About Us
Pacific Eye Doctors was founded in 1986 and is a mother-and-daughter-run practice led by Dr. Judy Schnarr and Dr. Kate Piotrowski.
The clinic is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-first eye care by combining experience, innovation, and a personalized approach.
With a strong focus on preventive care and advanced treatments, Pacific Eye Doctors offers comprehensive optometry services to enhance eye health and vision.
Their commitment to excellence and integrity sets them apart in the Maple Ridge community.
Pacific Eye Doctors is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused eye care.
Our Team
Dr. Amardeep Gill
Born in Birmingham, England, Dr. Amardeep Gill has called British Columbia’s Lower Mainland home since childhood. He completed his undergraduate studies at UBC Okanagan before earning his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago.
Dr. Gill graduated as a member of the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honour Society. He also received Clinical Honours during his externship rotations in Florida, Surrey, and Vancouver.
Dr. Gill Has Extensive Training in Ocular Disease and Myopia Management
Throughout his clinical training, Dr. Gill gained experience managing complex ocular disease, providing surgical co-management, and delivering myopia management care. He also had the opportunity to provide eye care to underserved refugee populations.
Dr. Gill is passionate about comprehensive eye care because the eyes can reveal important information about a person’s overall health. He believes that thorough eye examinations can help patients protect not only their sight but also their long-term well-being.
Within eye care, Dr. Gill has a special interest in glaucoma, dry eye disease, and myopia management. He enjoys helping patients understand their eye health and make informed decisions about preserving their vision.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Gill enjoys golfing, playing basketball, and attending live sporting events.
Dr. Jareeat Purnava
Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Dr. Jareeat Purnava earned an Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto. She then completed her Doctor of Optometry degree at the University of Waterloo.
While studying optometry, Dr. Purnava served as Political Affairs Director for the Canadian Association of Optometry Students. She was also an executive member of the Contact Lens Interest Club, where she further developed her knowledge of contact lens care.
Dr. Purnava Provides Personalized and Comprehensive Eye Care
During her clinical training, Dr. Purnava completed externships in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and Kingston, Nova Scotia. These experiences allowed her to develop her skills in managing ocular disease, responding to acute eye emergencies, providing pediatric eye care, and performing comprehensive eye examinations.
Dr. Purnava enjoys building lasting relationships with her patients and believes exceptional eye care begins with understanding the whole person. She takes the time to learn about each patient’s individual needs, concerns, and lifestyle so she can provide thoughtful and personalized recommendations.
Within eye care, Dr. Purnava has a special interest in ocular disease, dry eye treatment, and comprehensive primary eye care.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Purnava enjoys reading, journalling, discovering new music, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Dr. Safa Salman
Dr. Tarneet Dhaliwal
Dr. Tarneet Dhaliwal is passionate about helping patients protect and preserve one of their most valuable senses, their vision. Growing up in Mission, BC, she pursued her Doctor of Optometry at Midwestern University in Arizona. After graduating Dr. Dhaliwal practiced in Washington State before returning home to help the communities around her.
Throughout her education and clinical training, Dr. Dhaliwal gained an extensive experience in a variety of specialty settings. Her externships included vision therapy and specialty contact lens care in Glendale, ocular disease management and post-operative care alongside ophthalmologists in Prescott and advanced ocular disease treatment in Goodyear, Arizona. She also served on the board of the National Optometric Student Association, and received recognition for her work in low vision care.
In practice, Dr. Dhaliwal has developed a particular passion for ocular disease and myopia management. She believes that the eyes can provide important insights into the overall health of patients.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Dhaliwal values spending time with family and friends. Dr. Dhaliwal is fluent in Punjabi and is proud to serve a diverse patient community. When she’s not caring for patients, you can find her travelling, exploring restaurants and more recently boxing.
Dr. Jasdeep Bassra
Dr. Cindy Shan
Dr. Cindy Shan, a passionate advocate for eyecare, brings a wealth of expertise to Pacific Eye Doctors. Growing up in Burnaby, she pursued her education at the University of British Columbia and the University of Waterloo, specializing in corneal conditions and contact lenses with a residency at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.
A distinguished Valedictorian of her Optometry class, Dr. Shan's eyecare journey includes extensive specialty contact lens fitting training during her residency. She is a proud Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She has contributed to various organizations, including the Canadian Association of Optometrists, the American Optometric Association, and the British Columbia Association of Optometrists. Dr. Shan's commitment to education extends to lecturing at the Contact Lens Society of America and the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians Vision Summit.
