In today’s world, vision care has become not just a medical necessity, but an important part of quality of life. Eye Bar, located in Sherwood Park (Alberta Province, Canada), represents a unique combination of a professional ophthalmological clinic and a stylish optical boutique. Founded by Doctors Amy Bakelaar and Ross McKenzie, the clinic strives to “shake up” the traditional optical industry by offering a completely new patient service experience.
Eye Bar is not just a place where you can get an eye exam or buy glasses. It’s a lifestyle concept that combines personalized modern eye care, accessible stylish frames, and sunglasses in a fun, comfortable, and fashionable atmosphere. The founders deliberately created a space that feels more like a favorite hangout spot than a traditional optical store. Key design elements include glossy red lacquered doors, chrome bar stools, and impeccable one-to-one service in a casual setting.
Company History and Its Founders
Dr. Dana Reynolds – The Heart of the Clinic
The central figure at Eye Bar clinic is Dr. Dana Reynolds – a true Canadian through and through. Born and raised in the cold city of Cold Lake, Alberta, Dr. Reynolds spent his childhood amidst the natural beauty of the region. It was in high school that he met his future wife – a girl who became his life partner.
At just 17 years old, Dr. Reynolds embarked on a new adventure, moving to Vancouver to pursue studies in Science and Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University. After graduating from university in 1996, he then ventured to Waterloo to embark on a journey in optometry, successfully earning his degree in 2001.
Dr. Reynolds is deeply involved in his community. He takes pride in nurturing his garden, and the county recognizes his efforts yearly, symbolizing the doctor’s generosity in sharing his harvest with the local food bank – apples, carrots, zucchini, rhubarb, and beans.
Dr. Reynolds has a heart of gold, demonstrated by his commitment to visiting sick children dressed as a superhero, spreading smiles and joy. His dedication to both his profession and the well-being of those around him makes him a standout individual with a heartwarming story to share.
Founders and Vision
Dr. Amy Bakelaar and Dr. Ross McKenzie – the founders of Eye Bar – set themselves the ambitious goal of changing perceptions about what an optical clinic should look like. They wanted to create a place where patients would feel not in a medical facility, but in a fashionable space where vision care becomes a pleasant experience.
Their philosophy is simple: everyone should see as clearly as possible. This means regular eye exams, the right lenses, a pair of sunglasses, and a lot of love for your eyes. To experience the Eye Bar difference, simply book your next eye exam with one of Sherwood Park’s much-loved optometrists.
Comprehensive Ophthalmological Services
Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases
Eye Bar optometrists provide memorable patient care and educational eye tests for adults, children, and emergency eye care services. The clinic’s specialists are trained to diagnose and treat diseases of the eye and visual system, including:
- Diabetic retinopathy – a diabetes complication affecting the retina
- Glaucoma – a group of diseases damaging the optic nerve
- Dry eye syndrome – a chronic condition of insufficient eye moisture
- Cataract evaluations – clouding of the eye’s lens
- LASIK eye surgery assessments – laser vision correction consultations
Optometrists can also treat eye infections and inflammations, including conjunctivitis (red eyes, pink eyes), iritis, uveitis, flashes of light, floaters (cobwebs), and remove foreign objects (metal, eyelashes, wood chips, etc.). They can prescribe topical and oral medications to treat eye disease, infection, allergic reactions, and glaucoma.
Specialized Examinations
Children’s Examinations
With increasing near vision demands at home and school, pediatric and children’s eye exams and visual testing are particularly important to ensure that children excel in these competitive and computerized learning environments. The clinic’s optometrists are equipped to see children of all ages for their annual eye exams or eye emergencies. The clinic recommends that all children begin receiving annual eye exams at 6 months of age.
Alberta Health Care covers children for one complete eye health exam with an optometrist between July 1st and June 30th each year.
