Dr. Pennifold completed her Bachelor of Science in Immunology and Infection from the University of Alberta and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo. She was born in Edmonton, raised in Red Deer, and was happy to return to Edmonton after graduation from optometry school.
While in her final year of optometry school, Dr. Pennifold was involved with research on the link between binocular vision problems and learning difficulties of school-aged children, and presented the early results at the COVD’s Annual Meeting in 2012. She continues to have a passion and special interest in this area. Her post-graduation studies have included numerous courses in behavioural and developmental optometry, amblyopia and strabismus treatment, learning-related vision problems, post-concussion rehabilitation, and syntonics (light therapy).
She earned her Fellowship from the College of Vision Development (FCOVD) in 2021 and is the first Board-Certified Developmental Optometrist in Edmonton. She sits on committees within the Alberta College and Association of Optometrists and is passionate about the overall profession. She enjoys sharing her special interest in vision therapy and rehabilitation with other optometrists and medical health professionals through in-services, lectures, and patient management collaboration. Although she doesn’t really enjoy public speaking, when she gets on a roll, it is hard to stop her!