A new Specsavers optometry store has opened in the recently refurbished Kiama Village shopping centre. The Bugle visited the store to speak with Retail Director Teresa Vi Nguyen and Optometrist Director Linda Wu, who both expressed their enthusiasm for working in Kiama and their commitment to improving the local community's eye health.

They gave some practical advice for good eye health:

Children's eye health

Vision problems can be difficult to detect in children. Regular eye exams are crucial as vision issues can impact learning and development.

Eye protection

Wearing appropriate protective eyewear during activities that could cause eye injuries, such as sports or certain occupations, is essential to prevent accidents. Specsavers offers a certified safety eyewear range.

Impact of UV Rays

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to cataracts and other eye problems. Wearing sunglasses that block 100 per cent of UV rays can protect your eyes from damage.

Importance of regular eye exams

Comprehensive eye exams can detect early signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration before symptoms appear, enabling early treatment and better outcomes.

The Kiama store is equipped with state-of-the-art OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scanning technology, allowing for early detection of eye conditions and prompt treatment.

Meet the team

Nguyen has been with Specsavers for nine years and in the optical industry for 15 years, holding Cert IV in Optical Dispensing. She relocated to Kiama from Batemans Bay. Wu, who has worked with Specsavers for six years, moved from Hurstville and holds a Bachelor of Vision Science and a Master of Clinical Optometry (therapeutically endorsed).

Wu emphasised, “At Specsavers, we are committed to supporting local communities by providing high-quality eye care services. We offer comprehensive eye tests bulk billed to Medicare, ensuring that everyone has access to essential eye health assessments.”

Nguyen added, “We assist with filling out forms for Transport NSW, addressing eye health concerns, and offering repairs for glasses to ensure that our customers always have optimal vision.”

To provide clients with peace of mind, the knowledgeable staff are available for detailed discussions with a lens specialist, helping to find the perfect eyewear solutions tailored to individual needs. 

“We are proud to be a four-time accredited Great Place to Work award recipient, reflecting our dedication to fostering a positive work environment,” remarked Wu.

“By offering these services, we aim to improve eye health and overall well-being in our communities, making sure everyone has the opportunity to see clearly and enjoy a better quality of life,” she added.

To evaluate their service, and because it was time for an eye test, this bespectacled reporter booked an appointment and found the service to be friendly and efficient. The prices for both glasses and contact lenses were also very reasonable.