Our Doctors
Kiera Garner, OD
Optometrist
You CAN go home again is the motto of Kiera Garner, optometrist with Gimbel Eye Centre. The motto applies to both her personal and professional life.
Born in Edmonton, Kiera spent a year at the University of Alberta before transferring to the optometry program at the University of Waterloo.
Her first job after graduating in 1981 was at Gimbel Eye Centre in Calgary, where she conducted primary eye exams on patients. Unfortunately, new regulations in the health care field restricting the work of optometrists resulted in her leaving Gimbel Eye Centre a year later.
Since then, Kiera has practiced her profession in a variety of locations in B.C. and Alberta - for example, she ran community eye care clinics twice a year for natives in Klemtu and Bella Bella on the coast of B.C. and worked as an optometrist for inmates at Bowden Penitentiary near Red Deer.
After a 3-year stint in Mexico where she perfected her Spanish, Kiera rejoined Gimbel Eye Centre in 2004 to provide post-operative care for laser surgery patients 2 days
a week.
"I think laser surgery is a great procedure," she says. "People are so happy to get rid of their glasses - it is fun to be a part of that. I am also excited to learn more about laser techniques."
Kiera has tremendous respect for Dr. Gimbel and the other doctors and staff. "I know they are a very professional organization and do a really good job."
The founder and president of the Lindsay Park Masters Swim Club, Kiera tries to lead an active lifestyle. She likes to get out with her husband and two young sons, ages 6 and 8, to sample all the family activities Calgary has to offer, such as camping, hiking and biking. In memory of her Spanish experience, she also takes a salsa dance class. Olé, Kiera! And welcome home.
