Your New Hamburg Optometrist

Dr. Jim Bender graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry, in 1981. He joined the New Hamburg practice in 1992. Jim has served for many years as a clinical instructor at the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry, and as Director of Off-Campus Geriatric Eye Clinics. He was also the Leader of Off-Campus Eye Clinics for Developmentally Challenged Adults. Jim has served as an examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. He holds a certificate in Advanced Ocular Disease & Therapeutics. Jim's special interests include contact lenses, laser vision and laser vision comanagement. Outside of the office, Jim's interests include the Wilmot Horticultural Society, and serving as a Foster Parent for the Waterloo Regional Family & Children's Services.

Dr. Don Nickel graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Doctor of Optometry in 1993 and has been practicing at Dolman Eye Care since 1999. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and the Ontario Association of Optometrists. Don is also an Affiliate Doctor for the TLC Laser Centre and holds a certificate in Advanced Disease and Therapeutics. Outside of the office, he is involved at his church in Kitchener and enjoys woodworking. 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!

Kim graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry, in 1992. She immediately joined the New Hamburg practice as an associate, and purchased the clinic in 1994, just days after the birth of her first child. Kim is a member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists and the Ontario Association of Optometrists. She is also an Affiliate Doctor of the TLC Laser Clinic. Kim has served for many years as part time clinical faculty of the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry, as a supervisor of 4th year interns. She holds a certificate in Advanced Ocular Disease and Therapeutics. Her interests include contact lenses, laser vision correction, and dry eye therapy.

Dr. Richard Bean graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry in 2008.  He was awarded the Beta Sigma Kappa Silver Medal.   Upon graduation, Richard immediately joined the Dolman Eyecare Clinic as an associate optometrist.  He is a member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and is an Affiliate Doctor of the TLC Laser Centre.  Richard serves as a Clinical Instructor at the Unversity of Waterloo, School of Optometry.  He holds a certificate in Advanced Ocular Disease and Therapeutics.  Richard's interests include Therapuetics and Laser Vision comanagement.

Dr. Debbie Cipp graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry, in 1984, and immediately joined the practice in New Hamburg. Debbie was born in Kitchener, the second daughter and second child of seven children to Russel and Helen Cipp, of Waterloo. She has lived most of her life in Waterloo.  After graduation from WCI, Debbie furthered her undergraduate education at the University of Western Ontario, in London, Ontario. She graduated in May 1978 with an Honors B.Sc. (Genetics)  Debbie continued at UWO, and received her M.Sc. in 1980.  From 1980-1984, Debbie attended the School of Optometry, at the University of Waterloo, in Waterloo, Ontario. She graduated with her Doctor of Optometry degree in May 1984, celebrating 30 years of practice in May of 2014.   Debbie is an Affiliate Doctor of the TLC Laser Centre.  She holds a certificate in Advanced Ocular Disease and Therapeutics.  Debbie has many areas of interest in Optometry, especially pediatrics, geriatrics, and contact lenses. She currently resides, with her husband, in R.R. Milverton., Ontario.

Annemarie Hannington graduated with honours from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 2017. Prior to that, Annemarie received her honours degree in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph. Annemarie is a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists as well as the Canadian Association of Optometrists. Her interests include binocular vision, dry eye therapy as well as pediatrics. In her spare time, Annemarie enjoys playing Ringette, spending time with family and learning to golf. Annemarie is excited to be providing quality eye care in New Hamburg and the surrounding areas!

Dr. Bryan Chu graduated from University of Waterloo Dean’s Honours List in 2020 with his Doctor of Optometry degree. He completed an ocular disease externship in rural Saskatchewan and received extensive training in managing ocular emergencies and chronic eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and uveitis.

Before becoming an optometrist, he also received high distinction for his bachelor’s degree from University of Toronto in Biochemistry and Neuroscience. He routinely sees patients of all ages with special interest in dry eye disease, myopia control, contact lenses, and laser vision correction.

He is a good standing member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and is an affiliate with TLC Laser Eye Centre. "Sometimes we take our vision for granted but we all know how important it is. My philosophy is prevention, and helping you understand your own eye health allows us to work together to maintain it on a daily basis.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me before deciding whether I am the right eye care professional for you or your family, I look forward to meeting you and managing your unique eye care needs.