Our Unique Approach to Eye Care in Edmonton

“At the heart of my practice, I would like every one of my patients to feel heard, valued and cared for.”

Dr. Kavitha Jayachandran, affectionately known as Dr. Jaya to her patients, is a proud Edmonton native. She earned her Bachelor of Science with distinction from the University of Alberta in 2007. Dr. Jaya then pursued her Doctorate in Optometry at Pennsylvania College of Optometry at Salus University, where she was awarded a prestigious Presidential Scholarship and graduated with academic honours in 2011. During her time in optometry school, she became a member of the esteemed Beta Sigma Kappa Honours Society and the Golden Key International Honours Society.

Dr. Jaya’s clinical training included internships at renowned facilities such as the Newington VA Hospital, South Carolina VA Hospital, Eye Doctors of Washington, and The Eye Institute in Philadelphia. She also completed advanced certification in pediatrics, gaining valuable experience in vision therapy, binocular vision, and caring for special populations. Her passion for delivering care to those in need led her to participate in mission trips to Belize, Malawi, and Ecuador, providing eye care to underserved communities.

Through her experiences, Dr. Jaya developed a strong interest in functional medicine and preventative care. At Glow Optometry and Wellness, she brings her expertise in myopia management, dry eye, and specialty contact lenses, with a focus on creating a healthier, happier future for her patients.

“I believe great care begins with connection. When you take the time to truly listen, you don’t just see eyes — you see people.”

With over a decade of experience in the optical industry, Erica brings a unique blend of clinical precision, business acumen, and genuine care to her role as a Licensed Optician and Practice Coach at Glow Optometry and Wellness. Her diverse background, which includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Hospitality Management diploma, laid the foundation for her work in optometry. Erica graduated from the Optical Sciences Program at NAIT, where she discovered her passion for the intersection of science, service, and wellness.

Throughout her career, Erica has worked in various optometry settings, from corporate clinics to independent practices, allowing her to develop a deep understanding of different workflows, patient needs, and team dynamics. As a seasoned professional, she has trained staff, supported operations, and enhanced patient care journeys. Her leadership skills are complemented by a certification in operations and ongoing professional development.

Erica is dedicated to giving back, volunteering as a National Examination Examiner for the National Alliance of Canadian Optician Regulators (NACOR) and precepting optical students. She continues to expand her expertise with certifications in Pediatric Optometry and Advanced Ophthalmic Optics, among others.

At Glow Optometry, Erica fosters a wellness-driven environment built on collaboration, care, and meaningful patient connections. When she’s not working, Erica values time with her loved ones, including her labradoodle Amari, and believes that wellness is a way of life – whether that’s exploring the outdoors, relaxing in nature, or simply enjoying stillness.

“My passion for my job is matched only by my love for helping others. Every patient matters, and their satisfaction is my top priority. Seeing a smile on a patient’s face is the greatest reward – happy patients make me happy!”

Maryna is a newcomer to Canada who’s building a new life from the ground up. With a Russian-Azerbaijani background and roots in Ukraine, Maryna brings a unique perspective to her work. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree from Uzhgorod National University in 2017, she gained experience in various roles before joining the eyewear industry in 2023. As she grew in her career, Maryna realized her passion went beyond styling frames, and she pursued additional training to learn more about the optical world. Now, she’s working towards becoming a registered Optician and is an integral part of the Glow team.

What sets Maryna apart is her compassionate approach to patient care. She treats each patient like family, listening attentively and showing empathy. When she’s not working, Maryna loves exploring new adventures, travelling, and spending time with loved ones. Her easy-going and open-hearted nature makes her a joy to be around.