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Western Laser Eye Associates

A team focus on tailored eye care

Every patient who visits Western Laser Eye Associates is there for their vision. But owner, Dr. Ellen Anderson Penno and her team, tailor their approach to each individual’s needs.

“I like to say to my staff, ‘The eyes are attached to a person,’” says the ophthalmologist and laser vision correction surgeon.

While the practice will always have its wholistic approach to eye care and laser eyesight correction, the shut-down at the start of the pandemic made it easier for an in-house expansion which increases options for patients who don’t qualify for or want corrective procedures.

Twenty 20 Eyewear, which is located inside the clinic, is the first optical for the community of Bowness and a convenient resource for patients who need glasses.

“It’s a business-within-a-business,” says Penno.

It’s also another example of how Western Laser Eye Associates, and its team of two ophthalmologists and three optometrists, is hardly a one-size-fits-all operation.

The clinic is also now equipped with the only VisuMax laser system in Calgary which means even better delivery of established techniques and the opportunity for patients to choose Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) laser vision correction. The procedure for those with near-sightedness involves laparoscopic, no-flap laser surgery which is less invasive, more comfortable and quicker to heal than more common options.

“We are the only one that has that technology at the moment but we are creating a cooperative so there will be other surgeons who have access to that laser,” Penno says.

With all the safety protocols in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, things look a little different these days but the same care is still there. “I am so proud of our staff who have really stepped up with extra cleaning, masks, and social distancing where possible so we can keep caring for our patients through this pandemic,” Penno says.