Meet Our Team
Our mission is to make sure you wear your glasses comfortably with confidence, with the help of our professional eyewear team. IPURLE not only provides you professional eyewear knowledge during your visit but also is providing a One-Stop Eyewear Eyecare service with our partner Optometry just around the corner; making everything convenient and efficient for everyone.
Scarborough Location
Elvin Hui, RO
Our licensed Optician, Elvin, has over 15 years of experience in the optical field. As a professional optician at IPURLE, he provides each patient with a friendly visit and expert guidance on eyeglass lens designs and frame styles tailored to their unique needs. Elvin has extensive knowledge of all types of lens designs and is adept at helping patients find the best solutions for their daily activities and personal lifestyles.
In his role as the Lead Myopia Care Coordinator, Elvin is highly skilled in managing and slowing the progression of myopia, particularly in children. His expertise in various specialty lenses ensures that young patients receive effective and personalized care.
In addition to his clinical expertise, Elvin plays a key role in maintaining a smooth office operation, providing a seamless experience for all patients. As part of the IPURLE & Optometry team, he is also experienced as a cross-trained Optometric Coordinator, assisting with tasks ranging from booking appointments to pretesting patients before their exams.
A member of the Optician Association of Canada.
Elvin is fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. His hobbies include photography, and he loves to watch movies, and spend time with his friends and family.
Licensed Optician
Dr. Allyson Tang, OD
She is a graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, and also completed her degree in Honours Science at the University of Waterloo.
Dr. Tang attended Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Kentucky, U.S. for her Optometry externship, where she gained a stronger background in diabetic retinopathy and other ocular disease management. She is TPA certified to prescribe medication for various eye conditions including Allergies and Glaucoma.
Allyson Tang completed her second externship at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Optometry Department, where she gained insight on East Asian eye care. There she was also exposed to an emphasis on Myopia Control or research in methods to slow down progression of near-sightedness, which is a prominent challenge in East Asia. Her special interest is in Accelerated Orthokeratology or AOK.
A member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists and Eye Recommend.
Allyson, Optometrist, was born in Hong Kong and came to Richmond Hill, Toronto for her studies since Grade Five. She is fluent in English and Chinese. Her passion includes traveling and following foodies to try out new good eats!
Optometrist
Dr. Karen Choi, OD
She obtained her Doctor of Optometry at the New England College of Optometry in Boston, USA and completed her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto.
Karen Choi completed an externship at the Wenzhou Medical University Eye Hospital in China where she gained knowledge about pediatric eye conditions like amblyopia and management of ocular diseases commonly found in the East Asian community. She has also completed externships at the Low Vision Clinic at the White River Junction Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Vermont and Boston Medical Center where she prescribed magnifiers and other visual aids for patients with low vision from ocular diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. Her other externships took place in various hospitals and community health centers throughout the Greater Boston Area, notably the Vision Therapy Specialty Clinic at the New England College of Optometry Center for Eye Care.
She is passionate about making eye care accessible to everyone. She traveled to the Dominican Republic with other optometrists and optometry students with Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) to provide free eye examinations and glasses to the individuals there.
Dr. Karen Choi is registered and in good standing with the College of Optometrists of Ontario and is certified to prescribe Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agents (TPAs). She is a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists. She is also board certified in the United States and is licensed to practice in the State of New York.
She was born and raised in Scarborough and can speak English and Chinese. In her spare time, she likes to try new restaurants and dessert places.
Optometrist
Katie Kau, O.E.
Katie, our professional eyewear consultant has over 8 years experience in the optical field, and over 4 years experience as a optometrist coordinator. As a professional eyewear & eyecare consultant at IPURLE & Optometry, she is here to provide a friendly experience in helping patients needs in frame selection, and in booking appointments and pretesting patients before their eye exam. As a Graduate of Seneca Collage with Honours in Visual Merchandising Arts, she applies her Merchandising skills at IPURLE presenting every aspects of IPURLE Eyewear and bringing everyone a comfortable environment to shop.
Katie is born in Toronto,ON and is fluent in English and Cantonese. Her passions includes arts and crafts, cook and spending quality time with friends & family.
Optical Expert
Flora Kwok, Student Optician.
Flora, is a student optician currently studying Opticianry at Seneca College. Originally from Hong Kong, she moved to Toronto a few years ago and has been dedicated to the world of eye care ever since. With a strong educational background from Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Flora brings valuable knowledge and expertise to her work. She specializes in dispensing glasses and contact lenses, ensuring the perfect fit and prescription for each patient's visual needs. Alongside her technical skills, Flora possesses a deep understanding of eye care and can provide comprehensive advice on various eye conditions and treatments. She is also proficient in front desk tasks, such as appointment bookings and managing patient records, creating a welcoming and efficient environment for everyone.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Flora enjoys spending time with cats and has a keen interest in K-pop. She is excited to continue her journey in opticianry and looks forward to meeting you at the clinic to assist with your vision needs.
