Our Optometrists

Dr. Rachel Rushforth is the creator of Admirals Walk Optometry, and opened our practice in 2001. She passed ownership to Dr. Dennis in 2023, and remains at our practice as our most experienced doctor, team member, and mentor. Rachel grew up in Victoria, and completed her Bachelors in Biology at the University of Victoria. She graduated with honors from Pacific University College of Optometry in 1996. As part of her mentorship in optometry, Rachel gained clinical experience at Oak Harbor’s naval air station on Whidbey Island in Washington. After practicing in Idaho for a year, Dr. Rushforth returned to Victoria, where she has practiced since. Dr. Rushforth enjoys seeing both new and existing patients of all ages.  When she’s not working, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, and staying active in the beautiful outdoors of the West Coast.

 

Dr. Darcy Dennis was born and raised on the west coast, and is the owner of Admirals Walk Optometry. Dr. Dennis earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Victoria, graduating with honours in 2008. For several years she worked as an oncology research assistant for the BC Cancer Agency at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. In 2013, Darcy moved to Waterloo, Ontario and completed her Doctor of Optometry degree with honours. After graduating, Darcy happily returned to Victoria to practice in her hometown. She is passionate about full scope primary care optometry and has a special interest in glaucoma. Darcy fosters curiosity, involving patients in their care and educating them on their ocular health. This attitude is also reflected in her encouragement of staff furthering their education and knowledge. Outside of work, Darcy is found exploring with her partner Ramesh and their dog Menta, or planning their next travel adventure.

 

Dr. Sheriden Goodmanson was born and raised in Victoria as the middle of five sisters, and is excited to be returning home to work at Admirals Walk Optometry. She attended the University of Victoria for her Bachelor of Science while she played varsity field hockey, drove a Zamboni, and worked with youths with disabilities through Community Living Victoria. During her optometry degree at the University of Waterloo, she experienced rural, medically oriented optometry in Smithers, BC and performed eye exams at the Winter Calgary 2024 Special Olympic Games. Dr. Goodmanson has a special interest in ocular health, and what the eyes can reveal about a person’s overall health. When not in the office, Sheriden can be found enjoying nature and searching for the best almond croissant in town.

Our Staff

Zoë is our office manager and a licensed optician, and amazes both her colleagues and patients with her knowledge, work ethic, and her magical ability to keep both our exam rooms and dispensary functioning and still laughing everyday. Zoe has worked in the eyecare industry since 2017, and in 2020 she earned her diploma in Optical Sciences from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, graduating with honours as one of the top students in the country. In 2021 she completed the NACOR eyeglasses board exam, and in 2024 she completed her NACOR contact lens certification with one of the highest scores in the province. Zoë loves lists, coffee, and the colour pink. When she’s not at the office, Zoë spends her time in her pink apartment in her pink slippers, being bossed around by her grumpy cat, Heidi, who sadly is grey.

Angela has been a member of the Admirals Walk Optometry team since 2020, and assists with diagnostic imaging, scheduling, and helping patients choose their new glasses. In 2023 Angela earned her certification as a Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant. Angela is known in the clinic for her intuitive ability to make colleagues and patients alike laugh and feel comfortable; it’s pretty much impossible to be in a bad mood or feel nervous with Angela around. In her down time, Angela likes cooking, going to the gym, and watching horror movies with her basset hound, Blue. 

Alanna is our front desk manager, who keeps the office organized and on schedule. She also performs diagnostic testing with patients, manages our referrals, and is our resident technology whisperer. Alanna has been at the clinic since 2021, and amazes her colleagues every day with her ability to somehow be on top of everything. She cares deeply about inclusive and accessible care, and it shows in her diligent follow through with each patient. As well as working full time, Alanna is currently earning her certification as a Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant. Alanna loves Post-It notes, reality TV, and skincare. She enjoys spending time with her wife and her cats in her down time. 

Julie has always been a Vancouver Islander. Born in Alert Bay, she moved with her family to Esquimalt, where she grew up and attended school. Julie started in the Optical Industry in 1983 and obtained her dual license with the College of Opticians as an Optician/Contact lens fitter. She has been with Admirals Walk Optometry Clinic since 2005, and though she’ll never admit it, deserves credit for teaching most of our team how to create quality and patient centered eyewear. She now enjoys a part time schedule, and is told on a weekly basis that she is never allowed to retire. Julie and her husband are proud parents to two adult children. Outside of work, she enjoys camping on our beautiful Island, and taking cruises to warm places. Her 4 legged friends, Kevin and Henry keep her out and about for walkies, rain or shine and they love to visit the clinic and get some sugar from all the wonderful people their Mum works with. 

Samantha is a certified optometric assistant and a long time Victoria resident. She previously worked for many years as an esthetician, and has a keen eye for detail and style. Sam enjoys making personal connections with patients, and providing assistance in finding them the perfect frame for their personality and style. When she’s not at the office, she likes to hike with her husband and dogs, and makes beautiful nail art, perfumes, and stained glass creations. Just recently she started biking, and really enjoys exploring our community.  

Marie was born and raised in Victoria and has been in the optical industry since 2005. Marie joined our team in 2022, and we’re not sure what we did before we had her to tease us and keep us laughing. With years of knowledge under her belt, she is currently working towards earning her formal certification as a Canadian Certified Optometric Assistant. Marie loves a good round of music bingo, cuddling with her crazy cat, Buddy, and watching The Masked Singer with her son. The only person who loves Marie’s husband’s cooking more than her is the office dog, Menta, who would do absolutely anything for one of those ribs. 

Menta was born in Mexico, and spent much of her life at the Refugio Holbox animal rescue, where she enjoyed the company of many other dogs and cats. Her life changed forever when she met Darcy and Ramesh, who instantly fell in love with her quiet, sweet nature, and decided to bring her home to Canada with them. Menta has since become a full time fixture at Admirals Walk Optometry Clinic, with the staff joking that she is the one who really runs the place. Through gentle encouragement, scritches, and kind words from staff and patients alike, Menta has gained confidence and bravery, and blossomed into the happiest little lady. When she’s not sleeping on the job, Menta likes to tell patients that she has not had any walks or any treats (we promise, she’s had plenty of both). Menta loves beef jerky, walks, naps in the sun, and more than anything, Dr. Dennis. If you want to become Menta’s new best friend, bring beef jerky to your next appointment. 

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Hours and Location

Admirals Walk Optometry Clinic

106-1505 Admirals Road
Victoria, BC V9A 2P8

Phone:
(250) 995-0449
Fax:
(250) 995-2899