Our Optometrists

Dr. Petar Prpic, OD, FSLS

Dr. Petar Prpic was born and raised in Richmond, BC. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of British Columbia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology, before obtaining his Doctorate of Optometry from the New England College of Optometry in Boston. During his optometric studies, Dr. Prpic distinguished himself through academic excellence, earning membership in the Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society each year, receiving the Dr. Hyman R. Kamens Achievement Award, and being honored with the prestigious New England College of Optometry Presidential Medal.

Career Experience

His extensive clinical training included externships at a Veterans Administration Hospital and Neighborhood Health Centre in Massachusetts, an Indian Health Services Centre in Alaska, The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in New York City, and family practices in Connecticut. These diverse experiences have given him a comprehensive understanding of ocular health and patient care, shaping his belief that optometry should be an integral part of a patient’s overall healthcare journey.

Dr. Prpic’s clinical expertise includes a special focus on specialty contact lens fitting for patients with irregular corneas, including those with keratoconus, post-surgical corneas, severe dry eye, and other complex corneal conditions. As a Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society, he has demonstrated advanced knowledge and clinical skills in fitting scleral lenses, earning recognition as a leader in the field. He utilizes cutting-edge technologies like Ovitz and EyePrintPRO to provide highly customized solutions for patients with unique visual needs. These advanced technologies allow for the precise mapping and customization of lenses, offering exceptional vision and comfort to patients who may have struggled with conventional options.

At Prpic Eyecare Centre, Dr. Prpic combines his technical skills with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. He takes the time to understand each patient’s unique needs, knowing that personalized care is essential for the best outcomes, especially in complex cases. He works alongside his brother, Dr. Ivan Prpic, to provide comprehensive eye care with a special focus on myopia management, advanced contact lens fitting, and irregular cornea management, creating a supportive, family-driven practice environment.

Professional Involvement

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Prpic is committed to advancing his profession. He serves on the Board of the British Columbia Doctors of Optometry (BCDO) and is Chair of the BCDO Continuing Education Committee, reflecting his dedication to lifelong learning and professional advocacy.

Leisure Activities

Outside of work, Dr. Prpic enjoys spending time with his amazing wife and children. He is fluent in both English and Croatian, allowing him to connect more deeply with a diverse range of patients.

Dr. Ivan Prpic, OD, FAAO

Dr. Ivan Prpic was raised in Richmond, B.C., where he completed his undergraduate studies and received his Bachelor of Science from The University of British Columbia. Dr. Ivan Prpic then moved to Boston and received his Doctor of Optometry degree from The New England College of Optometry.

Clinical Experience
During his clinical training, Dr. Ivan Prpic practiced ocular disease management at the Providence Veterans Affairs Hospital, specialty contact lens dispensing and management at Boston Medical Center, management of patients with low vision and care for individuals and children with intellectual and physical disabilities at the Perkins School for the Blind, and surgical co-management at Eye Consultants of Colorado.

Residency and Academia
Upon completion of his Doctor of Optometry degree, Dr. Ivan Prpic completed a residency through the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry in ocular disease and primary care at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center. During his residency training, he worked directly with various specialists including: retinal surgeons, corneal surgeons, glaucoma specialists, oculoplastic surgeons, and neuro-ophthalmologists. During his time at the SUNY College of Optometry, he held the position of assistant clinical instructor where he trained and instructed optometry students. Over the years, Dr. Prpic has given lectures on various topics including: advanced ocular disease, systemic disease and the eyes, and the physics of optics and visual perception.

Dedication as an optometrist to the profession and community
Dr. Prpic has previously served as director on the BC Doctors of Optometry board of directors, as chair of the membership committee, and as a member of the Government Relations and Advocacy committee. Dr. Prpic strongly believes that all individuals should have access to eyecare; for that reason, he has made trips up to rural communities in northern British Columbia to care for otherwise underserved communities. Dr. Prpic is also an active member of multiple mentorship programs where he provides advice and guidance to current optometry students beginning their professional lives. Dr. Prpic is able to perform eye exams in English and in Croatian.

Dr. Cindy Ho, OD, PhD

Dr. Cindy Ho obtained her Doctor of Optometry degree with Dean's Honours from the University of Waterloo in 2000. She subsequently obtained a PhD degree in Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia in 2008. Dr. Ho was recognized as Optometrist of the Year by the BC Doctors of Optometry in 2022 for her dedication and contributions to the profession. She is involved with the Optometry Examining Board of Canada which administers the national entry-to-practice board examinations in Canada.

Research
Her research, conducted in collaboration with investigators at UBC and the University of Waterloo, is focused on studying visual perception deficits in children and adults with amblyopia (lazy eye). She has also been involved in research at the VGH Eye Care Centre working alongside ophthalmologists specializing in cataract surgery and corneal disease. Her work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, Optometry & Vision Science, Journal of Vision, Vision Research, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

Clinical Experience
Her clinical interests include specialized scleral lens fitting for keratoconus, post-corneal surgery, ocular surface disease; visual development & pediatrics; optical and pharmaceutical myopia control treatments; vision training & prism correction for eye coordination, alignment, double vision issues. She provides co-managed care to patients currently undergoing concussion treatment with other healthcare professionals to optimize their rehabilitation process. Dr. Ho enjoys staying current with research on nutrition as it pertains to eye health and loves sharing knowledge on prevention of eye disease with patients of all ages.

Recreational Activities
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Ho can be found snowboarding, surfing, rock climbing, practicing pilates and gardening. Most of all, she enjoys spending time in nature with her husband, son, and puppy. She has traveled around the world, both for fun and to provide eye care to those in need

Dr. Gabriel Ng, OD

Dr. Gabriel Ng was born and raised in Burnaby, B.C and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of British Columbia. He subsequently received his Doctorate in Optometry at the New England College of degree where he was a member of the student council and Beta Sigma Kappa International Optometric Honor Society every year of his attendance. His clinical training includes working at a Veterans Affairs Clinic in Newington, Connecticut, a private practice in Miami, and two community health centres in the greater Boston area.

Residency and Academia
Dr. Ng completed a residency at NOVA Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida after completing his Doctor of Optometry degree. During the residency, Dr. Ng’s area of emphasis included fitting specialty contact lenses for patients with irregular corneas such as keratoconus or transplants. He also was trained in fitting patients into orthokeratology and multifocal contact lenses for myopia control. Throughout his residency, Dr. Ng attended and presented at different conferences including the American Academy of Optometry Meeting, Global Specialty Lens Symposium and the Southern Council of Optometrists (SECO) meeting. Dr. Ng is also actively working on becoming a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and Scleral lens Education society.

Recreational Activities
In his spare time, Dr. Ng enjoys trying new cafes and restaurants, travelling the world, choral singing, spending time with friends and family and staying active, whether that be working out, running or hiking.