Nouveau. The word, whether you’re English or French, is loaded with automatic connotations: innovation, modernity, style. Spell it this way, Nuvo, and it takes on an even broader definition: quality, professionalism, warmth.
When Dr. Corina Buettner chose to call her clinic, co-created with now-retired partner Dr. Hélène Laurin, Nuvo Eye Centre, she was looking for a bilingual moniker that would reflect another duality: a full-service eyecare facility with the atmosphere of a health spa.
“My goal,” the Saskatchewan-born, much-traveled Dr. Buettner explains, “is to provide not only exceptional eye care but also a space where patients feel valued and appreciated, providing unparalleled expertise within an inclusive atmosphere. My team and I truly believe that eye care is an essential part of overall well-being, and the environment in which it’s provided plays a significant role in the patient’s experience. By creating a serene and welcoming atmosphere, we aim to make each visit more enjoyable and less clinical, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.”
Currently, Dr. Buettner oversees two locations: the flagship facility at 170 Vanguard Dr. in Orléans, and a newer location at 156 Beechwood Ave., closer to the downtown-Ottawa core. The patient journey takes one through private, state-of-the-art examination rooms for a detailed consultation and eye exam, conducted by one of twelve carefully selected optometrists. Treatment-wise, Nuvo offers a multitude of solutions for a wide variety of eye health diagnoses, including such common conditions as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. In addition, its innovative vision therapy programs address visual deficiencies and processing issues.
From left to right: Dr. Zena Skaff, Dr. Marie-Christine Deschênes, Dr. Toni Rizk, Dr. Andrée Mainville, Dr. Jessica Kumar, Dr. Francine Gauthier, Dr. Corina Buettner
From left to right: Dr. Juan Giraldo, Dr. Emmanuelle Sauvé, Dr. Amy Zhang, Dr. Jonathan Wareham, Dr. Jenna Braham
And when it comes to glasses and/or contact lenses, Nuvo’s impressive surroundings are a veritable showroom of stylish, comfortable eyewear. The selection is endless, and the staff is ready to fit you for comfort and flair. It’s the prompt, professional medical attention of a cutting-edge clinic with the makeover sensibility of an upscale boutique.
If clients of all ages populate the two locations, it’s in part due to the advancement of designated eye issues among two distinct generations: the aging Baby Boomers and the computer-fixated youth. The former is experiencing a cataract epidemic, a common condition in which the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy over time, significantly impairing vision.
For sufferers, Nuvo offers comprehensive solutions addressing early onset and all forms of progression. Nuvo works closely with top ophthalmic surgeons, who perform the prescribed operations with procedural aplomb. Ever accommodating, the clinic provides equally unmatched follow-up care, aimed at promoting optimal outcomes.
Myopia, meanwhile, is targeting today’s children, thanks to increased screen time. While this type of eye strain is not restricted to the young, they’re suffering from such symptoms as dry eyes, headaches, disturbed sleep patterns, and blurred vision at a disturbingly early age. “Our doctors and staff stay at the forefront of these trends,” Dr. Buettner assures her patients. “We’re continually updating our knowledge and services to provide the most advanced care possible.”
As further proof of their progressive mindset, Nuvo also offers vision therapy, a customized program designed to improve visual skills and processing, such as poor tracking, eye-hand coordination, and focusing, which can, in turn, contribute to personal frustration, social challenges, and reduced self-esteem. These symptoms are particularly prevalent among victims of brain injuries, athletes, and those experiencing learning difficulties, all of which can be improved through this rapidly growing discipline routed in neuro-optometric practices.
Says Dr. Buettner, “We stay abreast of the latest advancements in eye care. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures that our patients receive the most current and effective treatments available.”
In addition, each location offers flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend appointments—yet more proof of Nuvo’s mission to provide top-quality eye care in a manner that prioritizes patients as much as possible.
As for opening more clinics, Dr. Buettner isn’t averse to the idea. She and her staff deeply embed themselves in every community in which they work, not only looking after residents’ eye health but contributing to their lives in other ways too, like participating in area events and assisting local charities. They’d be happy to spread the wealth. Till then, though, they’re just as happy to come to the workplace every day, where, even when it’s busy, they feel as pampered as their patients.
“We foster a positive work environment that values teamwork, respect and mutual support.” says Dr. Buettner. “By creating a workplace where our staff feel valued and appreciated, we help them bring their best selves to work every day, which in turn benefits our patients.”
A nouveau/Nuvo way of doing business.
