The Armstrong & Small Legacy: Over 100 Years of Patient-Centered Eye Care
What does it take for a healthcare practice to thrive for over a century? According to Dr. Luke Small, a third-generation optometrist, the key is simple: prioritize patient care above all else.
Armstrong & Small Eye Care Centre, celebrating its 109th year in 2025, has remained at the forefront of optometry in Winnipeg, Manitoba. From its origins as a family-run optical practice to becoming a trusted provider of comprehensive eye care, Armstrong & Small has always focused on meeting the needs of its patients with excellence and innovation.
A Serendipitous Beginning 
The roots of Armstrong & Small trace back to Fort William, Ontario, where Donald Small grew up under the influence of his accomplished father, a Michigan A&M quarterback and mechanical engineer. Initially pursuing engineering himself, Donald discovered that it wasn’t his calling.
A family friend introduced him to the emerging field of optometry—a suggestion that would shape generations. Donald enrolled at the Ontario College of Optometry, completing his studies in 1937. Shortly after, a nursing student named Bernice Teskey encouraged Donald to move to Winnipeg, where he apprenticed with optometrist W.O. Scott and later managed the optical department at Mitchell Copp, a prominent local jeweler.
Donald was a pioneer in his field, becoming one of the first optometrists in Manitoba to charge separately for eye exams. This marked a significant step in formalizing optometry as a recognized healthcare profession.
The Formation of Armstrong & Small
By 1959, Donald had acquired the practice of B. Frank Armstrong, an optometrist practicing in Winnipeg since 1916. Armstrong & Small Optical was born, quickly establishing a strong reputation through the acquisition of other longstanding practices, including those of Dr. Charles Dempsey and Dr. Archie Pippy. 
Donald’s vision for the future extended beyond clinical care. He advocated for optometry’s professional recognition and continued his education to earn a Doctor of Optometry designation, all while running his practice and raising a family.
The Second Generation: Dr. Rod Small
Donald’s son, Rod, joined the family practice in 1966 after completing his optometric studies. Rod brought a forward-thinking approach, moving the clinic to a stand-alone facility at 1140 Portage Avenue to enhance its independence and visibility.
Rod embraced technological advancements, integrating new diagnostic tools into the practice and transitioning patient records to digital systems as early as 1989. Beyond his professional achievements, Rod was an active leader in the Manitoba Association of Optometrists and the Winnipeg Kinsmen Club, reflecting his dedication to both his profession and his community.
The Third Generation: Drs. Luke Small and Gina Mistretta 
Following his graduation from the University of California, Berkeley, Luke Small joined the family practice alongside his wife, Dr. Gina Mistretta, herself a third-generation optometrist. Together, they rebranded the practice as Armstrong & Small Eye Care Centre to reflect its comprehensive services.
After gaining diverse clinical experience in Santa Barbara, California, Luke and Gina returned to Winnipeg to carry on the family tradition. Under their leadership, the practice expanded, acquiring Eyes in the Village Optometry in Osborne Village. This growth has solidified Armstrong & Small as a cornerstone of eye care in Winnipeg.
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Excellence
As Armstrong & Small Eye Care Centre enters its next chapter, the commitment to patient-centered care remains steadfast. From pioneering new technologies to nurturing the next generation of optometrists, the practice continues to honor its rich history while embracing the future of eye care.
Whether you’re visiting for a routine eye exam or specialized care, Armstrong & Small is dedicated to providing the highest standard of service to the Winnipeg community.
