New to Grande Prairie or on the hunt for a trusted optometrist?
Whether you’re in a new location or not, it can feel overwhelming. At Aurora Eye Care, we make it as stress-free and straightforward as possible.
Whether you’re coming in for a routine eye exam, buying new lenses or frames, or finding relief for your dry eyes, our team in Grande Prairie is here to support you every step of the way.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- Why families choose Aurora as their Grande Prairie eye care clinic
- What happens during your first eye exam
- The other eye care services available to you and your family
- How to book your new patient eye exam and what to bring
Ready to learn more? Let’s get into it!
Why Families Choose Aurora Eye Care
Since 2013, Aurora has been proudly caring for Grande Prairie families with a blend of advanced technology, compassionate care, and community connection. We’ve grown alongside our patients, continually adapting to the latest in eye care to make sure you receive the best possible experience.
Here are just a few of the ways that we go above and beyond for our community:
A Team That Really Cares
We really do get to work with the best group of people! Every single person at Aurora thrives on taking care of our patients and providing a high standard of care. We’re grateful that most of our staff have been at Aurora for the long haul and bring so much experience in the industry.
Personalized Approach
We treat every patient like they’re family, and we tailor treatment plans that are unique to each individual based on their lifestyle, work, and hobbies.
No two patients are alike — and neither are their eyes. So whether you’re on the ice, at the computer, or chasing after kids, your care plan is built just for you.
Advanced Technology
Our clinic has the latest diagnostic tools to catch vision changes and health conditions early, even before symptoms appear.
We also offer specialized programs that go beyond standard eye exams, including:
- Myopia Management to slow nearsightedness in kids.
- Dry Eye Treatments to ease irritation, burning, and blurred vision.
- Vision Training to sharpen eye coordination, focus, and processing.
Community Trust
For over a decade, Aurora Eye Care has been a trusted name in Grande Prairie because of our commitment to care and integrity. We’re so honoured and grateful that families recommend us to neighbours, co-workers, and friends.
Our reviews say it best:
“Very professional and guided my family and me through our entire process.”
“Fantastic eye exam as always by Dr. Manville! Linda was incredibly patient and thorough, making sure I found my perfect pair of glasses!”
“Thank you for going above and beyond in every way, for a welcoming and accepting atmosphere, from reception through to the Drs in the clinic…I’m not sure how you achieve it, but you make us all feel like family! So grateful!”
What Happens During Your First Eye Exam
If this is your first time booking an eye exam at Aurora, here’s what to expect from start to finish:
Warm Welcome and Check-In
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our friendly reception team. They’ll walk you through paperwork, verify insurance, and answer any first-time questions so you feel at ease right away.
Pre-Test Screening
Before you meet your optometrist, our technicians will guide you through some pre-tests. These can include digital retinal images to check the health of your eyes, eye pressure checks to screen for glaucoma, and vision screenings to measure sharpness and clarity. This is also where we’ll collect and review patient history.
Comprehensive Exam
Next, you’ll sit down with your optometrist for a complete assessment. Together, you’ll review your health history, current vision needs, and lifestyle. This can cover anything from how much screen time you get to whether you play sports. Gathering this information helps us create the most accurate prescription and care plan that’s personal to you.
Results and Recommendations
Once we’ve completed the testing, your optometrist will explain the results in a way that’s easy to understand. If you need glasses or contact lenses, we’ll walk you through options that fit your style and budget. If treatments or follow-ups are needed, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how we’re moving forward.
Our goal? That you finish your first appointment with confidence and peace of mind.
Services You’ll Have Access To At Aurora
Your first visit is just the beginning. We hope!
At Aurora, you’ll also have access to a wide range of services, including:
Dry Eye Therapy
Customized treatments to relieve burning, irritation, or watery eyes that help you feel comfortable long-term.
Vision Training
Programs designed to improve focus, eye coordination, and visual processing. This can benefit children struggling in school, adults in visually demanding careers, and anyone who wants sharper, more efficient vision.
Sports Vision Training
This program helps athletes in hockey, baseball, basketball, and other sports improve their reaction time, depth perception, and overall performance.
Other Services
From ocular disease management (like glaucoma and diabetes) to emergency eye care and contact lens fittings, our clinic covers your family’s needs under one roof.
Meet the Team at Aurora
At Aurora Eye Care, our doctors are not just optometrists. They’re part of the Grande Prairie community.
Each one brings a unique blend of experience, compassion, and commitment to building long-term relationships with families across the Peace Country. With a range of specialties, from children’s vision to advanced disease management, our team is here to care for every member of your family with warmth and expertise.
