Dr. Desiree Vanderstar was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. She earned her Bachelors of Biological Science degree from the University of Calgary, followed by her Doctorate in Optometry from Midwestern University, Arizona College of Optometry in 2017. While studying at AZCOPT, Dr. Vanderstar was awarded a faculty nominated scholarship based upon clinical excellence and was a member of Beta Sigma Kappa, an international honors society.
After graduation, she further pursued her education at The Southern College of Optometry in a Pediatrics & Vision Therapy/Rehabilitation Residency. During this time, she participated in an optometric mission trip to Colombia, where a team of doctors served underprivileged communities without access to regular eye care. Her previous experience includes working in several hospitals and private practices, including The Mayo Clinic in Arizona, a Veterans Health Center in Rhode Island and an Indian Health Services clinic in Montana.
In her free time, she can be found trying new restaurants in Calgary, reading a good book or spending time with her family and friends
Dr. Vanderstar is a member of the Alberta College of Optometrists, Alberta Association of Optometrists and the Calgary Society of Optometrists. She is passionate about children’s vision and development but also enjoys treating ocular disease, prescribing contact lenses and is looking forwards to welcoming new and existing patients in and around the Calgary area.