About Us

Home About Us

Team Profiles:

The optometrists and staff at Dr. Elmalem & Associates are dedicated to providing the highest quality vision care. We offer the latest innovations in contact lenses and optometric technology to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Dr. Elmalem has been proudly serving the York Region community since 1994. He is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and earned his Doctorate of Optometry Degree from the State University of New York, State College of Optometry in 1993. He was recognized by his peers and faculty for his clinical performance by being awarded the Louis Herrmann Memorial Award for outstanding and compassionate care as well the Ciba Vision Award for Outstanding Performance in Contact Lenses. Dr. Elmalem then went on to complete a Binocular Vision and Visual Perception Residency at the State College of Optometry, specializing in Strabismus (crossed eyes), Amblyopia (lazy eyes) and learning related disorders.

Dr. Elmalem is a member of The College of Optometrists of Ontario and the Ontario Association of Optomotrists. He has earned a therapeutics certification for ocular diseases by The College of Optometrists. His passion for helping those in need is exemplified by his participation in many Vision Van events and Gift of Sight missions to Morocco and the Dominican Republic. When not in the office, Joe enjoys listening to music, traveling with his family and is an avid sports fan.

Dr. Joseph Elmalem

BSc, OD

Dr. Karen Feng

BSc, OD

Dr. Karen Feng graduated from the School of Optometry at the University of Waterloo in 2007. She has loved being an optometrist ever since, working in the fields of primary care and refractive surgery in Calgary, Toronto, and Richmond Hill. She sees patients of all ages for comprehensive eye exams, contact lenses, refractive surgery co-management, dry eye therapy and myopia management. Karen has been an associate at Dr. Elmalem & Associates since 2009, and has enjoyed seeing her patients and families grow with her over this time. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and loves to try out new take-out food options (thanks COVID!).”

Dr. Holly Ma is a member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario. She received her Honours Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry degrees from the University of Waterloo in 1994. She completed her Therpapeutics Pharmaceutical Agents certification in 2009. Dr. Ma practices at both our Newmarket and Richmond Hill clinics since 1995. In her spare time Holly enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys skiing, reading and shares her love of music and piano with her family.

Dr. Holly Ma

BSc, OD

Dr. Marli Shelson

BSc, OD

Dr. Marli Shelson completed an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Life Sciences at McMaster University in 2008. She then earned her Doctor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2012. In Florida, Dr. Shelson completed her clinical internships at the Center for Better Vision, specializing in pediatrics and binocular vision, and the Eye Centers of South Florida, a multi-disciplinary ophthalmological and optometric practice. Dr. Shelson has volunteered at the Special Olympics in Orlando, Florida, providing vision screenings for the athletes. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Optometrists and College of Vision Development. Dr. Shelson believes that patient education and disease prevention are vital to enhancing and maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision.

By taking time to get to know her patients, she is able to counsel them according to their unique health and vision requirements. She practices at both the Newmarket and Richmond Hill locations

Dr. Corey Levman

BSc, OD

 

Dr. Matthew Chen completed his Doctorate of Optometry at the University of Waterloo where he also earned his degree in Biomedical Sciences. He attended the John D. Dingell Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Detroit, MI where he focused on the diagnosis and management of ocular pathologies including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age related macular degeneration. During his training, Dr. Chen developed a strong interest in specialty contact lenses including orthokeratology, scleral, and rigid gas permeable lenses. He takes particular interest in their application for the management of myopia and correction of keratoconus. While not at the clinic he enjoys travelling abroad, sending problems at the local climbing gym, finding zen in the yoga studio, and cooking a meal to share with friends and family.

Dr. Matthew Chen

Dr. Jeremy Han

Dr. Jeremy Han has always had a fascination for eyes. His need for glasses and patching for amblyopia as a child, meant that he was constantly exposed to the world of optometry from a very young age. Dr. Han pursued the sciences throughout his education and graduated from McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology and genetics. He then enrolled into the optometry program at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. In addition to seeing patients at the schools clinic, he completed his rotations at a private practice in Rhode Island and Philadelphia, as well as a lengthy rotation at Einstein Hospital where he was exposed to many different diseases and disorders of the eye. Dr. Han is passionate about early detection of systemic diseases through the eyes and has a special interest in retina. He believes that educating patients on their health and conditions is important and helps patients understand the reasons for treatments and lifestyle and dietary changes.

Dr Sarah Cleghorn was raised in Newmarket, Ontario and then attended McMaster University where she completed her Bachelor of Sciences with Honours. She went on to complete her Doctor of Optometry at the University of Waterloo, graduating on the Dean’s List.

As part of her training she completed an internship at St. Albans Veteran’s Affairs Hospital in New York, working with a leading Optometrist in glaucoma research and management. During her studies, she learned to integrate and utilize advanced technology in patient care to prevent ocular diseases including glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy and to enhance vision using laser vision correction.

Sarah loves children (especially the little ones!) and strives to ensure they have a positive experience at each and every eye exam! She is always accepting new patients and would be happy to provide your family with eye care.
When Sarah has spare time you can find her enjoying outdoor activities including soccer, skiing, cycling and swimming as well as enjoying time with her family in Newmarket.

Dr. Sarah Cleghorn

Bsc, OD

Dr. Daphne Lau

Dr. Daphne Lau began wearing glasses at the age of 8 and has been fascinated with vision care ever since. She completed her Doctor of Optometry at the University of Waterloo with recognition on the Dean’s Honors List. In 2015, she was president of the school’s VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services for Humanities) student chapter, where she organized fundraisers and various optometric mission trips. She has also participated in volunteer missions to Ghana and Peru, where she helped deliver eye care to underserviced communities.

Dr. Lau has a special interest in ocular disease and myopia management, including ortho-keratology. She also currently works at a laser vision correction center providing post-op care for patients who have had refractive surgery, a procedure that she has undergone herself. Dr. Lau can communicate in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, and enjoys working with patients of all ages. In her spare time, she likes to travel and stay active by jogging with her dog, Morty.

Technicians and Front desk staff

With over 40 years of collective experience in the optometric field, our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help. They will welcome you to the office, guide you through the exam process and help you purchase contacts, eye health products and process your insurance claim.