Seniors’ Examinations
Eye Bar provides comprehensive eye exams for seniors (anyone age 65 or older). Regular eye exams become significantly more important as we get older, as many age-related eye diseases develop without noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
Specialized Forms (RCMP and Police)
Eye Bar is fully equipped to provide the required vision testing needed to complete the application process for the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and other law enforcement agencies. The clinic conducts all necessary tests, including:
- Visual acuity (corrected and uncorrected)
- Visual fields
- Color vision
- Contrast sensitivity
Innovative Solutions for Myopia Control
MiYOSMART Lenses by Hoya – A Revolution in Treating Children’s Myopia
One of Eye Bar’s most innovative services is providing MiYOSMART lenses by Hoya for controlling myopia (nearsightedness) progression in children. This is a safe, child-friendly, clinically proven treatment option for your child’s ever-increasing nearsightedness.
D.I.M.S. Technology (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments)
Hoya’s MiYOSMART lenses have been clinically proven to reduce the rate of myopia or nearsighted progression by up to 59% and the axial elongation of the eye by 60%. The findings of this study were published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
How Do MiYOSMART Lenses Work?
The MiYOSMART myopia control lens uses a proprietary honeycomb design. The center of the lens offers a clear 9.4-mm optical zone, surrounded by a 33-mm honeycomb pattern of +3.50 diopter reading spheres.
The clear central optical zone allows light to be perfectly focused on the retina, providing your child with sharp vision in the distance and while reading. The peripheral honeycomb treatment zone causes the peripheral light to focus in front of the retina rather than behind the retina in traditional eyeglass lenses. This induced peripheral lens blur seems to signal the eye to stop growing or elongating.
Why Does Slowing the Rate of Myopia Matter?
It’s estimated that by 2050, 50% of the world’s population will be myopic. Myopia has functional, lifestyle, and eye health implications associated with it. Stronger eyeglasses can solve the initial complaint of blurred vision, but we need to try to slow down this progression.
Myopia as low as only -1.00 D can increase your child’s risk of glaucoma, myopic maculopathy, retinal detachment, and cataracts by 2-3 times in their lifetime. Higher levels of myopia, -7.00 D and above, can increase the risk of retinal detachment by 44 times, cataracts by 6 times, glaucoma by 3 times, and macular maculopathy by 127 times.
Cost and Alternative Myopia Control Methods
MiYOSMART Lens Pricing
MiYOSMART lenses are a premium lens design similar to digitally surfaced progressive lenses. They go through a unique state-of-the-art manufacturing process to create the proprietary honeycomb reading pattern on the lens.
Lens Cost: $549 CAD per pair
Includes:
- MiyoSmart Coating (scratch resistance, anti-glare, hydrophobic & UV-protection)
- Material: 1.59 Polycarbonate – light, thin & impact-resistant lenses
- Lens Warranty: 1-time replacement for coating or lens defect (2-year time limit)
Table: Comparison of Myopia Control Methods
| Treatment Method | Type | Effectiveness | Age Group | Ease of Use |
| MiYOSMART Lenses | Eyeglass lenses | Up to 59% reduction | 6-18 years | High (like regular glasses) |
| Atropine 0.01% Drops | Eye drops | Up to 50% reduction | 6+ years | Moderate (daily application) |
| MiSight Lenses | Contact lenses | High effectiveness | 8-18 years | Moderate (requires skills) |
| Orthokeratology | Overnight lenses | High effectiveness | 7+ years | Requires adaptation |
| Executive Bifocals | Bifocal glasses | Moderate effectiveness | All ages | High |
| Lifestyle Modifications | Prevention | Helps delay onset | All ages | Depends on child |
Frames and Sunglasses – Fashion Meets Functionality
Premium Frame Brands
Eye Bar offers a wide selection of unique eyewear brands for all styles and budgets, using premium lenses to maximize your vision. The clinic takes pride in offering both renowned international brands and exclusive designer collections.
Key frame brands at Eye Bar include:
- Michael Kors – American luxury brand
- Versace – Italian high fashion
- Tommy Hilfiger – classic American style
- WOOW – creative European designs
- Oakley – sports and active styles
- Ray-Ban – iconic classic models
Maui Jim Sunglasses – Born on the Beaches of Hawaii
Eye Bar is an authorized Maui Jim sunglasses dealer in Sherwood Park. Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2 lens technology reduces glare, boosts color and contrast, and reduces visual fatigue. Basically, the lenses do the squinting for you. The result is a more visually relaxed outdoor experience that only Maui Jim can provide.
