Business Details
27 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Optometrists in Newcastle, NSW
Custom Eyecare Newcastle is a locally owned and operated optometry practice established in 1999, serving Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. Our team of passionate optometrists and qualified optical dispensers is dedicated to providing exceptional patient care using innovative technology and personalized solutions. We specialize in comprehensive eye exams, behavioral optometry, contact lens fitting, myopia control, and advanced treatments for conditions like keratoconus and dry eye. With over 20 years of experience, we prioritize tailored services, community engagement, and ongoing professional development to ensure the highest standards of eye health.Our state-of-the-art equipment, including Zeiss Clarus retinal imaging and OCT scans, enables precise diagnostics and monitoring. We pride ourselves on our expertise in custom contact lens design, prescription eyewear, and patient education, fostering trust through transparency and a commitment to lifelong vision care.
Services
Eye Exams
Contact Lens Fitting
Myopia Control
Orthokeratology
Keratoconus Management
Dry Eye Treatment
Diabetic Eye Exams
Prescription Sunglasses
Color Vision Testing
Driving Vision Tests
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- Over 20 years of local expertise in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley
- Advanced diagnostics with Zeiss Clarus retinal imaging and OCT technology
- Personalized myopia control and custom contact lens solutions
- Experienced team in managing complex conditions like keratoconus and dry eye
- Comprehensive eye health assessments for all ages
Associations and certifications
- Optometrists Association Australia (OAA)
- Australian Dispensing Opticians Association (ADOA)
- Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia
What people say
Exceptional eye exams
Knowledgeable optometrists
Wide frame selection
Thorough explanations
Excellent myopia control
Services
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Our detailed eye examinations use advanced technology like OCT scans and retinal imaging to assess vision and ocular health. We diagnose conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease while optimizing prescriptions. Patients receive clear explanations of results and tailored recommendations for maintaining lifelong eye health.
Myopia Control
Specialized treatments for slowing shortsightedness progression in children. We employ axial length measurements, atropine therapy, orthokeratology lenses, and multifocal contact lenses. Our evidence-based approach combines clinical expertise with personalized monitoring to reduce long-term risks associated with high myopia.
Keratoconus Management
Advanced diagnostic corneal topography and custom contact lens fitting for keratoconus patients. We offer rigid gas permeable (RGP), hybrid, and scleral lenses alongside ongoing monitoring. Our team specializes in complex cases, ensuring optimal vision correction and comfort through tailored lens designs.
Orthokeratology
Non-surgical myopia treatment using custom-designed overnight contact lenses. This FDA-approved method reshapes the cornea during sleep, providing clear daytime vision without glasses. Particularly effective for children, it combines vision improvement with proven myopia progression control.
Prescription Eyewear
Hand-selected premium frames and lenses tailored to individual needs. Our optical dispensers provide expert advice on progressive, multifocal, and computer-specific lenses. We offer Australian-made lenses with anti-reflective coatings, blue light filters, and UV protection, ensuring optimal vision and durability.
People
Heidi Hunter
Optometrist & Managing Director
Heidi graduated from UNSW in 2000 and has lectured nationally and internationally on contact lens fitting. She serves on Optometry Australia's national board and specializes in myopia control and keratoconus management while supervising optometry students.
Lauren O'Kane
Clinical Optometrist
Lauren returned to Custom Eyecare in 2024 after seven years in Muswellbrook. She focuses on improving patients' lives through vision correction and has particular interest in behavioral optometry and pediatric eye care.
Nadeen Kassid
Clinical Optometrist
Originally from New Zealand, Nadeen specializes in complex eye conditions post-surgery and trauma. She builds strong patient relationships while managing pediatric cases and general eye health at the practice.
Rishmie Steel
Clinical Optometrist
Rishmie holds advanced prescribing qualifications and specializes in pediatric optometry, amblyopia treatment, and custom contact lens design. She volunteers for community vision screenings and has a certificate in advanced contact lenses.
