The best optometrists in Canberra

Juliet Menakaya and Dr Thomas Morton, from JUNIC Eye Care, one of Canberra’s most recommended optometrists. Photo: Supplied.

Often referred to as windows to the soul, the eyes are also home to over two million working parts a piece. The eye is an incredibly complex, industrious, and resilient sensory organ. Capable of processing millions of data points per second they are one of the wonders of the human body.

With so much resting on our ability to see, it comes as no surprise that optometrists are in high demand. For most people, optometrists are the first point of call for any vision-based needs. But what exactly is an optometrist – and what do they do?

Quite simply, optometrists are experts in eye health. They are trained to assess our visual ability, eye health, and treat a range of eye conditions. Working alongside opticians and ophthalmologists, they provide 360 care for a large chunk of our vision needs.

Whether its new frames, more comfortable contacts, or vision changes, you may just be due for a visit. But with so many optometrists available in the nation’s capital, how does one separate the best from the rest?

The wonderful news is that we have done the heavy lifting for you. Read on for some pointers on finding a great optometrist, and of course our shortlist of the best in Canberra.

What makes a great optometrist?

The best optometrists are eye experts through and through, assessing and treating ailments in the world of vision. For clear vision and the healthiest set of peepers around, here are our tips on finding a great optometrist:

• Qualified & experienced. Optometrists have an intimate knowledge of visual systems along with the techniques and instruments used to assess client needs. This is gained through seven years of tertiary study producing a degree in Vision Science and postgraduate qualification in Optometry. Moreover, all practitioners must be registered with the Optometry Board of Australia to legally work as optometrists. Qualifications aside, experience also counts when seeking an optometrist. The best come with years of well-rounded experience, even specialisations in an area or two.
• Credentials. Good optometrists tick all the mandatory boxes for qualifications, but the best hold extra credentials too. For assurance of quality, look for optometrists that are members of the peak industry body, Optometry Australia.
• Tip-top technology. Tried and tested visual assessment methods have served optometrists well. However, like many medical industries optometry is always advancing. A wide range of new technologies now exist for eye imaging and assessing performance. So, for the most accurate assessment, seek optometrists utilising cutting-edge technology to diagnose, evaluate, and manage client needs.
• Connection & comfort. Finding a good optometrist is much like finding a good doctor. Some instantly put you at ease while others are a little harder to connect with. Consider your needs and find an optometrist that is most suited to deliver them. A great manner works wonders with young children, while accessible appointment times and locations adds to convenience. Building a relationship with an optometrist not only helps provide consistent care, it makes the process easier too.
• Diverse dispensary. Frames are more than a mere visual aid; they are fashionable extensions of your face itself. The best optometrists are also home to some great dispensaries, stocking diverse ranges of frames and lenses. Consider your prescription needs and seek out those optometrists which cater to them under the one roof. Doing so will make things particularly convenient when servicing or upgrading any lenses.

The best optometrists in Canberra

RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

JUNIC Eye Care

Proudly locally owned, JUNIC Eye Care is a part of the renowned Eyecare Plus group, an award-winning collective of independently owned and clinically driven optometry practices.

JUNIC Eye Care are known for delivering the personalised service of an owner operator, that is only enhanced by the advantages that come with being part of a large optometric group.

The practice provides a full range of optometry services catering to the varied needs of children, adolescent, and adult clientele. These services include vision examination, preventative and remedial vision therapy, and low vision assessment and rehabilitation.

Their state-of-the-art technology also allows them to deliver optical coherence tomography scans and fundus imaging.

JUNIC Eye Care boasts a comprehensive dispensary stocked with the latest designs from leading optical brands. Using thinner and lighter lenses, finding the perfect face-framing pair is a breeze.

What matters most for the team is delivering quality patient care. This passion and commitment to clinical excellence is what really sets JUNIC Eye Care apart.

Phone: 02 6178 0470 eyecare@junic.net.au www.juniceyecare.com.au

JUNIC Specialist Centre Molonglo Health Hub 110 Woodberry Avenue
Coombs ACT 2611

If you’re looking for more information on health services in Canberra, you might like our article on the best endocrinologists, the best hearing centres and audiologists, the best dentists or perhaps this article on the best paediatricians Canberra has to offer.

Your experience with optometrists in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the optometrists listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.