Maui Jim Lens Benefits:
- Block 100% of harmful UV rays
- Reduce High-energy Visible Radiation (HEV)
- 95% of Maui Jim styles are available in both non-prescription and prescription versions
- Over 54 styles in stock
- Voted the best sunglass company multiple years in a row by Vision Monday and 20/20 magazines
Oakley – World-Class Sports Eyewear
Eye Bar is an authorized Oakley eyewear and sunglasses dealer in Sherwood Park. This brand is recognized worldwide for quality, design, and optical superiority.
Oakley Collections:
For Men:
- Sports models
- Lifestyle styles
- Activewear
- Polarized HD lenses
For Women: Oakley has evolved into creating great women’s eyewear that combines both athletics and fashion. These sunglasses are as great on a patio as they are on the ball diamond or when you’re out for a run.
Important Advantage of Buying at Eye Bar: Buying your genuine Oakley sunglasses and eyeglasses at Eye Bar will cost the same as purchasing them at a big box retailer or mall kiosk. But when purchased at Eye Bar, your genuine Oakley frames and lenses come backed with the superior service that you can only get from a full-service optical store, at no additional charge. Plus, we can put your prescription in them!
Safety Glasses and Specialized Solutions
CSA Certified Safety Glasses
Eye Bar provides a full range of safety glasses certified to CSA (Canadian Standards Association) and ANSI Z87.1 standards. This is critically important for workers in various industries where eye safety is a priority.
Types of Safety Glasses:
- CSA Z94.3 certified glasses – meet Canadian safety standards
- Prescription safety glasses – for workers requiring vision correction
- Wiley X – premium brand of military and tactical safety glasses
- ArmouRx – specialized safety frames
Table: Comparison of Safety Glasses Standards
| Feature | CSA Z94.3 (Canada) | ANSI Z87.1 (USA) | Application Area |
| Minimum lens thickness | Specified for non-glass prescription lenses | Specified for all lens types | Industry, construction |
| Impact testing | High-impact tests (Z94.3+) | Basic and high-impact (Z87+) | All professional environments |
| Marking | CSA on frame | Z87 or Z87+ on frame | Mandatory for workplaces |
| Side protection | Mandatory | Mandatory for high risk | Protection from flying particles |
| Lens material | Polycarbonate or treated glass | Polycarbonate, Trivex, glass | Depends on environment |
RCMP Vision Requirements
Eye Bar specializes in conducting ophthalmological examinations for RCMP candidates and other law enforcement agencies. The clinic is fully equipped to perform all required tests.
RCMP Vision Requirements:
Uncorrected vision (without glasses or contact lenses):
- Visual acuity must be at least 6/18 (20/60) in each eye
- OR 6/12 (20/40) in one eye and at least 6/30 (20/100) in the other eye
Corrected vision (with glasses or contact lenses):
- Visual acuity must be at least 6/6 (20/20) in one eye and 6/9 (20/30) in the other
Field of vision:
- Must be at least 150 degrees continuous along the horizontal meridian
- 20 degrees continuous above and below fixation with both eyes open
Color vision:
- Testing according to special RCMP standards
The Eye Bar Team of Professionals
Licensed Opticians
Luke – Licensed Optician
Luke is an expert of technical precision who will work with you to ensure your lenses are exactly correct, giving you the best vision possible.
Why Patients Love Luke:
- European origin and speaks four languages
- NAIT and University of Alberta graduate
- Collects shoes and eyewear (of course!)
- Has really great style
- Has been styling people for 15 years because he truly believes in putting one’s best face forward
- Will put you in the best frames for your face and your lifestyle
Optometrist Doctors
Eye Bar takes pride in its team of highly qualified optometrists who provide memorable patient care and educational eye exams. Each doctor brings their unique experience and approach to patient care, ensuring personalized treatment that meets individual needs.