Dr. Shan finds fulfillment in directly interacting with patients, addressing their concerns, and counseling them on their eye and visual conditions. Her favourite specialties include fitting custom contact lenses for conditions like keratoconus, corneal scars, dry eye, aphakia/aniridia, and myopia control. This includes scleral, orthokeratology, hybrid, RGP, and cosmetic soft lenses.
Beyond her professional endeavours, Dr. Shan is delighted to return to the lower mainland, rejoining the community and caring for patients. Fluent in Mandarin, she shares her life with two adorable cats. Dr. Shan enjoys indulging her passion for travel, hiking, and barre in her free time.
Dr. Austin Toresdahl, F.A.A.O.
Meet Dr. Austin W. Toresdahl – your friendly eye expert with a passion for making eye care personal and approachable.
Born in sunny Santa Rosa, California, Dr. Toresdahl's journey took him to the picturesque landscapes of Canada during his childhood. Growing up between Medicine Hat, Alberta, and Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, in a ranching family, he developed a deep connection with the outdoors. His academic journey led him to the University of Alberta in Edmonton, where he earned his Honors Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
Venturing further into the world of eye care, Dr. Toresdahl earned his Doctor of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in Ontario. Along the way, he made a pitstop in Senegal for a mission trip, providing eye care to those in need. His educational journey included clinical rotations in Calgary and Grande Prairie, Alberta, where he fine-tuned his skills in managing ocular injuries, pediatrics, and dry eye syndrome.
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After completing his training, Dr. Toresdahl brought his expertise to Grande Prairie, where he embraced the community and practiced his passion for eye care. His journey continued to Chicago, IL, USA, where he worked in an ophthalmology clinic. There, he specialized in perioperative care and diagnosing/treating complex medical eye conditions alongside skilled eye surgeons.
With a commitment to continuous improvement, Dr. Toresdahl stays at the forefront of advancements in eye care. Whether it's diving into scientific literature or attending conferences to explore new technologies, he ensures that his patients receive the best possible care. Currently pursuing a Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry, he upholds high standards of practice and engages in scholarly work to further his expertise.
Beyond the clinic, Dr. Toresdahl is a man of adventure. You might catch him running, climbing, hiking, or embarking on a road trip – always with an audiobook or podcast playing in his ear. Fluent in English and basic Spanish, he is dedicated to providing excellent care to as many patients as possible.
A member of the BC and Canadian Optometric Associations, Dr. Toresdahl is passionate about elevating his profession. His goal is to expand the scope of practice, ensuring patients receive more and better services. With a warm smile and an eagerness to connect, Dr. Toresdahl is ready to make your eye care experience exceptional.
Dr. Jeneta Rubaranjan
Dr. Jeneta Rubaranjan brings knowledge and experience to our practice. Born and raised in Mississauga, Ontario, she completed her Bachelor of Science degree at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, before moving to the United States for further studies. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree at the New England College of Optometry (NECO) in Boston, MA.
Significant accomplishments mark her academic journey. She undertook an intensive ocular disease rotation at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida, the top-ranked eye hospital in the USA. This experience equipped her with in-depth knowledge and expertise in managing advanced cases of ocular diseases, including keratoconus, cataracts, chronic dry eyes, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, Dr. Rubaranjan gained valuable experience in primary eye care and contact lenses during an externship at a private practice in Levittown, Pennsylvania.
She honed her leadership skills at NECO, where she served as the President of the Private Practice Club. This role involved organizing educational seminars and networking with industry leaders, further broadening her professional development.
Dr. Rubaranjan's passion for eye care stems from her understanding of the eye as a unique indicator of overall body health
Her expertise allows her to detect early signs of systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension through comprehensive eye exams. With four years of experience since graduating in 2020, she is keenly interested in fitting scleral contact lenses and managing ocular diseases.
Settling into her new home in British Columbia, Dr. Rubaranjan is enthusiastic about exploring the region and embracing the local community. She is fluent in Tamil and English, enhancing her ability to serve a diverse patient base.
Outside of her professional life
Dr. Rubaranjan enjoys spending quality time with her family and her dog, Lux. She is an avid hiker, finding joy and relaxation in the natural beauty of British Columbia's landscapes.
Dr. Malalai Sultani
Meet Dr. Malalai Sultani, a dedicated optometrist passionate about comprehensive eye care and preventative health. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree in 2019 from Western University of Health Sciences in California.
