Sometimes Dr. Paterson is hiking and camping in the rainforests of Vancouver Island; occasionally he’s pedaling among his cycling team (the self-proclaimed “Shaggy and the Rat Traps”) in the Canadian Mental Health Association’s annual charity ride.

This active and honorable optometrist’s greatest advice to fellow O.D.s?

“Go to the place where you want to live and get to work.”

For him, that’s Oak Bay, British Columbia, the neighborhood where he opened Oak Bay Optometry nearly 30 years ago.

Here, Dr. Paterson dishes on inspirations, accomplishments, and cool kicks.

Your most distinctive characteristic?

Notwithstanding the facts—I’m a balding, 59-year-old, color-blind, cross-eyed hyperope—I want to say my feet, absolutely lovely.

What drew you to pursuing a career in eye care?

My uncle Tom studied optometry in Toronto after befriending a British optometrist while they were prisoners of war in Germany. He practiced in my hometown of St. Catharines until he was 75—a generous, honest, thoughtful man.

How do you advocate for mental health?

I’m bipolar. My scrapes with mental health are numerous. I support the Canadian Mental Health Association by helping to organize and participating in “Ride Don’t Hide,” a fundraising bike ride each June.

Greatest source of inspiration?

Playful people: my staff, my friends, my family, my patients. People who see humor even in serious moments.

Your most rewarding professional accomplishment?

Providing 25 years of ongoing care to Klemtu, a tiny First Nations community accessed by floatplane on Swindle Island, not too far from the south of Alaska.

Most likely to splurge on?

Shoes by John Fluevog.

The song playing in the soundtrack to your life?

David Byrne’s “Naïve Melody.” “When you’re standing there beside me, I love the passing of time.”

Podcast in your earbuds?

“Revisionist History” by Malcolm Gladwell.

Pivot during the turbulent times of Covid-19 to still follow your dreams?

I got pretty manic early on in Covid and decided I needed to open a satellite clinic—Acorn Optometry founded in 2020!

Favorite sports-centric eyewear style?

The Adidas “Evil Eye” cycling sunglasses with prescription insert.