Our Office
Our History
- 1975
The origins of our eye clinic began on Granville street, where Ron Wallace, and his father before him, practiced optometry for many years. Ron was elected Mayor of Halifax in 1980 and served until his retirement in 1991.
- 1981
Dr. Dobbelsteyn and Dr. Gray took over the Wallace eye clinic at 1555 Granville Street.
- 1983
As the practice grew, it needed expansion. It was relocated to 1577 Granville Street to include a second examination room, a larger optical dispensary, and more space for the growing support team.
- 1986
Dr. Carl Davis joined the eye clinic.
- 1988
The eye clinic moved to 1591 Brunswick Street in the Cambridge Suites complex for further expansion.
- 1998
Dr. Jeff Sangster joined the eye clinic.
- 2008
At this point, the clinic was named Dr’s Dobbelsteyn, Davis, Gray, Sangster & Associates, but this was proving to be a mouthful. It was then we became Insight Optometry: same great people, same great service!
- 2016
Dr. Rachael Noah and Dr. Leanne Roach joined the eye clinic.
- 2017
Dr. Kelsey Bonang joined the eye clinic.
- 2022
Dr. Tracy Voegeli joined the eye clinic.
Our Memberships
We are proud to be members of the following organizations:
Community Focus
We are all part of a local and a global community. We at Insight Optometry are thankful for the opportunity to support initiatives which benefit those in need at home and abroad.
Global Initiatives
Since 1982, Dr. Dobbelsteyn has participated annually in vision care projects in Jamaica, providing eye care to thousands of needy children and adults. Dr. Gray has participated in several projects in St. Martens, Saba, Anguilla, and Trinidad. This work has been done through a charity called Canadian Vision Care (CVC).
CVC has provided free vision care to individuals in underserved parts of the world since 1981. CVC is a registered charity, and donations for projects of this type are always welcome.
Feel free to speak to either of the doctors should you wish to learn more.
Local Initiatives
Insight Optometry has long been a supporter of Phoenix Youth, a non-profit, community-based organization in Halifax. They offer at-risk and homeless youth, ages 16 – 24, the opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness to find a path from the street. We have been a proud sponsor of Dreamscape, which is the signature fundraising event for Phoenix Youth and our doctors also provide consultation for the eye care needs of their youth members.
Insight Optometry has also been a long time sponsor of the Halifax Jazz Festival's daytime show.
Mental Health
The Tema Foundation is a non-profit with the goal of linking partners in mental health to make a greater impact on the issues facing those who keep us healthy and safe, as well as those around them. Their evidence-based education and curriculum in mental health and wellness is for first responders, frontline workers, healthcare professionals, public safety personnel–and the important people in their lives. Insight Optometry will forever be grateful for Tema Foundation and their support.
Ruth Goldbloom Ladies Golf Classic
Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people. Insight Optometry has proudly been supporting the fundraiser event for over a decade.
CNIB Guide Dog Gala
Being part of a guide dog team provides mobility, safety, and confidence, leading to increased independence and a sense of connection with the world for people with sight loss. It's alway a pleasure to partner with CNIB, either through their Over the Edge event or Guide Dog Gala Fundraiser.
Pump Couture
We are proud to support Nova Scotians living with diabetes: a disease that can affect their eyes in many ways. The proceeds for Pump Couture Fashion Show goes towards sending kids with type 1 diabetes from our community to Diabetes Canada's D-Camps, providing them with the opportunity to enjoy a life-changing summer camp experience.
NSHNSA
Nova Scotians Helping Nova Scotians Association (NSHNSA)'s vision is to create a community-focused wellness group that provides space for before and after-school programs, summer camps, community sports, meetings, group gatherings, a teen centre, cooking classes, cooking groups, fitness classes and become a incubator hub.
Dr. Roach is currently a volunteer coach for an awesome girls' basketball team.
Other Local Charity and Support Initiatives
Our eye clinic continues to be chosen to provide emergency eye care during many special events in Halifax Dartmouth. Our doctor's volunteer year after year to be "on call" as required for events such as:
- Canada Winter Games 2011
- World Figure Skating
- CIS and AUAA Basketball
- World Jr.Hockey Championships
- Numerous Metro Centre events
We also provide financial support, product support, participation, and key organizational support for: auctions, draws, local organizations and sporting events, including:
- Mental Health Foundation
- CNIB
- Breast Cancer
- MS Bike Tour
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
- IWK Hospital
- IWK Pro Hockey draft fundraiser (over $375,000 raised)
- NS Alpine Ski Team
- NS ISKF Karate Club
- Amateur and University level hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball and other sports teams.
Direct clinical involvement and volunteer doctor/staff time for:
- Halifax Connects
- Phoenix Youth Programs
