Eye care professionals specialize in understanding how the human eye really works, as well as diseases and conditions that affect your vision - many of which do not have obvious symptoms. Eye doctors know how age and risk factors affect vision over time for young and old, and they understand the benefits and features of corrective lenses including eyeglasses and contacts.
Our optometrist takes the time to explain the results of your eye exam, describe your options and listen to your eye care needs. Because maintaining good eye health is an ongoing partnership, we encourage you to ask questions and share your health information, which could be vital to monitoring, diagnosing and treating potential vision problems.
Meet our doctors:
Dr. Marianne Hopkins graduated with her Bachelors and PhD in Molecular Biology and worked as a professor in research for many years. Realizing that she had a different calling as a primary health care provider she returned to school to pursue her dream in Optometry.
Marianne graduated with her Doctorate of Optometry from the University of Waterloo in 2016. During her studies she worked alongside ophthalmology, preparing patients for treatments and surgery. She is proficient in diagnosing and treatment of many ocular diseases including complications due to diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration and many others. She is interested in lifestyle influences on health and vision preservation.
Since graduation Marianne has spent hundreds of continuing education hours learning about functional vision in the area of vision rehabilitation therapy. She works with patients of all ages and abilities who struggle with binocular vision dysfunction (developmental or secondary to traumatic brain injury), strabismus and amblyopia. Marianne also works with children who have reading and learning struggles- many of whom had undiagnosed vision and vision processing issues. Marianne is very passionate about clear comfortable vision for everyone!
Dr. Marianne Hopkins is the owner and lead optometrist of our two locations servicing the Niagara region, located in Niagara on the Lake and St Catharines. The slogan for Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry is "Sight for Life". This embodies the need for healthy eyes throughout ones lifespan, but also how vision can impact quality of life. Dr. Hopkins & Associates Optometry is growing with an open invitation to new patients and with the addition of the Niagara Vision Therapy Centre at the St. Catharines location in August of 2021.
Active Member of:
· NORA – Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association
· OAO – Ontario Association of Optometrists
· CAO – Canadian Association of Optometrists
· COVD - College of Vision Development
· Continuing Education Director for Vision Therapy Canada
· OEPF – Optometric Extension Program Foundation
Dr. Judy Wicks is originally from Brisbane, Queensland in Australia and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Applied Science-Optometry degree from Queensland University of Technology. For twenty-five years, Judy worked within many regions of Australia with her husband and fellow optometrist Dr. Glenn Wicks.
After many personal and professional visits to Canada and the USA, Judy emigrated to Canada in 2013 to enjoy a northern hemisphere lifestyle. Initially in Victoria then Vancouver in British Columbia, Judy gained experience working in ophthalmology clinics specializing in refractive laser surgery. After successfully completing the International Optometric Bridging Program at the University of Waterloo in 2017, Dr. Wicks practiced in Newfoundland before relocating to St. Catharines in 2021.
Her interests in cycling, boating, travel and wine appreciation make St. Catharines and the Niagara region the perfect place to settle.
Dr. Judy Wicks is a certified therapeutic Optometrist with special interest in Laser refractive surgery, contact lenses, dry eye evaluation and treatment and primary-care Optometry.
Dr. Chris Schellingerhoudt graduated from the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry in 2016, after finishing an honours Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2011.
Chris loves all aspects of eye care but has special interest in vision therapy and pediatric optometry. He works with patients who struggle with binocular vision dysfunction, post concussion syndrome, strabismus, amblyopia and has a passion for learning difficulties and learning optimization.
Chris has his Practical Vision Therapy Accreditation and is a member of Vision Therapy Canada, the Canadian Association of Optometrists, the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and an affiliate of TLC Laser Eye Clinic.
Outside of work Chris is a super-nerd who enjoys board games, dungeons and dragons, video games and reading. He loves being outside, biking, hiking, or playing all sorts of games with his nieces and nephews.
Dr. Shelby Rockwell was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario. She completed her B.Sc. at Michigan State University. While there, she competed on the varsity women's rowing team as a coxswain. After graduating she moved to Fort Lauderdale to earn her Doctorate of Optometry degree at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry.
Outside of the office she loves practicing yoga, skiing and spending time with family and friends. Shelby is excited to be working with Dr. Hopkins again and serving the community of Niagara on the Lake!
Come and see the newest member of our team and she will help you with seeing and feeling your best!
Dr. Chan completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto with a specialty in Neuroscience. She then graduated from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico where she gained proficiency in Spanish. Diana welcomes the opportunity to serve the Spanish and Cantonese speaking patients.
Upon graduating Diana worked alongside ophthalmology, growing her interest in diagnosing and managing ocular diseases such as diabetes, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
Outside of the practice you will find her spending time with friends and family or early morning jogs with her fur baby!
Dr. Jessica De Marinis is a McMaster University graduate where she earned her Honours Bachelor of Science Degree in 2019. Jessica was drawn to Optometry by her passion for anatomy and physiology, continuous learning, and high quality care. Jessica served patients as an optometric assistant for four years during her university studies. This position deepened Jessica’s passion for patient care, and granted her knowledge of the inner workings of an optometry clinic. Jessica continued her studies at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry & Vision Science where she earned her Doctor of Optometry Degree in 2023 with Dean’s Honours achievement.
Jessica completed her first clerkship at a private practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba where she practiced primary care with an emphasis on ocular disease management. She learned to diagnose, treat, and manage conditions including glaucoma, dry eye disease, and macular degeneration. Jessica attended the local hospital in Winnipeg to observe cataract and oculoplastic surgeries. This clerkship sparked her interest in ocular health management. Jessica went on to complete a clerkship at Bolton Optometry Clinic in Bolton, Ontario. She refined her skills in pediatric eye exams, and learned how to detect and manage binocular vision conditions.
Dr. Jessica De Marinis is a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists and the College of Optometrists of Ontario. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys playing sports, traveling, and hiking. She is looking forward to meeting you at your eye exam!
