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About Us

Our practice is owned and run by Dr. Neil VanderHorst who works alongside local physicians and ophthalmologists to provide routine check ups, eye disease management and early detection of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

We believe in building long-term relationships with all of our patients and we’re always ready to answer any of your questions. Learn more about us by reading below or better yet, stop by our office for a chat!

Doctor photo

Dr. Neil VanderHorst

Neil VanderHorst graduated from Pacific University in 2006. After four years of living in Forest Grove, Oregon, he and his family were excited not only to return to Canada, but to move to 100 Mile House and enjoy the many advantages of small town life.
 
The VanderHorst family has found all they hoped to find and more in the beautiful South Cariboo region of British Columbia. A safe place to raise their four daughters, and a community to call their own. Dr. Neil, as his patients often call him, is not only the town’s Optometrist, but also a leader in the local Lion’s Club, and a minister of one of the local church congregations. You would think all that would keep him busy beyond belief, but he and his family still make time to enjoy the many opportunities for fun and exploration that 100 Mile House has to offer.

Our Staff

Our team is made up of dedicated individuals who are passionate about protecting the strength of your vision and health of your eyes.

Tracey

Office Manager & Ophthalmic Assistant

Tracey got her start at Chase Optometric Centre before becoming a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant in Salmon Arm. She joined our practice in 2010 where she quickly proved herself to be an invaluable asset. More recently, she stepped into the role of Office Manager. With over 24 years of experience in the medical industry, our staff often look to her for advice on frame dispensing and lens selection, medical conditions, and life in general!

You'll know you're talking to Tracey as soon as she answers the phone because her warmth and friendliness makes you feel right at home! In her spare time, you'll find her shopping for shoes and quilting fabrics or enjoying the quiet life with her husband.

Ellen

Optical Lab Manager

Ellen has been with our clinic since 1996. Before moving to Canada, she lived in Germany where she worked in the optical industry as an Augenoptikerin for 15 years. With over 35 years of optical experience, she is our resident expert and has passed down much of her extensive knowledge to the other staff in our dispensary.

Originally from Hanover, she is fluent in German and is always happy to chat with patients in her native language. Outside the office, you'll often find Ellen playing with her grandson or spending time with the horses at her daughter's stables.

Tracy D.

Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant (CCOA)

Originally from a small town in Ontario, Tracy D. joined us in 2015. You'd never know that she only moved to 100 Mile House in 2012 —she has an uncanny ability to remember names that would rival lifelong residents and you'll often find her around town waving to everyone she sees.

Her love of shopping makes her the perfect person to help you find a new pair of glasses. She is particular good at finding frames for those with petite faces like herself. She is currently on maternity leave as she and her husband welcomed their first child in December 2019.

Robyn

Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant (CCOA)

Before moving to 100 Mile House in 2017, Robyn lived in Fort St. John where she worked as a Optometric Assistant for 12 years. We knew that her experience would be a great addition to our office but it was her kindness and sense of humour that made us feel like she's always been with us.

She enjoys playing bingo at the community hall, hosting Epicure parties, exploring the Cariboo with her husband, and spending time with her dogs, Sam and Phoebe.

Elaine

Optometric Assistant

Elaine is a lifelong 100 Mile House resident and joined our office in 2019. She energizes the office with her natural curiosity and eagerness to learn. Elaine is constantly flipping through her notes, learning about medical conditions, and taking on new projects.

You'll often find her nose in a book but don't be fooled— she is quick with a clever comeback and spends her evenings shouting, "HURRY HARD!" at the 100 Mile Curling Club.

Dylan

Optometric Assistant

As the newest addition to our team, Dylan spends most of his day interacting with patients during the preliminary testing. Not only is he a quick learner but he's also quick with a joke and a compliment. Dylan has said that his personal goal is to make at least one person smile every day.

Inside the office, you'll often hear him excitedly pointing out classes cars as they pass by the window. Outside of the office, you'll be sure find him hiking somewhere in the province.

Kimberly

Community Outreach Manager

Kimberly works in the background of the clinic helping amazing things happen in the community. She can often be found attending the meetings of charitable organizations, serving as admin for local Facebook groups and websites, and she recently became the administrator of a new-to-the-South-Cariboo website that allows organizations to post volunteer opportunities free of charge. Her goal as our Community Outreach Manager is to search out ways that 100 Mile Vision Care can better serve the South Cariboo and shine the spotlight on the many selfless people doing good works in our community.

If you have a project or service opportunity you think 100 Mile Vision Care should be involved with, feel free to email: kimberly.vanderhorst@gmail.com