Get to know the team below:
Dr. Pamela Giles: Optometrist, Founding Owner
Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Dr. Pam Giles has always felt a deep connection to her community. After earning her Physiology degree at the University of Alberta, she completed her Doctor of Optometry with honours at the University of Waterloo. She pursued a specialty internship in Alabama focused on corneal and retinal disorders.
In 2013, she co-founded Aurora Eye Care and is proud to care for the very community that shaped her. She also serves as a Council Director with the Alberta Association of Optometrists, advocating for patient needs.
Outside the clinic, Pam loves camping and family adventures with her husband, Ryan, and their three kids—Emily, Joshua, and Brady.
Dr. Kyla Hunter: Optometrist, Founding Owner
Dr. Kyla Hunter partnered with Dr Giles and Dr Manville to open Aurora Eye Care in 2013 with a vision to bring comprehensive, personalized eye care to Grande Prairie and the surrounding region. Over the past decade, she has been passionate about serving the Peace Region with a focus on preventative care, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatments.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Kyla is an avid traveller, mom to two teenage daughters, and someone who finds joy in both global adventures and slow coffee-drinking mornings at home. She believes in blending clinical excellence with genuine human connection, making every patient feel cared for as a whole person, not just a set of eyes.
Dr. Kent Manville: Optometrist, Founding Owner
Dr. Manville brings a rich tapestry of experience to Aurora. He holds a BSc in Pharmacology from the University of Alberta and a Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University in Oregon, where he earned awards for clinical excellence and leadership potential. He was a member of the school’s curriculum committee, a member of the hiring committees, President of the honour society and founder of the private practice club at Pacific University. His varied internships — from fitting advanced contact lenses to serving veterans with low-vision care, and even a placement at an Air Force base in Hawaii — reflect his versatile expertise.
A Grande Prairie resident since 2010, he co-founded Aurora in 2013 and remains deeply involved in community initiatives like Scouts Canada, Rotary, and the CMHA. Out of the clinic, he loves spending time with his wife and three daughters.
Dr. Charlotte Forgie: Optometrist, F.C.O.V.D., Owner
Charlotte update: Born and raised in the Peace Region, Dr. Charlotte Forgie earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta and her Doctor of Optometry from Pacific University, graduating with distinction in 2015. She went on to complete a residency in pediatrics and vision therapy and is a board-certified fellow of the Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association (FOVDR). Passionate about helping children with reading challenges and patients recovering from brain injuries, Dr. Forgie is proud to bring her expertise back home.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys time with her husband and two daughters. You will find her happiest travelling, relaxing in the mountains, camping or baking at home.
Dr. Natasha Chrenek: Optometrist, Owner
Dr. Natasha Chrenek grew up on a farm near Sexsmith, Alberta. She later completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of Alberta before graduating with honours from Pacific University College of Optometry. During her studies, she travelled widely, providing eye care in Costa Rica, Alaska, and Germany, experiences that deepened her passion for community-focused care.
Outside the clinic, she’s all about family time with her husband, son, and daughter—whether that’s camping under the stars, hitting the golf course, carving the slopes, or packing up for the next adventure.
Dr. Lauren Valk: Optometrist
Originally from Medicine Hat, Dr. Lauren Valk studied Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge before completing her Doctor of Optometry at the University of Waterloo. During her fourth-year internship in Grande Prairie, she quickly fell in love with the community—and decided to make it home.
With her background in soccer and volleyball, Lauren connects easily with active patients and families. Outside the clinic, you’ll often find her painting, cooking, doing yoga, or back on the volleyball court.
How to Book Your Eye Exam and What to Bring
From start to finish, we want to make your experience with Aurora as seamless as possible. And that begins with booking your new patient eye exam!
Here’s what you need to know:
- Book Online or Reach Out Via Phone Call
Our patients love how simple it is to schedule their appointments. And you will too! With just a few clicks, you can book an appointment on our website — no waiting on hold or juggling schedules. Phone calls more your vibe? You can reach us at 780-513-2020. - What to Bring
To make your visit as smooth as possible, bring:- Your Alberta health card
- Any current glasses or contact lenses you wear
- A list of medications you’re taking
- Your insurance details (if applicable)
- Insurance Notes
We know paperwork can be stressful, so we offer direct billing to most major insurance providers. That means less hassle for you and more time focusing on your family’s vision care.
Book Your Eye Exam in Grande Prairie with Aurora
Your vision matters, and so does your comfort. We hope you now have a better understanding of what it’d be like to book your first eye exam in Grande Prairie with Aurora!
Whether you’re new to the community or new to us, we hope you and your family can find personalized, trusted care at Aurora Eye Care.
Book your eye exam today, and let’s start building your long-term vision care plan together.