Dr. Josephine Pepe, BSc., OD
Dr. Josephine Pepe, BSc., OD
Dr. Josephine Pepe was born and raised in London, Ontario. She received her Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo in 1994, and her Doctor of Optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts in 1998. Returning to London, she began practising optometry in 1999 at Byron Optometry and at Westmount Optometrists and in 2000, she joined Westmount/Glencoe Optometrists full-time.
In 2013 her dream of carrying unique boutique frames from all over the world was brought to fruition when she ventured out on her own and opened Old North Optometry. Her vision was to keep the integrity of the building architecturally, while updating the interior to a clean, modern design all while becoming known as the Old North neighborhood Optometrist.
Professional & Experienced Optometrist
She is a member in good standing of the Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO). Dr. Pepe has been the London Lead for the Eye See Eye Learn Program run by the OAO since it was launched in London in 2012. She served as a professional member on the Patient Relations Committee for the College of Optometrists of Ontario from 2005-2007. After that, she served on the Complaints Committee for the College from 2007-2009, and subsequently, the ICRC (Inquires, Complaints and Reports Committee) for the College from 2009-2011.
This year, Josephine was happy to serve on the committee that organized Comic Vision here in London that raises money for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, an organization that funds retinal research here in Canada.
Josephine was proud to have Old North Optometry sponsor Pride London for the past three years. Last year, we had a great time marching in the parade and we look forward to many more years of involvement!
She was also pleased this year to have Old North Optometry be a Gold Live Auction Sponsor for Handbags for Hospice in support of St. Joseph’s Hospice of London.
As a proud supporter of the Run for Retina Research, which raises money for the Ivey Eye Institute at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Dr. Pepe has been one of the top 3 fundraisers since she began participating in 2006. Josephine ran a half marathon (Run for Retina) in London in 2008 and a 30 km race (Around the Bay) in Hamilton in 2009. She hopes to return to running soon.
Locally, Josephine has also served on the Committee for Mario Vella’s Fight against ALS Annual Golf Tournament from 2007-2011, and has recently rejoined the committee again this year. Mario Vella has had ALS for 20 years and is a true inspiration to all. His golf tournament raises money for ALS Research for Dr. Strong at Robarts Research Institute right here in London.
As a big supporter of independent business, Josephine is a strong believer that retail downtown is alive and well! She loves the diversity in our city and what we have to offer and believes in supporting local, independent businesses. One of her passions is going to concerts, movies (you can always find her in a movie theatre pre-Oscar season—shout out to the Hyland Theatre) and dining at the many small restaurants in the downtown core.
