Digital Eye Strain

Being born and raised right here in Grande Prairie, I feel fortunate to be able to do something I love in the community I grew up. I think it’s important to connect with the community around me, and along with Dr. Hunter and Dr. Manville, I really feel that our practice makes those connections.

I pursued post secondary at Grande Prairie Regional College before moving to Edmonton to study in the Honours Physiology program at the University of Alberta. From there I moved to the University of Waterloo, where I completed the Doctor of Optometry program (graduating with honours).

“In University I found eye disorders incredibly interesting. I sought an internship with a multi-speciality Ophthalmology practice in Birmingham, Alabama so that I could learn more about ocular disorders relating specifically to the cornea and retina.”

A few years ago Dr. Hunter, Dr. Manville, and I sat down and talked about what we were doing and what we wanted to do. After realizing we shared similar visions for the future, the three of us opened Aurora Eye Care in 2013.
When I’m not at the clinic, I can be found camping and spending time with my family. I have three kids: my daughter, Emily, and twin boys, Joshua and Brady.

I’m originally from Trail, BC, and moved away after high school to pursue my academic career. I lived in Calgary while obtaining my Bachelor’s of Science in both Biological Sciences and Psychology. While at the University of Calgary I was a residence advisor, volunteered as a Peer Counsellor and worked with the first year orientation program. Following undergrad I moved to Forest Grove, Oregon to attend the Pacific University College of Optometry.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Pacific University and was highly involved in many clubs and organizations. I was our class president as well as the Treasurer for the American Association of Student Optometrists. I was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa and received several academic acknowledgements:

• The Dean’s Award of Academic Excellence
• Pacific University’s 2008 Student of the Year
• Vision Monday’s 2010 Most Influential Woman in Optics

I enjoy being involved and remain active in the Optometry community. I am currently on the Board of Directors for our practice management group, Eye Recommend.

While attending Pacific University I interned at two clinics that greatly influenced my career: a traumatic brain injury clinic, and a private practice that specialized in children’s vision and vision therapy. These internships helped develop my skills to make vision therapy an integral part of my practice. I also completed a number of Education courses while at Pacific University to understand not only the visual component of learning, but the academic component as well.

“I enjoy engaging kids and teaching them about their eyes. Vision is such an important component of learning and goes far beyond just eyesight. I love working with kids to improve their visual system and get excited watching their academic success knowing their lives will be better because of it.

Opening Aurora Eye Care in 2013 was one of the most challenging, exciting and rewarding things I have ever done. I feel blessed to be a part of a community with such a great entrepreneurial spirit. When I’m not working I’m often traveling with my husband and two young daughters, Calais and Kacela. If I’m not travelling, I’m either planning travel or blogging about it.

I grew up in Calgary and moved to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta, where I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology. I then moved to Forest Grove, Oregon, where I completed my Doctor of Optometry degree at Pacific University.

At Pacific University I was president of the Optometry honor society Beta Sigma Kappa. I was also the recipient of the Carl Zeiss Vision Fellowship for Clinical Excellence and the American Academy of Optometrists Potential for Strong Leadership in an Independent Practice awards.

During my fourth year at Pacific University I was able to apply my knowledge during my clinical internships. I studied advanced contact lens fitting at the Moran Eye Center, and focused on low vision and eye diseases at the Veterans Affairs Hospital. My favourite internship was at the Air Force base in Hawaii. I got to spend three months studying and enjoying the beaches in my spare time.

“Working with veterans, I gained a lot of valuable experience with patients living with low vision or various eye diseases. Helping people enjoy better visual acuity is something I find very satisfying.”

I moved to Grande Prairie shortly after graduating from Optometry in 2010. I always envisioned owning my own practice and when the opportunity arose with Dr. Giles and Dr Hunter in 2013 I jumped on it.

Outside the clinic I spend my free time with my wife and daughter, Britton. I am also active in the community as well as a leader in Scouts Canada (where I’m currently a registrar), a Rotarian and an executive for the Grande Prairie chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Dr. Charlotte Forgie grew up in the Peace Region and received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta. She then went on to Pacific University near Portland, Oregon where she graduated with distinction as a Doctor of Optometry in 2015. After graduation, Dr. Forgie went on to complete a 1 year residency which focused on Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. Throughout the years of school and residency, Dr. Forgie discovered a passion for helping children who are struggling with reading and patients who have experienced a traumatic brain injury. She is excited to have the opportunity to bring her skills and knowledge back home to the people of the Peace Country.

Outside of the office Dr. Forgie enjoys spending time crafting (ie. Pinterest fails!), baking and spending time with family. Her husband’s name is Shawn, and they have a young daughter named Violet. They also have 2 dogs, Murdoch and Darci, both Boxers.

I was raised on our family farm near Sexsmith, Alberta. I spent much of my childhood playing outside and enjoying life on the farm with my younger brother. From the age of four, I participated in figure skating as well as many styles of competitive dance. My love of dance continues to this day.

I graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in Grande Prairie. I received my Bachelors of Sciences degree from the University of Alberta with a major in biological sciences and a minor in science psychology. I continued my education in Oregon, U.S.A., at the Pacific University College of Optometry where I graduated as part of the Optometry Honour Society, Beta Sigma Kappa.

I was able to expand my love of travel while studying Optometry. During one of my spring breaks, I was able to travel to Costa Rica to provide eye exams to the underprivileged. In my final rotation year of Optometry, I had the unique opportunity to also travel extensively including working in Bethel, Alaska with the Indian Health Services team and, as well, travelling to Germany to work at the American Military Base.

Now that I am home in the beautiful Peace Country, I am looking forward to my new Optometry career, spending time with family and friends, and revisiting some of my hobbies. Camping, fishing, riding our ATV’s in the summer, and snowmobiles in the winter are some of my favourite outdoor activities. I would love to improve my golf game, my cooking and baking skills, and learn to play the guitar.