Outstanding in Oakville: Dr. Ernest Doiron

Since his early school days in Prairie du Rocher, Ill., Dr. Ernest Doiron always wanted to become a doctor or an engineer. His enjoyment and accomplishments in science and mathematics courses endorsed his plan, all he had to do was settle on a career that would lean heavily in both areas and would allow him to build strong personal connections to those he helped. After some research, he found that optometry fit the bill perfectly.

“Optometry requires a good combination of medicine, mathematics and problem solving skills. Plus, I thoroughly enjoy working with people,” Doiron said.

After graduating from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Doiron attended Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, where he graduated with honors in 2006.

“We were the first class at Southern College to be in their new state-of-the-art clinic all four years of study,” Doiron said. “It was a great facility for learning.”

His studies in the field of optometry included focusing on ocular disease management and surgical co-management as well as pediatric optometry and specialty lens fittings. All of these areas of expertise make him a valuable medical asset to the Oakville community.

Pediatric optometry is a particular favorite of Doiron and it involves special techniques. He enjoys working with his younger patients and making sure his exams are detailed and exact.

“Working with children during examinations is somewhat different from working with adults. Some phases of an eye exam rely on objective data and some on subjective methods. With my younger patients I rely more heavily on the objective material and on observation,” Doiron said. 

“Back-to-school eye exams for students are very important, both medically and for success in school,” Doiron said. “A good eye exam and, if needed, precise correction removes a major interference from learning.”

“Adult eye care is very important as well. The eyes are a window to the rest of the body. Underlying health conditions can be discovered during a routine eye exam. We can view the blood vessels directly, unaltered, and see how they are functioning.”

“It is very rewarding to provide clear vision for someone who has never felt they were seeing their best through previous prescriptions,” Doiron said. “I’m amazed at times to be the first person to ever sit down and solve a long standing vision problem for someone. It’s why I became an optometrist.”

Doiron comes to Clarkson Eyecare at 4412 Telegraph Road in Oakville after five years of practice in Belleville, Ill. He and his wife were so impressed with the Oakville area with its suburban ambiance, reasonable housing costs and good schools that they and their two-year old son are now residents of the community. His short driving time to work is an added benefit to his new practice at Clarkson’s modern Oakville facility.

Doiron believes in giving back to the community in the form of volunteer work. He plans helping to carry out the mission of the Clarkson Eyecare Foundation in the near future by helping with foundation projects that, according to the Clarkson Eyecare Foundation, “enhance quality of life by providing vision improvement and access to a brighter future.”