Dr. Hurd, or Dan, as most of his patients call him, is originally from Melfort, Saskatchewan where he grew up on his family’s grain farm. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan (Physiology major) before going on to attend the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago where he received his Doctorate in 2000.

During his career, Dr. Hurd has experienced many diverse practice settings where he has gained his patient’s trust as a full scope eyecare professional. He provides comprehensive optometric care, including the treatment and management of ocular disease and contact lens fittings, for patients of all ages. Dr Hurd takes pride in taking the time and getting to know his patients so he can better serve their visual needs.

Outside of the office, Dan's interests include hiking, camping, and almost anything else that happens outdoors. He has a lovely wife Megan, who grew up in Brentwood Bay, and a fun-loving son named Ben. All three would agree that the community of Parksville feels like the perfect place to call home! They also enjoy spending time as a family, travelling and volunteering; just before moving to Parksville, the Hurd family was in South Korea, living at a special needs orphanage.

Dr. Hurd looks forward to meeting you in the office and seeing you around the community!

Dr. Sheila Pratt joins us from the prairies, originally being from Alberta. She obtained her undergraduate education from the University of Alberta, with an honours degree in molecular genetics, prior to attending the University of Waterloo for her optometry education. Dr. Pratt was fortunate to complete an internship in ocular disease management through Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas. She then practiced in rural Saskatchewan for three years, and is very excited to have now relocated to Vancouver Island.

Dr. Pratt is passionate about providing comprehensive optometry services, with a focus on eye disease and management of eye emergencies. She is skilled in the removal of corneal foreign bodies (for example, metal shards or plant clippings after yard work), and offers skillful triage and management of sudden vision changes. Do not hesitate to contact our offices for an urgent assessment, should you be experiencing an ocular emergency!

When not seeing patients, Dr. Pratt enjoys keeping active. She is regularly found swimming or out kayaking, and enjoys exploring all the natural wonders and activities that Vancouver Island has to offer. Never one to turn down an adventure, Dr. Pratt has backpacked through Europe, Africa, and South America, and looks forward to her future travels.

Ryan was born in Mississauga, Ontario and grew up in the Etobicoke region of Toronto. He attended the University of Waterloo and received his undergraduate degree in Honours Kinesiology with a minor in human nutrition. After graduating, he briefly worked as a Kinesiologist in Toronto and soon returned to the University of Waterloo School of Optometry to receive his doctorate.

During the course of his studies, Ryan was selected for an internship at LASIK MD in Toronto and completed his primary care and ocular disease externships in Kelowna, Northern Ontario, and Salt Lake City. He has also volunteered with the iCare International program to provide eye exams to locals in Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

In clinic, Ryan has a particular interest in fitting specialty contact lenses and the treatment of ocular disease. While outside of the office, he enjoys snowboarding, cycling, hiking, playing hockey, and reading up on astronomy.

Ryan is excited to become part of the team and community, and is eager to see all that British Columbia has to offer.