True North Optometry

Dr. Darren Hatchard B.Sc., O.D. was born in Red Deer, Alberta and raised in Singapore . After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Central Oklahoma, he then Obtained his Doctor of Optometry at Pacific University in Oregon.  He Practiced in the Cayman Islands for 18 years  prior to starting the Clinic in PG Costco for 14 years. He is Proud to now be Joining the team at True North.

Dr. Ignacio Salvati, Optometrist, M.D. ( Argentina ), was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. After completing his Medical Degree at the University of Buenos Aires, he further continued his education by specializing in Ophthalmology at Churruca Visca Hospital. He was the recipient of a Literary Award at the Argentine Society of Ophthalmology Congress in 2007. In his time away from the office, Dr. Salvati enjoys playing soccer, skiing, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Brian Sklapsky A.B., O.D. was born in Martensville, Saskatchewan. He completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Princeton University while playing princeton Varsity Hockey . He played one year of hockey professionally in Europe before completing his Doctor of Optometry  from  Michigan College of Optometry. He enjoys Primary Care Optometry with an interest in scleral lenses and sports vision.

Dr. Austin Farrell B.Sc., OD was born and raised in the Maritimes, splitting time between Nova Scotia and New-Brunswick. He completed his undergraduate degree in Chemistry at St.FX University before completing his Doctor of Optometry degree from Michigan College of Optometry. Outside of the office you'll find him at the Okanagan golf course or with his family walking his golden retriever. 

Dr. Vahidi enjoys practicing primary eye care.  She is a member of the Canadian Optometric Association, and the American Academy of Optometry. During her rotations she focused on the treatment and management of ocular diseases such as Glaucoma, Retinal disorders, Cataracts, Low Vision, Macular degeneration and Systemic disorders of the eye. Dr. Vahidi is also the leading Optometrist at LasikMD Vancouver.

Dr. Laura Appleby was born and raised here in Prince George, BC. She completed her undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at UNBC, then graduated with honours from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science in June 2025. Laura was fortunate to work with Emily and Dr. Vincent Budac when True North first opened, and Dr. Budac remains one of her biggest role models. She is beyond excited to get to be a part of the True North team again. Laura loves all things optometry, and especially enjoys disease management, and making children’s eye exams as fun as possible. 

Hello! I’m Kourtney! I grew up in Kelowna and have recently relocated to northern B.C. My husband and I love nature and wildlife so it felt like the perfect move for our family. I always knew I wanted to work in health care so when I started working in optometry in 2018 I fell in love with it. I graduated the Optometric Assistant program shortly after and love learning everything about Eye care. In the office you will find me smiling and chatting to our patients! Hoping to give everyone who comes in a friendly and welcoming experience. When I’m not at work, I spend my time with my husband raising our two kiddos, exploring the area and tending to our animals!