Karen
Qualified Optical Dispenser
With 25+ years' experience, Karen manages frame selection and dispensing. Her expertise in optical fashion and patient consultation ensures clients receive both stylish and functional eyewear solutions tailored to their needs.
Questions
What makes Custom Eyecare's eye exams different?
Our comprehensive exams use advanced diagnostics like OCT scans and retinal imaging, with personalized explanations of results and treatment options.
Do you offer myopia control for children?
Yes, we provide proven treatments including orthokeratology lenses, atropine therapy, and axial length monitoring to manage shortsightedness progression.
What eyewear warranties do you offer?
Most frames come with a 24-month manufacturer warranty, and we provide after-sales adjustments and repairs for all purchased eyewear.
Are urgent appointments available?
Yes, we prioritize urgent cases and offer same-day appointments for acute eye conditions or injuries.
Do you accept private health insurance?
We have HICAPS facilities for on-the-spot private health fund claims for optical and contact lens purchases.
Reviews (6)
Stephen Albury
Aug 25, 2021
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I can highly recommend Custom Eye Care to provide friendly & professional eye care .From reception to Jess who did the scans & tests was excellent, then I talked to Wes about my eye problem & he answered all my questions and took the time to explain the scans taken
Thank you so much for a brilliant experience
Thank you so much for a brilliant experience
Amy Shaw
May 11, 2021
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Amazing optometrists who are incredibly skilled with assessing and managing kids. We were so impressed with the service of all staff. From the first interaction with admin, through the detailed assessment, amazing help selecting frames and delivery of quality glasses.
Alan Saks
Sep 28, 2020
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Im a semi-retired optometrist and contact lens practitioner. My wife and I travel 1.5 hrs to see Heidi and the team for our eyes. Im understandably somewhat pedantic and critical when it comes to my eye exam, special tests, my prescription and the setup lens choice abd dispensing of my various spectacles ( progressives, occupationals, polarised sunnies etc )
My wife is a multifocal contact lens wearer and also quite demanding! We are both delighted with the care and thoroughness of Heidi and the team. And Ive worked with the best of the best in three countries in practices that were
My wife is a multifocal contact lens wearer and also quite demanding! We are both delighted with the care and thoroughness of Heidi and the team. And Ive worked with the best of the best in three countries in practices that were
Carina Eye Care
Jul 03, 2020
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Heidi and Dom are absolutely fantastic optometrists. I like to sit in with fellow optometrists every now and then as I find we can learn from each other. I made a trip up from Sydney to Newcastle a couple of years ago, and sat in with both Heidi and Dom for half a day. As a fellow optometrist, I was very impressed with their professionalism, knowledge, and especially the way that they absolutely truly care about each and every patient which aligns very much with what I believe optometry should be. It makes me very proud to be part of a profession that delivers such excellent patient care. Thank
Ella Burgoyne
Jun 21, 2020
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It's always a pleasure to visit Custom Eyecare Newcastle. Over the years I've had exceptional health advice, staff are friendly and helpful especially when it come to choosing frames. Highly recommend this business
Vanessa Rossignoli
Jan 20, 2020
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Id heard so many horror stories about multifocals! However, Heidi's thorough assessment of my eyes and the demands of my job, made the transition back from 25 years of wearing contact lenses full-time, to glasses with Multifocal lenses, absolutely seamless!!!
3 years on and 3 different pairs of glasses and Im just as thrilled about my visual acuity and comfort, as I was upon my first visit! The whole team is so friendly, professional and efficient. I wont go anywhere else and its the only place I tell friends, family and my own clients to go! Thanks Heidi - youre the game changer
3 years on and 3 different pairs of glasses and Im just as thrilled about my visual acuity and comfort, as I was upon my first visit! The whole team is so friendly, professional and efficient. I wont go anywhere else and its the only place I tell friends, family and my own clients to go! Thanks Heidi - youre the game changer
