MEET OUR DOCTORS

Dr. Kevin Chavez received his honour’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa in 2008, which included a year of studies in Lyon, France, at L’Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA). He received his Doctorate degree in Optometry from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science in 2014, where he was awarded the Dr. Margaret Hansen des Groseilliers Award for exceptional leadership skills while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence. 

During his training at Waterloo, Dr. Chavez spent time in speciality clinics focusing in contact lenses, pediatrics, low vision, primary care and ocular disease. He interned at the Veterans Affairs Medical Centre in Lebanon, Pennsylvania where he further honed his clinical disease management skills and developed a passion for rehabilitation of the visually impaired also known as low vision rehabilitation.  Dr. Chavez rotated through various eye clinics in Ottawa to further understand the needs of his community, including at the Ottawa Eye Clinic under Dr. Steven Poleski. 

During his studies at the University of Waterloo, Dr. Chavez was president of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) Waterloo, a student organization that coordinates eye care missions to impoverished nations all over the world. In 2011 he participated in a mission to Ecuador and in 2012 Dr. Chavez went to great lengths to set up a free eye clinic for the less fortunate in Cusco, Peru. There he oversaw clinical operations for the distribution of eye care to almost 2000 patients. In 2014 he headed the eye clinic for a full scope medical mission with Los Amigos Medical Aid (LAMA) to Northern Peru. For his efforts, the University of Waterloo awarded him the Dr. Roland and Margaret Hansen des Groseilliers Humanitarian Award. 

 In 2015 Dr. Chavez started a Low Vision Clinic at the Ottawa Eye Clinic, providing weekly comprehensive visual rehabilitation services to the Ottawa community. This was the first private low vision clinic in Ottawa and has since grown into an invaluable resource for many doctors while providing those with vision loss some hope in regaining some of their visual ability.  Dr. Chavez provides primary eye care services in English, French and Spanish.