Intern Optician
Hailey Zhang, Optometrist Assistant
Hailey is a graduate of McGill University. After completing her degree, she further developed her organizational and communication skills by supporting students and professors at UIBE.
Hailey is dedicated to delivering the high standard of customer care for which Ipurle and Abaus Eye Care are renowned. As an optometrist assistant, she is involved in pretesting patients, presenting Myopia Control options, conducting soft and hard lens teaching sessions, assisting with referrals, and scheduling appointments. Her positive attitude and motivation contribute to creating an environment where every patient feels seen, heard, and well cared for.
Outside of work, Hailey enjoys reading manga, playing board games, spending time with her pet, and creating art and craft designs. She is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
Optometrist Assistant
Dr. Caitlyn Poon
Dr. Caitlyn Poon graduated with honors from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, where she was a recipient of the Dr. Barbara Sivak Memorial Award. Her strong background in optometry was enhanced by her undergraduate studies in Biomedical Science with a minor in Chemistry also at the University of Waterloo.
With a passion for eye care and a commitment to improving patient vision health, Dr. Poon has gained experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of ocular conditions. Her externships in Grande Prairie, AB, and Mississauga, ON, have further enhanced her proficiency in foreign body removals and the co-management of complex diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
She is recognized for her patient-centered approach, delivering thorough eye examinations and customized treatment plans. Dr. Poon is also a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) and the College of Optometrists of Ontario (COO).
She grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, where she spent many years playing competitive hockey. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games with friends and baking various treats.
Optometrist
Dr. Nicole Chau, OD
Dr. Nicole Chau graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry. She also has an undergraduate degree in health sciences from McMaster University with a minor in economics.
During her optometric training, Dr. Chau completed rotations through each of the specialty clinics at the University of Waterloo. She also completed a primary care and neuro-optometry externship in Etobicoke, Ontario, as well as an externship in ocular disease and therapeutics in downtown Toronto, where she had the opportunity to practice the co-management of complex eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Chau has a keen interest in dry eye disease, specialty contact lenses, and myopia management. She is currently helping with a file review project at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, which looks at how children who are myopic or at risk of becoming myopic (pre-myopic) are managed in clinical practice across Ontario.
Growing up in Newmarket, Ontario, Dr. Chau is excited to provide full-scope optometric care in the Greater Toronto Area and believes in the importance of patient education. She is a member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario, the Ontario Association of Optometrists, and the Canadian Association of Optometrists. She can speak English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
Optometrist
Vaughan Location
Elvin Hui, RO
Our licensed Optician, Elvin, has over 15 years of experience in the optical field. As a professional optician at IPURLE, he provides each patient with a friendly visit and expert guidance on eyeglass lens designs and frame styles tailored to their unique needs. Elvin has extensive knowledge of all types of lens designs and is adept at helping patients find the best solutions for their daily activities and personal lifestyles.
In his role as the Lead Myopia Care Coordinator, Elvin is highly skilled in managing and slowing the progression of myopia, particularly in children. His expertise in various specialty lenses ensures that young patients receive effective and personalized care.
In addition to his clinical expertise, Elvin plays a key role in maintaining a smooth office operation, providing a seamless experience for all patients. As part of the IPURLE & Optometry team, he is also experienced as a cross-trained Optometric Coordinator, assisting with tasks ranging from booking appointments to pretesting patients before their exams.
A member of the Optician Association of Canada.
Elvin is fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. His hobbies include photography, and he loves to watch movies, and spend time with his friends and family.
Licensed Optician
Dr. Allyson Tang, OD
She is a graduate of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry, and also completed her degree in Honours Science at the University of Waterloo.
Dr. Tang attended Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Kentucky, U.S. for her Optometry externship, where she gained a stronger background in diabetic retinopathy and other ocular disease management. She is TPA certified to prescribe medication for various eye conditions including Allergies and Glaucoma.
Allyson Tang completed her second externship at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Optometry Department, where she gained insight on East Asian eye care. There she was also exposed to an emphasis on Myopia Control or research in methods to slow down progression of near-sightedness, which is a prominent challenge in East Asia. Her special interest is in Accelerated Orthokeratology or AOK.
A member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists and Eye Recommend.
Allyson, Optometrist, was born in Hong Kong and came to Richmond Hill, Toronto for her studies since Grade Five. She is fluent in English and Chinese. Her passion includes traveling and following foodies to try out new good eats!
