America. Outside of the office, Liana loves playing soccer and volleyball. She grew up playing the violin and has a strong appreciation for live theatre. Most of all, she loves to spend time with her husband and three kids -travelling, skiing, swimming and playing board games. 

Prior to joining the team at OSO in 2019, April was a dietary aid in a retirement home. She has a keen interest in horseback riding and has previously taught and supervised beginner riders. April’s spare time is occupied volunteering in Bible education, hiking, camping, fishing and reading.

Prior to joining OSO in 2021, Emma completed her degree in Health Science at Queen’s
University in Kingston. Emma was born and raised in Kitchener and is happy to be back in her
hometown to serve the community she grew up in. Emma enjoys spending time with her
friends and family, and her hobbies include camping, hiking and playing recreational sports.

Ale was born and raised in Central America and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She joined our OSO team in 2022 and is concurrently studying English to become a teacher in the future. Ale lives in Kitchener where she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and her hobbies include music and art. 

Kierra was born and raised in Kitchener and prior to joining our team at OSO she was a home support worker. In her spare time Kierra enjoys playing the piano, learning new languages and volunteering in bible education.

Brenda joined the OSO team in 2022 and has been working in the optical industry for over 20 years. She is passionate about eyewear and has curated a beautiful selection of frames in our dispensary. Her two favourite frame designers are Pro design and Woow. When Brenda is not working in the optical world she enjoys spending time with her family and new puppy. 

Erin was born and raised in the Niagara region but has spent the last 20 year in Kitchener-Waterloo where she calls home. Erin was a previous employee at OSO for 10 years before she took an extended maternity leave to be home with her four children. We are thrilled to have Erin back in the office as she is cross trained in many areas of the clinic. When Erin is not working she spends her time with family, at church, reading, crocheting and playing piano.