Testimonials & References

Due to complications at birth I became blind in one eye and developed a cataract/ discoloration as a young girl. Due to constant remarks and teasing about my appearance I desired a scleral shell for cosmetic reasons and to boost my confidence and self-esteem.

I was recommended to Marie Allen and found the experience so positive on many levels. With understanding and compassion she put me at ease giving me encouraging feedback through the entire process. Her dedication, expertise and talent shines through and shows in the final prosthesis; a perfect detailed match!

Wearing the scleral shell I have restored that boost of self-assurance affirming my beauty inside and out, I feel vibrant now! Heartfelt thanks to Marie and her team for their life changing work that makes me feel I can take on the world.

– R.W. from Vancouver, BC

I lost my eye at the age of four in an accident so have grown up with an artificial eye. When I was a child, eyes were not crafted for the individual as they are today. I would walk into a room full of trays of artificial eyes and the nurse would hold some against my good eye and choose the one that was closest in colour and shape it a little to fit. I would never look someone directly in the face. I spent my life with this insecurity.

Years later, I moved to BC and decided to visit Marie Allen to have an eye hand crafted. I have never seen anyone work with such care. She paid such attention to details to get it just right. I had a good feeling and couldn’t wait to see the final result. I was so excited when she finished. The likeness to my good eye was incredible. I couldn’t believe it. I gave Marie a hug and thanked her, but I don’t think she truly understood what she had done for me. I can now look someone in the face and feel the confidence that I have always yearned. Thank you!

– Julie from Vancouver, BC

At last, after frequent thoughts of my experience and inexcusable procrastination to write and dipatch this letter since I left your office with a new and beautifully crafted prosthesis, I offer my humble thanks and express heartfelt gratitude for a superb job, carried out by you and your very capable assistants. Almost four weeks have passed and I barely notice the new eye now, indicating the socket has adjusted nicely indeed, and recent photographs of me suggest a less frightening view, whereas before, with the 48-year old eye in place and a very droopy eyelid, some people, at first glance of me, saw a perhaps dubious unsavoury character. What a pleasure it has been dealing with you and your office. I very much appreciated your consideration of the distance I had to travel, thus accommodating two appointments into the last visit and sending me on my way with an altogether new look. Finally based on my pleasurable experience and the five-star result, I will have no hesitation in recommending your services to anyone that might require them.

– C.T. from Vancouver, BC

I lost my left eye to a retinal detachment when I was 5 years old. I was told that, in due course, I would have to remove the eye. I was lucky to keep my eye without any disfigurement for several decades. Eventually, I started experiencing pain and headaches and a choice had to be made. Choosing to have my left eye removed was the hardest thing I have ever done. I was not prepared for the feeling that a part of me was missing.

Marie’s gentle manner and her empathy made the process so much easier. When I tell people that I have an artificial eye, they are astounded.

– Karima from North Vancouver, BC

As an oculoplastic surgeon, I am constantly in need of sophisticated ocularist services. Both myself and my many grateful patients have always been impressed not only by the excellent work of Marie Allen Ocularist, but by your availability and professionalism.

– Frank V. Buffam, BSc, MD,CM, FRCSC, Oculoplastic Surgeon

I have worked closely with Marie Allen and her team since the year 2000. As an oculoplastic surgeon who performs eyelid and eye socket reconstruction, my job is to remove eyes that have become irreversibly damaged (for example, from trauma or cancer). Marie then proceeds to create an “artificial eye” or ocular prosthesis that fits in the eye socket and that matches the healthy eye. Her work combines the precision of a scientist with the talents of an artist. No two prostheses are exactly the same; each is unique to the patient. I trust Marie’s expertise fully, and all my reconstruction patients see her for their care, after surgery. Above all, Marie has a sincere sense of compassion and empathy that establishes immediate trust between her and her patients. I highly recommend her work.

– Vincent Tony Wong, MD, FRCSC, Clinical Professor Department of Ophthalmology, UBC

I have had the pleasure of referring patients requiring artificial eyes to Marie Allen Ocularist LTD. for over 40 years. Their work is meticulous and skillful and they have a dedicated following of very satisfied clients.

– Peter Dolman, Clinical Professor Div. of Oculoplastic Surgery, UBC