Optometrist
Dr. Iris Shen, OD
Dr. Iris Jiachang Shen completed her Optometry degree with 1st class honors and graduated on the Dean’s Honors List in 2013. Her residency at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University was focused on specialty contact lens fitting, including orthokeratology. There she gained experience in near-sightedness control and ocular diseases commonly seen in eyes with high prescriptions.
In 2015, Dr. Shen completed the International Optometry Bridging Program at the University of Waterloo, furthering her knowledge in diagnosis and management of ocular disease with therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPAs).
Dr. Shen is passionate about promoting eye health and contributing to the community. She tutored Optometry students in clinical labs while working in Hong Kong. She also led a group of Optometry students on a service trip to rural China in 2014, where they provided complimentary eye care and distributed eyeglass donations.
Her research project studying the accuracy of a portable and affordable device that could be applied to measure prescriptions on rural service trips was presented at the annual American Academy of Optometry meeting in 2016.
Iris was born in China and lived in Hong Kong for about eight years. She is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. She is board-certified to practice both in Hong Kong and Canada. A member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists and Canadian Association of Optometrists.
Optometrist
Dr. Melissa Le, OD
Dr. Melissa Le is a graduate of the University of Waterloo, where she received both her Doctorate of Optometry as well as her Bachelor of Science degrees.
She has completed externships in the Greater Toronto Area, Calgary and Pinellas Park, Florida where she gained experience in treating and managing eye diseases, as well as fitting specialty contact lenses. As a student, Dr. Le had the opportunity to travel to Chisinau, Moldova where she worked with a team of optometrists and volunteers to provide eye examinations and glasses to individuals without access to eye care.
She is a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists, registered with College of Optometrists of Ontario and is Therapeutic Pharmaceutical Agent (TPA) certified. Through her training she has developed an interest in both dry eye and specialty contact lenses. She is very excited to join the Dream Team at Dr. Allyson Optometrist and can’t wait to bring her skills and passion for optometry to its patients.
Dr. Le was born and raised in Etobicoke and is fluent in English and Vietnamese. When she is not looking at eyes, Dr. Le loves to travel. Whether she’s abroad or at home, she is always on the lookout for great food and balances out her sweet tooth by running and playing tennis.
Optometrist
Dr. Danny Thai, OD
Dr.Thai obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Waterloo and Bachelor of Science degree from McMaster University. He has received extensive training in Ocular Disease from ophthalmologists at the Eye Centers of South Florida, working with specialists to manage cornea, cataracts, and retinal diseases.
Dr.Thai has served as the Lead Ambassador for the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Waterloo Eye Institute, working with the school Director and Members of Parliament to push forward the profession. Dr. Thai is also a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists and is registered with the College of Optometrists of Ontario.
During his time at Waterloo, Dr. Thai was also involved in clinical research at the Centre for Ocular Research and Education, publishing various research papers on myopia management and dry eye disease. He has a strong passion for managing ocular diseases in his community and helping patients with all their vision-related needs.
Dr. Thai is a proud resident of Vaughan and, during his free time, likes to travel, go horseback riding and golfing. He is also fluent in English and Vietnamese.
Optometrist
Stella Liu
Stella has had 10+ years of experience as an Optometric Assistant. She will be able to help you book appointments and prepare your pre-testing. She will also be more than happy to help you select your glasses frames and lenses with her expert advice and knowledge in that area.
She speaks English, Cantonese and Mandarin. During her leisure time, she loves to watch movies and spend time with family and friends.
Co-Ordinator
Toma Bodea, RO
Toma is a licensed optician with over six years of experience in the retail optical field. He graduated from the opticianry program at Seneca Polytechnic in Toronto. Toma finds great satisfaction in fitting and dispensing a wide range of prescription eyeglasses, helping patients choose frames and lenses that enhance both their vision and lifestyle. He also takes pleasure in educating patients about eye care practices and myopia control options for children. His core principle is to improve vision quality, one eye at a time, for a better life.
In his leisure time, Toma enjoys watching movies, biking, traveling, and spending quality moments with family and friends.
Licensed Optician
Dr. Ryan Jang , RO
Our optician, Ryan, is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and has built his optical practice on this core value. He finds the most rewarding part of his work is witnessing the moment when customers put on new glasses and experience clear vision, often for the first time in years.
Ryan is committed to assisting customers with contact lenses and eyewear daily, ensuring they have access to the latest and best options available. He believes in the importance of staying updated on advancements in eye care to better serve his clients.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys playing golf and basketball, and he has a passion for exploring new travel destinations.
Licensed Optician