Modern Equipment and Technologies
Digital Retinal Imaging
Eye Bar Optometry is a full-service eye care clinic in Sherwood Park providing in-depth eye exams with digital retinal imaging equipment and emergency eye care. This state-of-the-art equipment allows doctors to:
- Document retinal condition in high resolution
- Track changes over time
- Identify early signs of eye diseases
- Provide patients with visual understanding of their eye condition
Advanced Diagnostic Methods
The clinic uses advanced diagnostic tools for:
- Contrast sensitivity testing – to assess vision quality in various lighting conditions
- Visual field analysis – to detect glaucoma and neurological problems
- Tonometry – measuring intraocular pressure
- Biomicroscopy – detailed examination of eye structures
Advantages of Choosing Eye Bar
Unique Atmosphere and Service
Eye Bar stands out among traditional optical clinics thanks to its innovative approach to patient service:
1. Stylish Environment The clinic’s design resembles a fashionable café or boutique rather than a medical facility. Red lacquered doors, chrome bar stools, and modern interior create a relaxing atmosphere.
2. Personalized Approach Each patient receives individual attention. Optometrists take time to explain diagnoses and treatment options in understandable language.
3. Comprehensive Service From eye exams to choosing stylish frames – everything in one place. No need to visit multiple facilities for different aspects of eye care.
4. Educational Approach The Eye Bar team believes in educating patients about their eye health, providing information about prevention and treatment.
Patient Ratings and Reviews
Eye Bar has an impressive reputation among patients in Sherwood Park and the Edmonton region:
- 4.8 out of 5 stars rating based on 91 reviews
- 4.6 rating on Yelp with numerous positive reviews
- High ratings on RateMDs and other medical rating platforms
Typical Patient Comments:
- “Excellent staff, beautiful eyewear, and great vibe”
- “They help choose a pair of glasses that perfectly suits your face”
- “Dr. Reynolds is noted for his extensive knowledge and experience”
- “Reviews praise his ability to explain prescriptions clearly and provide high-quality care”
Table: Comparison of Eye Bar with Traditional Optical Clinics
| Aspect | Eye Bar | Traditional Clinics | Eye Bar Advantage |
| Atmosphere | Stylish, boutique-like | Clinical, medical appearance | ✓ More comfortable experience |
| Time per patient | Individual, unhurried | Often limited | ✓ Personalized approach |
| Frame brands | Exclusive designer collections | Standard mass-market brands | ✓ Unique selection |
| Myopia specialization | MiYOSMART, MiSight, atropine | Limited options | ✓ Advanced technologies |
| Safety glasses | CSA certified, prescription | Not always available | ✓ Professional solutions |
| RCMP/Police forms | Full range of testing | Often require referrals | ✓ Convenience |
| Emergency care | Available during business hours | Requires appointment | ✓ Quick access |
Competitive Advantages
Pricing Policy: Eye Bar offers competitive prices comparable to large retail stores, but with the superior level of service of a full-service optical clinic.
Warranties:
- MiYOSMART lens warranty – 1-time replacement within 2 years
- Post-purchase support for all glasses and sunglasses
- Assistance in adapting to new lenses
Convenience:
- Accepting new patients
- Assistance in transferring existing patient files from other clinics
- Alberta Health Care coverage for children’s exams
Location and Contact Information
Address: Eye Bar Optometry 993 Fir Street, Unit 25 Sherwood Park, AB T8A 4N5 Canada
Phone: (780) 467-3341
Website: https://eye-bar.ca/
Location: Conveniently located in Village Market in Sherwood Park, near Edmonton, Alberta.
Eye Bar in Sherwood Park represents an excellent example of how a modern ophthalmological clinic can combine high professionalism, advanced technologies, and exceptional service in a stylish, friendly atmosphere. The clinic’s founders, Dr. Amy Bakelaar and Dr. Ross McKenzie, along with Dr. Dana Reynolds and a team of experienced specialists, have created a unique space where vision care becomes a pleasant experience rather than a routine medical procedure.
From innovative solutions for myopia control in children to a wide selection of designer frames and premium brand sunglasses, Eye Bar offers a comprehensive approach to eye health and style. The clinic serves patients of all ages – from 6-month-old infants to seniors, providing specialized services including RCMP examinations, safety glasses for industrial workers, and emergency eye care.
With high patient ratings (4.8 out of 5 stars), modern digital retinal imaging equipment, and a team deeply involved in community life, Eye Bar is deservedly considered one of the best optical clinics in the Edmonton and Sherwood Park region. Their philosophy is simple but effective: everyone should see as clearly as possible, and the path to this should be comfortable, stylish, and accessible.