Dr. Tannis Rode grew up in Three Hills, Alberta. She received a Biology degree at the University of Calgary, before entering the Optometry program at the University of Waterloo. She completed a hospital externship in Houston, Texas, where she gained training on the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of ocular diseases. She completed her Doctor of Optometry degree with honours in 2014.

Dr. Rode is committed to providing each of her patients with an excellent eyecare experience. She was the Alberta Association of Optometrists Service Award recipient in 2024 for her contribution to eyecare in Nunavut. She has also participated in eyecare projects in Peru, Mexico, and Honduras.