Our Doctors
Leta Thiessen, OD
Optometrist
Gimbel Eye Centre's reputation for high quality care provided by committed, compassionate staff members led Dr. Leta Thiessen to join the Centre in 1994. In her role as an optometrist, Dr. Thiessen demonstrates her personal commitment to excellence through her participation in the pre and post operative care for eye surgery patients.
Dr. Thiessen began her university studies at the University of Calgary, and then transferred to the University of Waterloo, where she received her Doctor of optometry degree. She was attracted to the health care field and felt that the technical precision of optometry and the exposure it provides to a wide variety of people would make optometry a rewarding profession. During university breaks, Dr. Thiessen worked at Gimbel Eye Centre as an Ophthalmic Assistant and later as a student intern. This experience was an important factor in Dr. Thiessen's subsequent decision to join Gimbel Eye Centre. "I really enjoyed the environment," she recalls. "I was with people who loved their jobs and I liked the fact that Dr. Gimbel was committed to new technology and new surgical techniques. There is always a new challenge at Gimbel Eye Centre."
In her current role at Gimbel Eye Centre, Dr. Thiessen works directly with the refractive line of service. As part of our team of specialists, she helps assess candidates before surgery and then helps monitor their focusing ability and the overall health of their eyes for several months after surgery. Dr. Thiessen enjoys the opportunity she has to educate her patients about their treatment options and their eyes in general. Knowing that patients are comfortable communicating with her and that they arrive at decisions, which are appropriate for their individual circumstances, is one of the most rewarding aspects of her position.
Since optometrists are primary care specialists who deal with most aspects of eye health, treatment, and refractive needs, Dr. Thiessen brings a valuable perspective to the refractive care team. Dr. Thiessen acts as a liaison between optometrists and ophthalmologists, using her background and communication skills to enhance the ability of both professions to work together. Dr. Thiessen particularly appreciates her opportunity to work closely with Gimbel Eye Centre's team of surgeons. "I get to know them," she says, "and I'm able to expect that our patients will enjoy consistently good results. Our surgeons are skilled and easy to get along with, so I am able to develop an excellent rapport with them. This translates into a positive experience for our patients."
Away from her professional responsibilities, Dr. Thiessen devotes much of her time to her close-knit family. In 2001, Dr. Thiessen married Stuart Thiessen, a civil engineer by training who works in the agricultural sector. She and her husband have a little son, Evan (2003), who brings tremendous joy to their lives. Dr. Thiessen enjoys outdoor activities such as skiing, swimming, and hiking. Indoors, she is an avid connoisseur of music and enjoys gourmet cooking and needlecrafts, particularly quilting.
