Our Doctors

Since graduating from the Pretori a University Medical School, South Africa in 1970, Dr. Bense has distinguished himself in the highest manner both academically and professionally.

Upon completing his residency in ophthalmology in 1984 at Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, he was chosen to do a retina fellowship in Diseases and Surgery of the Retina and Vitreous at the University of Toronto Medical School the following year by the CNIB’S, A.E. Baker Foundation. In 1986, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCSC Ophthalmology), Canada.

Dr. Bense serves as Medical Director for Bense Vision in St. John’s. He was also the Chief of Ophthalmology at the Health Sciences Complex in St. John’s, and is still a retina consultant with privileges in all St. John’s hospitals. He is affiliated with MUN and is an Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Memorial University, and is on the executive of the Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Dr. Bense is licensed to practice medicine and ophthalmology in Newfoundland and Labrador, and in South Africa. He is currently ophthalmologist to CNIB in St. John’s.

Over the 12 years, Dr. Bense has performed over 20,000 vision correction operations which includes over 15,000 laser eye surgery procedures, and has established a comprehensive medical and surgical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery facility that has few rivals in this country. Throughout his career, Dr. Bense has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in clinical research, education and patient care.

Dr. Bense also leads an active family life with his wife Sharon, their son Jonathan that heads up Bense Optical and Optometry. He spent 4 years in Belfast to graduate with BSc (Hon) Optometry and then became certified in Canada as a Doctor of Optometry in 2006. His daughter Allison is a Cordon Bleu Chef and a certified Pilates instructor. She is the Owner and Operator of Bense Pilates. His other daughter Christine has a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering and true to our family’s health tradition, works for Kraft foods International in Chicago.

Professional Affiliations
Fellow :
Royal College of Surgeons of Canada

Member :
Atlantic Provinces Ophthalmological Society (APOS)
Canadian Ophthalmic Society
Canadian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
Newfoundland Medical Society
Canadian Medical Association
South African Medical and Dental Society
International Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

Dr. McEachren was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and grew up in the town of Stephenville. He completed his Bachelor of Science at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia in 1990. He then returned to Newfoundland to obtain a Master of Science in biochemistry at Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1994. He thereafter completed his medical degree at Dalhousie University in 1998 and went on to obtain a fellowship in Ocular Pathology at the University of Ottawa in 1999. From 1999 to 2004 he completed his residency in Ophthalmology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada and he has been practicing as a comprehensive Ophthalmologist in St. John’s ever since.

Dr. McEachren’s personable approach and dedication to individualized patient care complements his academic and professional qualifications. It is this commitment to excellence that makes him a superb addition to the Bense Vision™ team.

Outside of his clinical practice, Dr. McEachren enjoys riding motorcycles and snowmobiles. He also loves guitar, cooking, photography, running, skiing, and kayaking.
Professional Affiliations
Fellow :

Royal College of Surgeons of Canada
Member :

Canadian Medical Association
Canadian Ophthalmology Society
Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association
Atlantic Provinces Ophthalmology Society