meet the doctor
Dr. Bussey was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario. She graduated from Holy Names High School, before attending Wayne State University. Although it is typical for students to complete a four year undergraduate program before attending optometry school, Dr. Bussey applied to the program a year early, without a bachelor's, and was accepted into the Illinois College of Optometry. It was here that she received her bachelor’s degree after two years, and her doctorate after four.
Through ICO, she received extensive training not only at the College, but at numerous sites across the United States. During her rotation at the Illinois Eye Institute, she received in depth training with respect to pediatrics, binocular vision, vision therapy and sports vision. She found a special interest in helping children with binocular vision dysfunctions and those suffering from traumatic brain injury through traditional vision therapy. She also found great joy in conducting exams for developmentally disabled patients in the Institute's specialty clinic, and travelling to pre-schools throughout the Chicago area to offer eye exams to underserved populations. In addition, she gained further experience in the treatment and management of ocular disease at the Illinois Eye Institute.
While completing her rotation, Dr. Bussey began volunteering for the Lion's club. She became the secretary for the school's chapter before moving on to become president. It is through the Lion's club that she began working with a local optometrist outside of school hours to offer sports vision training camps to local baseball teams. She also found great joy in demonstrating the importance of vision to children in minor sports teams, and showing them how impaired visual functions could impact their game.
From here, she travelled to Mount Dora, Florida to work with a group of optometrists and ophthalmologists, providing pre and post-operative management of patients with cataracts and other retinal disorders. It was here that she was also included in several surgical procedures.
Dr. Bussey then rotated through the Detroit VA, where she gained further experience in the treatment and management of ocular disease.
Her last rotation was through Kresge Eye Institute, where she gained extensive experience in the fitting of cosmetic and specialty contact lenses (for conditions such as keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration and severe dry eye), and further knowledge in ocular disease. At the end of her rotation, she was requested by the site to stay on as an optometrist at the Institute. She eventually went on to become the Director of Optometry and sole optometrist working with 19 ophthalmologists. She was responsible for not only primary care services and contact lens fittings, but ER walk ins and the treatment and management of various ocular diseases. She has served as an adjunct faculty member to several optometry schools and has been responsible for the further development of their students. It is through Dr. Bussey that many students are exposed to fitting contact lenses (both cosmetic and specialty), and managing ocular disease for the first time. In addition, she lectures and assists in the training of ophthalmology residents rotating through the site.
Two years after graduating, Dr. Bussey decided to take the Canadian boards and became licensed to practice in Canada. She maintains her license in both countries and continues to practice in both.
Throughout her career, Dr. Bussey has had the opportunity to work with amateur athletes, and elite athletes in the NHL, NBA and LPGA, and has served as a consultant for the MLB. Whether it be comprehensive eye exams, urgent care appointments, or sports vision training, she has been entrusted with the maintenance of ocular health and visual performance of the athletes within their respective associations.
Dr. Bussey began volunteering her time and offering sports vision training sessions with local Windsor teams in 2019 before deciding to open her own facility in 2021. She finds it extremely rewarding to help athletes excel in their sport, and is thankful to share part of their journey.
After being recognized for her efforts and progress within sports vision, she was nominated and elected for a position as a board member for the International Sports Vision Association in 2023. She is a recognized speaker and has lectured on various components of sports vision at optometry meetings. In addition, she has contributed articles to various optometry magazines.
Even though Dr. Bussey graduated in 2011, she continues to attend several conferences and seminars each year to stay up to date on the latest in medical trends and sports vision training protocols. She also continues to maintain membership in the International Sports Vision Association as she has for several years.
