Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Optometrist in Canberra
Andrew Watkins Optometrist has been a trusted provider of comprehensive eyecare in the Australian Capital Territory since 1989. Our practice combines decades of clinical expertise with cutting-edge diagnostic technology to deliver personalised vision solutions for patients of all ages. We specialise in advanced contact lens fittings, including orthokeratology and scleral lenses, while maintaining a strong focus on paediatric vision care and management of complex eye conditions. Our team of experienced optometrists is dedicated to ongoing professional development, ensuring we remain at the forefront of optometric advancements. We offer an extensive selection of premium eyewear from leading brands, carefully curated to meet diverse lifestyle needs and fashion preferences. Our commitment to quality extends to thorough eye health assessments using industry-leading equipment such as digital retinal cameras and 3D optical coherence tomographers.We maintain strong relationships with local ophthalmologists to provide coordinated care for patients requiring specialist treatment. Our practice philosophy centres on taking the time to understand individual patient needs while embracing technological innovations that enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. We prioritise clear communication and patient education to ensure informed decision-making about vision care options. Our long-standing reputation in the Canberra community reflects our consistent delivery of reliable, ethical eyecare services tailored to each patient's unique requirements.
Services
Contact Lens Fitting
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Paediatric Vision Care
Myopia Management
Frame Selection Assistance
Eye Health Monitoring
Digital Retinal Imaging
Orthokeratology
Scleral Lens Fitting
Vision Therapy
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of optometric expertise in Canberra
- Our practice uses advanced diagnostic equipment including OCT scans
- Specialists in complex contact lens fittings for all ages
- We provide coordinated care with local ophthalmology specialists
- Extensive selection of premium eyewear brands for all budgets
What people say
Exceptional optometrists
Knowledgeable staff
Lovely frame selection
Latest diagnostic equipment
Excellent paediatric care
Services
Contact Lens Fitting
Our optometrists specialise in fitting modern contact lenses tailored to individual prescriptions and lifestyles. We offer disposable, silicone hydrogel, and rigid gas permeable lenses for adults and children. Advanced fitting techniques ensure optimal comfort and vision correction for sports, daily wear, or specific medical needs like keratoconus management.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
We conduct thorough eye examinations using state-of-the-art technology including digital retinal imaging and 3D optical coherence tomography. These assessments detect eye diseases early while evaluating visual acuity and prescription requirements. Our exams include detailed analysis of eye health, intraocular pressure, and peripheral vision.
Paediatric Vision Care
Specialised services for children's vision needs, including aphakic lens fitting for infants and myopia management programs. Our team addresses developmental vision issues, anisometropia, and provides contact lens solutions for young patients. We use child-friendly diagnostic techniques to ensure accurate assessments and comfortable treatment experiences.
Premium Eyewear
We offer an extensive collection of high-quality eyewear from renowned brands like Oakley, Furla, and Lunor. Our opticians provide expert frame selection assistance, considering facial structure, prescription requirements, and lifestyle needs. The range includes fashion-forward designs and durable options for active lifestyles across various budget ranges.
Myopia Management
Our practice implements evidence-based strategies to slow myopia progression in children. We utilise orthokeratology lenses and specialised contact lens designs proven to reduce axial elongation. The program includes regular monitoring and tailored treatment plans combining optical correction with lifestyle recommendations for optimal visual development outcomes.
People
Andrew Watkins
Founding Optometrist
With over 30 years in Canberra's optometric community, Andrew established the practice in 1989. Though retired from daily operations, he maintains advisory involvement, sharing expertise in complex contact lens fittings and practice management while mentoring the current clinical team.
Hong
Principal Optometrist
Experienced optometrist with specialist training in paediatric vision care and advanced contact lens fittings. Hong leads clinical services, maintaining the practice's reputation for excellence in eye health assessments and coordinated care with ophthalmology specialists across the ACT region.
Questions
What eye testing technology do you use?
We utilise digital retinal cameras, 3D optical coherence tomography, corneal topographers, and visual field analysers for comprehensive eye health assessments.
Do you offer children's eye exams?
Yes, we specialise in paediatric vision care including contact lens fittings for infants and myopia management programs for school-aged children.
What eyewear brands are available?
We stock premium brands including Oakley, Furla, Lunor, AHLEM, and Zeal, offering diverse styles from classic to contemporary designs.
How often should I have an eye exam?
We recommend annual comprehensive exams for adults and more frequent checks for children, contact lens wearers, and patients with existing eye conditions.
Reviews (6)
Frank Nugent
Dec 23, 2021
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A prolonged farce. I had great service for many years from Andrew Watkins but the glasses I got a couple of years ago became scratched very quickly and the coatings deteriorated in a way I had never seen before. I thought it was just bad luck so I went in for a new pair. This time I decided to get two pairs of glasses: one pair of clear lenses for… around the house and a pair of transitions lenses for outdoors. Over six weeks later it has been a comedy of errors. I have had the wrong lenses put in frames (despite what I thought was a clear explanation less than an hour earlier), the wrong
Tejinder Singh
Dec 14, 2021
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Andrew is an expert optometrist. He gives you the right advice, the one you need. If you are looking for a trustworthy optometrist, you should give him a visit.
Zeeshan Aslam
Sep 17, 2020
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Had my Medicare card but not information provided that this practice is not a bulk bill and on check out they charged me $120.00 just for eye test. Normally eye test is only for $59.60
Mike Cabanban
May 27, 2020
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Went to inquire about a certain sunnies frame for bike riding. The staff that looked after me (wasn't able to catch her name) was very helpful and exhausted all possible avenues to help me with my queries. Although I didn't end up getting the frame I'm after, I certainly recommend this place. Very good experience I had shopping for frames.
Robert Broadbent
Nov 21, 2019
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For many years have visited Andrew for optometrical services. Always impressed. Every member of staff is there to look after you. Recently needed 'specs' for a particular view of the world - the product is the 'bees-knees' - and even the ancillaries are excellent - the texture of the (free) lens cleaner cloth is 'quality street'. Wouldn't go anywhere else.
Christopher Lim
Oct 21, 2015
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A good optometrist for those who are willing to pay more. The cost of an eye test is $95, of which Medicare will reimburse around $35, and the rest will be out of your own pocket. Following my consultation, I requested the optometrist to fill in a form for my work, and was told it will cost me $11 more. Hmmm, this soured a very positive experience.
