It was her poor vision as a child, when she couldn't read the blackboard or make out the big E on the eye chart, that began Dr. Della Chow's connection with optometry.
"I didn't get my first pair of glasses until I was in Grade 3. I didn't even know I wasn't seeing well," she recalls. "After that, I used to see my family optometrist annually. When I got to Grade 12, I didn't know what career path to pursue, and he suggested I become an optometrist and is still a mentor to me today.”
Having worked in her family's restaurant growing up, Dr. Chow knew when she opened Della Optique in Kitsilano in 2000, that she wanted to provide exceptional service and establish personal connections with her patients, the same way her parents did for their customers.
"When you grow up in a family restaurant, it's all about service," she says.
Prior to opening Della Optique, Dr. Chow worked at various practices in Toronto, Vancouver and Prince George — a full circle moment for her when she worked alongside her own family optometrist as a colleague.
Today, she runs her practice with her long-time associate Dr. Oliver Chong, who, like Dr. Chow, has over 25 years of experience. "He's passionate about always providing the very best care to all of his patients," she describes. “He developed his knowledge and skills through previous work in both senior and pediatric specialty practices,” which explains why Dr. Chow refers to him as ‘the kid whisperer.’
"We're family eye doctors who are interested in your vision, any changes and the health for the life of your eyes," Dr. Chow explains. "I’m seeing generational patients: children of the children that I used to see, who are now in their thirties and have followed me. Even though they live somewhere else, they still come to Kitsilano and see me annually."
Thanks to their collaboration, the two doctors can offer eye exams six days a week. "We take care of every patient like they're our own family and advise them on what they need,” she describes. “After age 40, you need an eye exam to check for glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. Just as you would have your annual physical to check for diabetes, hypertension and heart problems, these annual exams can prevent problems from occurring by early detection.”
Dr. Chow also advises the importance of early eye exams for children, noting how they're seeing an increase in children who use iPads and cell phones too frequently and too close up, causing their vision to deteriorate at a much younger age.
Early detection cannot be understated, even if you have 100% healthy eyes. “When I asked my parents why they didn't get my eyes checked earlier when my vision was so poor, they said it was because because I didn't say anything!” Dr. Chow laughs.
It’s the screen time and digital devices alone that are causing eye problems in children who have no family history of vision problems. "Their vision is going to get worse as they grow older unless they're educated; however, there are also new treatments available that can slow down some of the problems," Dr. Chow explains.
Whether you need an eye exam or looking for prescription eyeglasses, Della Optique's store experience is welcoming and inviting. "We ensure your vision is checked, your glasses fit correctly, the lenses are made properly and that you're going to see well," she says.
"We carry premium, world-renowned brands, with frame styling and custom-fitting services available."
Della Optique team members are happy to help you choose the right glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses or progressive lenses to suit your lifestyle and needs.
To book an eye exam, call 604-742-3937 or for more information, visit dellaoptique.com.
