Leader in the Park + NWPD Increased Presence

Issue #322

Author

Carla McNeil
August 13, 2025

Inside the New West Spotlight

 🌤️ Weather - Mix of sun and cloud

 😜 Rain Joke - What’s a rain’s favorite type of movie? 🎥 

 🔦 Business Spotlight - The EyeSite Doctors of Optometry

 🗓️ New West Events - Lots to choose from

 🗞️ New West Local News - Leader in the Park + NWPD Increased Presence

 📧 Did someone forward you our New West Spotlight? You can Subscribe Here!

For Dr. Sameera Jhamb, eye care is more than just checking a prescription—it’s about connection, community, and giving patients the kind of comprehensive eye care that truly makes a difference.

Located in the heart of Sapperton on East Columbia Street, across from the Royal Columbian Hospital’s ER, The EyeSite Doctors of Optometry has quietly grown into a trusted local clinic. It’s a full-service optometry and optical practice offering everything from routine eye exams and glasses to specialized services like dry eye treatment, myopia control for children, contact lens fittings, and emergency eye care. But what makes this clinic stand out isn’t just what they offer, it’s how they offer it.

A Family-Run Practice Built on Trust 

Sameera and her father took over the practice just nine months after she graduated from optometry school in 2018. Her dad worked without pay for two years, handling front desk duties, booking appointments, and supporting Sameera in every way while she performed eye exams, and together they laid the foundation for something special. “It was quite an odd experience telling my dad what to do as my employee,” she laughs, “but it worked!”

Today, the practice is run by Sameera and their long-time manager Cathy, who’s become the clinic’s backbone – “many of our regular patients and customers don’t even come for me, they just want to see her!” she says happily. Their staff has also grown and now includes another experienced optometrist, Dr. Ekjot Brar, plus longtime staff member and optician Ali, and their newest member, Rajpriya. The female-driven team works together to create a welcoming and efficient environment where patients of all ages and backgrounds feel cared for from the moment they walk in.

🧼 Their Newest Venture: Dry Eye Treatment That Works

One of the clinic’s most exciting additions in the last year is in-office dry eye treatment. Sameera is passionate about it because the most common issue her patients face is dry eyes, even if they don’t know it. “Watery eyes, sensitivity to light, fluctuating vision throughout the day, that gritty or burning sensation… it all points to dry eye,” she explains. Instead of just handing out eye drops, which provide temporary relief, the clinic focuses on treating the root cause with lifestyle changes, home maintenance regimens, and in-office treatments. What are these in-office treatments? Radiofrequency and intense pulse light therapies are designed to make the tear glands work more efficiently. You can visit their website to learn more and book a dry eye consultation!

💬 Why Regular Eye Exams Matter—Even for Those Who “See Fine”

One of the biggest misconceptions Sameera sees is that if someone has clear vision, they don’t need an eye exam. “Vision issues don’t always show up as blurry sight,” she says. “A lot of eye diseases like retinal holes, glaucoma, and melanomas don’t immediately affect vision. Just like you would get your teeth cleaned and checked regularly, prioritize your eye health and come in for routine exams so vision threatening issues don’t go missed”. This goes for kids too – “It’s really common – I’ve seen 10-year-olds come in for their first check-ups because parents didn’t think they needed to come in sooner, and we find out they have extremely blurry vision in one eye, and nobody could tell because the other eye was compensating”. That’s why she urges all parents to bring their children in annually, starting as early as age one. MSP covers a portion of the cost, and early detection can make all the difference.

🩺 Skip the ER—Come See Your Eye Doctor First

Another hidden gem of The EyeSite is its ability to handle emergency eye issues. If you have a red eye, you’re seeing flashes or floaters, or you get something stuck in your eye, don’t sit for hours in the ER; call the clinic instead. “We are eye people! We’re fully equipped and ready, and we can usually see you quickly”.

🌟 More Than Just a Clinic—Part of the Sapperton Community

Sameera admits that in the early days, she came to Sapperton just to work. But in recent years, she’s found herself drawn into the vibrant local business community. “It’s been incredible to connect with other shop owners, hear their stories, and find ways to support each other,” she says. “There’s real heart in this neighbourhood.” From their full scope eye care services for all ages, their wide frame selection (including sunglasses!) suitable for all budgets, to their on-site lab that can even put new lenses in your own frame in as little as thirty minutes, to the compassionate conversations that help patients feel heard, The EyeSite Doctors of Optometry is more than an eye clinic—it’s a community fixture.

📍 Want to learn more or book an appointment?
Visit The EyeSite Doctors of Optometry, where you can request an appointment with one of their doctors. And if you’re a mom (or grandma!) wondering if it’s time for that first eye checkup, Sameera’s answer is a resounding yes.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address: 301 E Columbia St Suite 108, New Westminster, BC, V3L 3W5, Canada

Phone: (604) 553-3900

Email: [email protected] (Do not send personal health information by email.)

