Our Staff

Dr. Jennifer W. Rahman BScH MD FRCSC

Dr. Rahman is an Eye Physician and Surgeon specializing in the treatment of glaucoma and cataract. Dr. Rahman established GEM Clinic in 2011 and is the Medical Director of GEM Clinic.

Dr. Rahman was born in England, and raised in Winnipeg where she graduated from Saint Mary's Academy High School. She completed a Bachelor of Science Honours in Biology from Queen's University at Kingston, and then briefly entered the After-Degree Education Program at the University of Manitoba. Before completing this additional degree, she was accepted into Medical School at the University of Manitoba and graduated in 1997. She then entered a 5-year Ophthalmology Residency program at Queen's University. Before starting regular practice, she joined the DC-10 "Flying Eye Hospital" team of Orbis International (a charitable eye care organization) for one year, traveling to China, Bangladesh, India, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Upon return, Dr. Rahman started practicing as a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist in Winnipeg in 2003-2004, and then entered a year-long Glaucoma Fellowship program at Dalhousie University. She returned to Winnipeg in 2005 to start a full-time clinical and surgical practice, providing both glaucoma and cataract surgery.

Dr. Rahman currently serves as the President of the EPSOM, the Eye Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (www.manitobaeyephysicians.ca). She has volunteered for the Canadian and the International Blind Sports' Associations and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Dr. Rahman is an Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Sylvia Kogan BScH BScMed MD FRCSC

Dr. Kogan is a comprehensive Ophthalmologist, providing primary eye care and treatment for a wide range of ophthalmic conditions including glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and ocular surface disorders.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Dr. Kogan attended the University of Manitoba where she received her Bachelor of Science with Distinction, a Bachelor of Science in Medicine and a Doctor of Medicine degree. Following her completion of medical school in Manitoba, Dr. Kogan attended the University of Alberta for her 5-year residency training in ophthalmology. She practiced for several years in Edmonton, Alberta before returning to Winnipeg.

Dr. Kogan is a Lecturer at the University of Manitoba teaching at all levels of medical training.

Dr. Tyler Buffie BSc OD

Dr. Buffie is an Optometrist with a special interest in glaucoma and paediatric optometry, and is focused in meeting the needs of patients province-wide.

Dr. Buffie attended the University of Winnipeg where he completed his Bachelor of Science degree but more importantly met his wife. He then completed his degree at the University of Waterloo in Optometry with Honours while traveling to Mexico and El Salvador on eye care missions.

Upon returning to Winnipeg, Dr. Buffie set about improving his knowledge in eye care by working with local ophthalmologists. This led to becoming the go-to optometrist for paediatric ophthalmology in contact lens care for children after cataract surgery. In 2011, Dr. Buffie became the first team member to join GEM Clinic. Throughout the years, he has gained extensive experience co-managing complex glaucoma, cataract, AMD and uveitis patients after surgery and for ongoing care. Dr. Buffie passes this on to students as an adjunct clinical professor with the University of Waterloo. He continues to accept new patients and provides comprehensive eye exams in addition to aiding the ophthalmology team with ongoing care.

Dr. Karla Zuñiga MD FRCSC (candidate)

Dr. Zuñiga is an Eye Physician and Surgeon specializing in the treatment of cataracts and glaucoma.

Dr. Zuñiga was born and raised in Mexico City, where she completed her medical education and devoted one year of clinical research to the field of surgery. She then concluded her Ophthalmology Residency program at the same university in Mexico, followed by a one year advanced Cataract and Anterior Segment Surgical Fellowship. After her extensive training, Dr. Zuñiga decided to pursue a 2-year Glaucoma Fellowship program at the University of Manitoba. She currently has a full-time clinical and surgical practice focused on cataract and glaucoma surgery.

Dr. Zuñiga has volunteered in several cataract missions in Mexico and is part of the committee for Young Latin American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, promoting accessibility to academic resources for ophthalmology residents in Latin America and Spain.

Dr. Zuñiga is an Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba.

Dr. Nadia Ríos MD FRCSC (candidate)

Dr. Ríos is an Ophthalmologist and Glaucoma Specialist dedicated to enhancing population health through clinical care, education, and research. Fluent in English and Spanish, she has engaged in international scientific research and clinical activities since her undergraduate years, including experiences in Italy, Canada, Germany and the United States.

Born and raised in northern Mexico, she earned her medical degree with honors from the Universidad Autonoma de Coahuila, completed her residency at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México as chief resident, and specialized in glaucoma at the University of Manitoba.

With extensive experience in clinical and surgical glaucoma treatment, Dr. Ríos has contributed to health education initiatives and co-authored educational content for various academic institutions. She is committed to public health, patient education, and ensuring every patient feels safe, valued and understood, providing personalized care tailored to individual needs. Her compassionate approach empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health.

Olivia Zhou, Clinical Assistant

Qingyun (Olivia) Zhou was born and raised in China, where she obtained her Bachelor of Clinical Medicine degree in 2007 and Doctorate of Ophthalmology in 2012. With over eight years of experience as an ophthalmologist and surgeon in China, she brings a wealth of expertise to our practice. She came to Canada in 2023 and joined our team, where she works to assist our ophthalmologists during patient examinations and procedures. She ensures patients are well-prepared for their visits and provides clear instructions for pre- and post- operative care.