History

Welcome to the Nelson Family Eyecare Optometry Clinic based in downtown Nelson, British Columbia and enjoy the following: a rich history of optometry care in the same location in our Kootenay community!

With rich historical beginnings, the optometry clinic has been a fixture at 366 Baker Street for over 100 years! It began in 1916 by J.O. Patenaud who started as an optician and jeweler then became an optometrist in 1922.

The historical building built in 1892 allowed ample space to operate a full-service clinic with an on-site dispensary. Set in the heart of Nelson the practice grew and in the 1950s it was transferred to Dr. Desmond Littlewood.

Then in 1981, Dr. Tim Allen, who was born and raised in Nelson, returned home from getting his degree to take over the practice.

Soon after that, Dr. Tim Allen expanded to nearby Castlegar and opened up another office. In 1998, his son Brent Allen joined the practice and opened a third office in Trail, BC.

These three offices, owned by Dr. Tim and Brent Allen, became known as Kootenay Optometry Clinic.

Maintaining the warm, family atmosphere that patients appreciated from the Allen family, Dr. Kelly Newhouse started with the practice in 2009 to help with a smooth transition as Dr. Tim Allen looked towards retirement. In 2012 Dr. Newhouse made her commitment and her love of Nelson official by purchasing the Nelson office.

Dr. Brent Allen continues to work at the Castlegar and Trail offices. Dr. Newhouse was delighted to be able to be a part of one of the oldest optometry offices in Canada.

To reflect the rich history of this practice and Dr. Newhouse's focus on total family eye health, the Nelson office went back to its roots and was renamed Nelson Family Eyecare.

In 2018 Dr. Jordan Yurchevich moved from Fort St. John and joined Dr. Newhouse at the practice. With family in the area and enjoying the independent small town practice, he is happy to make the Kootenays his home. He solidified his commitment to the patients of Nelson Family Eyecare in 2024 when he became a full partner in the practice with Dr. Newhouse.

Dr. Kelly Newhouse and Dr. Jordan Yurchevich strive to provide the same friendly and consistent care many learned to appreciate with the long tradition of optometrists at 366 Baker Street. They enjoy working with all ages and welcome new patients. They will continue to deliver high quality eyecare with thorough assessments and state-of-the-art equipment.