‘It’s eye health, but more so what you can do life-wise for them’Published Jun 09, 2025 • Last updated 24 minutes ago • 4 minute readHusband and wife Dr. Shaun and Carissa MacInnis of Albert Bridge have been co-owners of Island Eyecare since 2015. On June 20, they’ll celebrate the business’s 50th anniversary. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostA Sydney optometry business has its sights set on celebrating 50 years in business.Island Eyecare was founded by original owners Dr. John and Donna Fleming in 1975. The office was first located on Charlotte Street and it moved to its current building on Welton Street in 1999.Read More Cape Breton company 45Drives expands with new division, 45Professional Cape Breton duo named to 25 Most Powerful Women in Business list Current owners, husband and wife Dr. Shaun and Carissa MacInnis of Albert Bridge, took over the business in 2015. Previously, he was one of six partners at an optometry business in Halifax before making the move back home.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“It’s eye health, but more so what you can do life-wise for them,” said Shaun MacInnis, about the most rewarding part of the profession. “You can take a kid who can’t see the board and all of a sudden, they can see now. Or they walked out for the first time and go ‘oh, there’s leaves on that tree.’ A kid who’s struggling in school learning to read, there are things we can do to help them out.“A treatment we did the other day, somebody with macular degeneration, their vision got worse and they couldn’t drive anymore. We did a treatment and they can drive again. Those are the big wins.” Island Eyecare is located at 117 Welton St., Sydney. It was originally opened on Charlotte Street in Sydney and moved to its current location in 1999. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostThe business includes 16 employees and two optometrists on staff: Dr. Shaun MacInnis and Dr. Jessica Prendergast. They’ll be marking their 50th anniversary with a celebration on June 20 from 10-4 p.m. that will include prizes and giveaways.“It’s super cool that we’ve been able to be part of that journey and be able to grow the foundation that we were able to purchase,” said Carissa MacInnis, originally from the South Shore. She’s the overall office manager and integrator. “I think it’s been really cool in a climate through COVID and all these changes where it’s been challenging on business that we’ve been able to find a groove and offer patients things here in Cape Breton that kind of keeps our front doors pretty busy.Article content“It’s been exciting to have that be our challenge.” Along with eye exams, Island Eyecare also sells frames. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostMAJOR OVERHAULIn 2018, the business underwent a major renovation. They went from two exam lanes to four, and it’s now easier to cut down lenses to fit in frames.They started offering specialty treatments for conditions like dry eye disease, macular degeneration, myopia management, specialty contacts for diseased eyes and assisting brain injury patients.Shuan MacInnis said they’re the first optometry office east of Montreal to offer some of their treatments. They’ve had patients travel to the office from across the province, Newfoundland, and someone from Pennsylvania inquired about their services.“Close to that early-adopter group of seeing what’s out there,” he said of the new treatment options available. “Obviously, we make sure things are safe and have a proven record, but then not waiting after that if it’s available to get it to our patients.”Article content Optometrist and co-owner Shaun MacInnis does an eye exam on Jamey Toney-Gagne of Eskasoni at Island Eyecare in Sydney on Friday. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostShaun MacInnis also serves as a clerkship supervisor for the University of Waterloo’s School of Optometry and Vision Science. The program offers students hands-on experience in an effort to improve their clinical, diagnostic, and management skills.They’re also working with Dalhousie University emergency medical residents to train them on their ocular assessment skills. Larissa Harris, left, and Brittany Keeping were busy greeting patients and taking appointments on Friday. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton Post‘COMFORTABLE COMING HERE’Melinda Williams of Ingonish has been a patient at Island Eyecare for about 25 years. She praised Dr. MacInnis and the staff for the care she received and is “very comfortable coming here.”“There was a new machine he had and I wasn’t going to get the test done, but something told me to get the test done and I’m glad I did,” said Williams. “He found that I had low pigment in the eyes. He got me and my partner on a vitamin and it’s really working.”Article content Melinda Williams, a longtime patient from Ingonish: “I’m very comfortable coming here.” Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostIsland Eyecare has earned a few local business awards. In 2019, they won a Vital Award for employer of the year and in 2024, they received the innovation and advancement of the year honour at the Excellence in Business Awards, hosted by the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce.The staff is also involved in helping several charitable causes as well. They’ve collectively donated to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, Caleb’s Courage, Teal to Heal, Radio Day and others.As for what’s next, Shaun MacInnis said there’s always room for growth.“We’re hoping to attract more docs to the area. We definitely have capacity for it,” he said. “The goal is to expand the clinic. With the treatment options we have, we’re running out of room, so that’s the next big project.” Many people know Island Eyecare as “the place with the funny signs” with puns related to glasses and eyes. Here’s their latest dad joke. Photo by T.J. Colello /Cape Breton PostABOUTIsland Eyecare• Co-owned by Shaun and Carissa MacInnis of Albert Bridge since 2015• Originally opened in 1975 by Dr. John and Donna Fleming• Moved from Charlotte Street to its current Welton Street location in 1999.• Completed major renovations in 2018.• Celebrating 50 years in business.Article content
Cape Breton optometry business to celebrate 50th anniversary