Already know, like, and trust this business? Be sure to support Eyesight Doctors of Optometry and leave them a Google Review

🍁 Shop Local 🍁 

Local New Westminster Weather

Historical Records for Today - Record high 28.9 2021 - Record low 10.7 2020

Check out all of our local New Westminster Events

August 13, 2025

🔍️ Unique Survival Scavenger Hunt - New West – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

🌈 Pride Storytime – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

👶 Mom + Baby Meet Up at Cove Indoor Play – 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

🌈 Annual Pride Hoedown at Century House – 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM

🛝 Play in the Parks: Upper Hume Park – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

💃 Dancing Queens at təməsew̓txʷ Centre – 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM

🎨 Family Paint Party – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

🏃 Run Club at Steel and Oak  – 7:00 PM

🏃 Pride Run Club in Memoriam at Steel and Oak  – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Drag Bingo w/ Justin Abit at Metro Hall – 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

👦👧 Connect Youth (13+) – 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

🎤 Open Mic Jam at Bully’s Studio – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

❓️ Trivia Night at Frankie G’s – 7:30 PM

August 14, 2025

🔍️ Unique Survival Scavenger Hunt - New West – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

👶 Babytime (0-23 months) – 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

🍼 Baby Social (0-23 months) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

☕️ Queer Cafe at Delicia – 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

🌱 Sprout Club: New West Farmers Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🍅 Farmers Market – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🎙️ Rainbow Night Karaoke at Terminal Pub – 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM

🥧 Pie For Pride: Tipperary Park – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM

📚️ Drop-in Wildfires Bookshop – 5:45 PM

🌈 Rainbow Pride 1 - Day Wonders – 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

🚲️ Bike New West: New West Youth Centre – 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM

🍽️ 50+ Pride Meal Meet-up – 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Night at Georgie's – 7:00 PM

🎙️ Colossal Thursdays Karaoke at The Terminal Pub – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎥 Moonlight Movies Series: Crazy Rich Asians – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎤 Open Mic Jam at Notorious Grey Fox – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎭️ Comedy Exposed at The Flapper Lounge – 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM

August 15, 2025

🔍️ Unique Survival Scavenger Hunt - New West – 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

🗣️ English Conversation Circles – Friday Sessions – 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

🐻 Bears in the Burbs Social at Howe Sound – 4:30 PM to 11:00 PM

🏀 Court Nights Basketball at təməsew̓tx – 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

🎲 Friendsday Night Board Games – Doors open at 6:00 PM

🌈 Fridays on Front: New West Pride Takeover – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🎨 Brush Hour Paint Night at Itilia Kitchen & Bar – 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

📽️ Pride On Film at Douglas College: "Who Am I Now" – 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

🎲 Hitmix Bingo - Howe Sound – 7:00 PM

🏓 Pickleball and Pizza Fundraiser at RCCC – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

🪩 Pride Disco Dance Party at Terminal Pub – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎙️ Weekly Karaoke Every Friday – 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

🎸 Live Music at The Terminal - Mike Van Eyes – 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM

🎙️ Karaoke Friday Nights at Notorious Grey Fox – 9:00 PM until Close

🎲 Board Night Game – Phantom Alley

August Fun Continues with Leader in the Park

Summer fun is still in full swing at Westminster Pier Park! 🌞 This free, drop-in event series brings games, crafts, and good times to the playground area—perfect for families, friends, and neighbours looking for an easy way to enjoy an afternoon by the river.

Hosted by the City of New Westminster, Leader in the Park runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on select dates this month. While August 9 and 10 are behind us, there are still plenty of chances to join the fun:
📅 Aug. 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31

Expect friendly activity leaders, hands-on craft stations, and games that get everyone moving. No registration is required; drop by the playground, say hello, and join in. Everything is weather-dependent, so keep an eye on the skies before heading out. 🌤

With the Fraser River as your backdrop, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your summer weekends with laughter, creativity, and connection.

Image via Facebook

Downtown New Westminster will see more uniformed and plainclothes police officers in the coming weeks as part of a temporary safety boost announced by the New Westminster Police Department. The move comes in response to several serious incidents, including two random assaults, a stabbing, and an overall rise in assaults, robberies, thefts, and mischief so far this year.

Specialized members from the Crime Reduction and Gang Suppression Units have been redeployed to the downtown core. They’ll be patrolling on bikes, on foot, and in vehicles, working alongside regular front-line patrol officers. The goal is to provide a visible deterrent, respond quickly to incidents, and reassure residents, visitors, and business owners.

Police say the strategy is a focused, flexible approach that will be monitored and adjusted to meet evolving needs. Community safety remains the top priority, and officials stress that the increased presence is intended to complement—not replace—ongoing policing efforts in the area.

With heightened visibility and proactive patrols, the department hopes to address concerns and restore a stronger sense of security in one of the city’s busiest districts.

⛈️ Rain Joke of the Day 🌧️ 

🌧️ What’s a rain’s favorite type of movie? 🎥

🙍‍♀️ Anything with a lot of “drama!” 😭 

Groan O' Meter

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