Dr. Kevin Shelswell
Dr. Shelswell graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science in 2023. He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Victoria.
Dr. Shelswell was born and raised in Campbell River. After practicing rurally his first year in Fernie, BC, he returned to the island to join his father, John, and help turn smarteyes! into an optometric clinic.
He is excited to have the opportunity to practice on the Island, to service the communities he grew up in, as well as meet and connect with his patients. When not at work, Dr. Shelswell spends most of his time outdoors hiking, camping, and skiing.
John Shelswell
John Shelswell is a Licensed Optician and the co-founder of smarteyes!.
Born in Sudbury, Ontario, John was 8 years old when he moved to Austria. Having to learn a new language in a new country taught him the importance of choosing to “swim” in the age-old “sink or swim” situation.
John completed his training and passed his licensing exam in Austria, after which he practiced Opticianry there for a decade. In 1991, he moved to Vancouver Island with his wife where he got licensed through the College of Opticians of BC to continue to follow his passion in optics in Canada.
Javy Caron
Javy joins us after some time at other clinics.
While she is currently doing reception work, her goal is to move into the glasses side of things and become a Licensed Optician.
She believes that everyone should look and feel good in their glasses. Having some complicated eyes herself, she sympathizes with those who have complex and unique cases.
In her free time you can find Javy out with her dog exploring the trails and beaches that the Island has to offer. After growing up all over the island she finds being outdoors the best remedy to a long day.
Why Choose our Optical Clinic?
At smarteyes! we believe in quality above all else. Our clinic offers comprehensive eye exams for children, adults, and seniors performed by a licensed Optometrist.
Frames and lenses at our optical store are hand picked from smaller, lesser known companies to reduce the cost without sacrificing quality, and pass those savings onto you!
Knowledgeable and highly trained staff provide you with the best frames and lenses tailored to your lifestyle. Our constantly updated selection reflects the newest trends without sacrificing timeless styles. Our goal is to help you find your perfect pair of glasses.
You’ll be seen by Dr. Kevin Shelswell, our licensed Optometrist. He provides comprehensive eye exams for all ages and is passionate about connecting with patients from the community he grew up in.
An Optometrist (like Dr. Kevin) performs eye exams, checks vision and eye health, and can prescribe glasses or contact lenses. An Optician (like John) helps you choose and fit your eyewear based on your prescription, ensuring comfort and clarity.
Absolutely! Our team — including John and Javy — are here to guide you through frame options that match your look, budget, and day-to-day needs. Whether you want something trendy or timeless, we’ve got you covered.
Yes! We hand-pick frames from independent and lesser-known designers to ensure high-quality eyewear at better prices — without the markup. It’s how we offer unique styles while keeping affordability in mind.