Dr. Sultani's commitment to excellence is evident in her academic achievements
Dr. Sultani graduated at the top of her class, earned a coveted spot on the Dean's List, and became a distinguished member of the prestigious Beta Sigma Kappa International Honor Society. While in California, she actively contributed to her field, serving on executive boards, including the Optometry Private Practice Business Club and Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity. She was also a founding member of the environmentally conscious EARTH club on campus. Dr. Sultani's dedication extended to her involvement in a Nutrition in Medicine scholarship and a student fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry.
Dr. Sultani strongly advocates holistic practice and preventative care
She thrives on educating her patients about their visual system and overall well-being. Her favourite specialty lies in comprehensive primary care and disease prevention.
Dr. Sultani has found a home in beautiful Vancouver,
cherishing the West Coast's natural beauty. Beyond her professional endeavours, she enjoys pilates, yoga, strength training, podcasts, and music.
Dr. Harpinder Gill
Dr. Gill was born in Prince Rupert and raised in Surrey. He speaks Punjabi and Hindi. He attended the University of British Columbia where he did his Bachelors of Science in Cell Biology and Genetics and a minor in psychology. He graduated with honor standings from Pacific University where he did his Doctorate in Optometry. Clinical externships completed at Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute in Washington State with emphasis on ocular diseases, Alderwood Vision Therapy with emphasis on pediatric vision therapy and traumatic brain injuries with adults, and Portland Medical Centre for pediatrics and family optometry.
His main optometric interest is ocular disease management particularly involving the retina and associated neurology.
Harpinder Stays Very Active in his spare time
He enjoys participating in all types of sports; he played soccer for 11 years, hiking, tennis, hockey and basketball. He also enjoys working on computers and car audio systems. Past volunteer work includes Geriatrics and Mobilization division at Surrey Memorial Hospital and UBC Hospital emergency room and admitting departments.
Dr Gill Believes in Volunteer Work
Current volunteer work includes Canadian Eyesight International which provides free eye screenings within the community alongside local ophthalmologists.
Dr. Kate Piotrowski
Dr. Kate Piotrowski follows in her mother's footsteps and our founder, Dr. Schnarr, in joining us at Pacific Eye Doctors. Born in Maple Ridge and raised in the Fraser Valley, Dr. Piotrowski earned her Bachelor of Science at the University of British Columbia. She completed her Doctorate of Optometry at the Southern California College of Optometry in 2018, including externships providing care on two Navajo Nations, caring for the veterans in Salt Lake City, working in private practice in South Lake Tahoe, and academia in Anaheim. Dr. Piotrowski's passion for eye care extends beyond the clinic — she cherishes memories of connecting with underserved populations in Orange County.
In her six years in eye care, Kate's commitment to her community goes beyond the exam room. She actively volunteers for the College of Optometrists of BC and serves on the membership and recruitment committee for BC Doctors of Optometry. Dr. Piotrowski has a special interest in pediatric care, emphasizing the importance of clear vision for the younger generation's success, especially for school and sports.
Beyond her profession, Kate is a nature enthusiast, environmentalist, and fitness devotee. Living in beautiful British Columbia, she embraces the outdoors through hiking, yoga, and weightlifting, embodying the spirit of the Kits community. Driven by a deep sense of stewardship, Kate feels privileged to care for patients supported by her family for generations.
Dr. Judy Schnarr
Upon celebrating the clinic’s 40th Anniversary in May 2026, Dr. Judy Schnarr, founder of Pacific Eye Doctors, has officially retired. She has passed the clinic on to her daughter, Kate Piotrowski, ensuring that the legacy of quality eye care continues!
We wish Dr. Schnarr all the best in this next chapter.
Nestled in the scenic embrace of Waterloo County, Dr. Judy Schnarr's optometric journey began at the University of Waterloo, where she earned her Doctor of Optometry in 1985. With a heart brimming with passion, she founded the thriving Pacific Eye Doctors® clinic in 1986, laying the groundwork for a legacy of exceptional vision care.
Dr. Schnarr had a strong presence in the optometry landscape for over three decades. Serving as a councilor and chairman of Continuing Education for the BC Association of Optometrists and an integral part of the Fraser Valley Association of Optometrists executive team, she has left an indelible mark on the field. As a clinical investigator for ophthalmic manufacturers and a sought-after speaker at contact lens seminars, she has showcased her commitment to staying on the cutting edge of eye care advancements.
Dr. Schnarr is a force of nature — literally! You might spot her on a hiking trail, gliding down the slope while cross-country skiing, or expressing herself through dance. Her environmentally conscious attitude and interest in nutrition, pilates, and yoga display her commitment to holistic wellness.
Her daughter, Dr. Kate Piotrowski, joined the practice in 2018.
Medical and Vision Insurance plans
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