Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Opticians in Traralgon & Sale
At Thrifty Eyewear, we have dedicated ourselves to serving the eye health needs of Traralgon and Sale communities for over two decades. As an independent, locally-owned optometry practice, we prioritise understanding individual vision requirements while offering a comprehensive range of services including bulk-billed eye tests, contact lens consultations, and same-day glasses for select prescriptions. Our in-house workshop enables us to perform 99% of lens cutting and repairs immediately, ensuring minimal wait times without compromising quality. We stock an extensive selection of designer frames from renowned brands like Swarovski, Guess, and Ray Ban, alongside providing expert adjustments and fittings. Our team, led by experienced professionals Shelley Giles and Kellie Chase, combines technical expertise with personalised care to deliver exceptional service.We actively support local initiatives through sponsorships and charity involvement, reinforcing our commitment to regional communities. Customer testimonials consistently highlight our knowledgeable staff, competitive pricing, and the convenience of our on-site services. With two convenient locations in Traralgon and Sale, we maintain strict operating standards across both stores while adapting to local preferences. Our digital retinal photography and visual field testing capabilities allow early detection of potential eye health issues, demonstrating our preventative healthcare approach. By maintaining control over our repair processes and lens production, we ensure consistent quality while maintaining affordability for all our clients.
Services
Bulk-billed Eye Tests
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Contact Lens Consultations
Designer Frames & Sunglasses
Repairs & Adjustments
Digital Retinal Photography
Visual Field Testing
Ortho-K Lenses
Behavioural Optometry
Same-day Glasses
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer same-day glasses for select prescriptions with 99% in-store lens production
- Our team includes qualified optical dispensers and experienced technicians
- We maintain local community partnerships through sponsorships and charity support
- We provide bulk-billed Medicare eye tests with 30-minute appointment slots
- We stock designer brands including Swarovski, Jimmy Choo, and Maui Jim
What people say
Excellent customer service
Knowledgeable staff
Excellent range of glasses
Reasonable prices
Best customer service
Services
Bulk-billed Eye Tests
Our bulk-billed eye tests provide comprehensive vision assessments without out-of-pocket costs. Using Medicare-approved protocols, we evaluate visual acuity, eye health, and potential vision changes. Recommended biennially for adults under 65 and annually thereafter, these 30-minute appointments utilise modern diagnostic equipment to ensure accurate prescriptions and early detection of ocular conditions.
Same-day Glasses
Selected single-vision prescriptions can be completed within hours through our same-day glasses service. Our in-house workshop produces 99% of lenses on-site using precision equipment, eliminating wait times associated with external processing. This service maintains strict quality controls while delivering functional eyewear solutions for urgent vision correction needs.
Designer Frames & Sunglasses
We offer an extensive collection of designer eyewear from globally recognised brands including Swarovski, Guess, and Ray Ban. Our curated selection features contemporary and classic styles across multiple price points, with expert fitting assistance to ensure optimal comfort and visual performance. Sunglasses incorporate UV protection and advanced lens technologies for enhanced outdoor vision.
Contact Lens Consultations
Our contact lens consultations assess suitability for various lens types including disposables, conventional, and Ortho-K options. Qualified optometrists guide patients through proper handling techniques and maintenance routines while ensuring optimal corneal health. We stock leading brands and provide ongoing support for both new and experienced contact lens wearers.
Digital Retinal Photography
Digital retinal photography forms part of our comprehensive eye exams, capturing detailed images of the eye's posterior structures. This non-invasive technique enables early detection of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Images are stored for comparative analysis during subsequent examinations, supporting preventative eye care strategies.
People
Shelley Giles
Co-owner & Qualified Optical Dispenser
Shelley co-owns Thrifty Eyewear and specialises in optical dispensing. With over 20 years' experience in regional optometry, she provides expert frame selection and lens recommendations. Her community focus drives local sponsorship initiatives.
Kellie Chase
Co-owner & Optical Technician
Kellie co-owns Thrifty Eyewear and leads technical operations as a trained optical technician. She manages the in-house workshop and ensures quality control across all eyewear production. Her technical expertise enhances service efficiency and product reliability.
Questions
Are your eye tests bulk-billed to Medicare?
Yes, we offer bulk-billed eye tests to Medicare with no out-of-pocket expenses. Appointments typically take 30 minutes and include comprehensive vision assessment.
Do you accept health fund rebates?
We accept all major Australian health funds. Bring your health fund card for immediate processing of optical benefit claims during your visit.
Can you repair broken glasses immediately?
Most frame adjustments and repairs are completed while you wait. Our in-house workshop handles 99% of lens cutting and frame repairs on-site for faster service.
What designer brands do you stock?
We carry premium brands including Swarovski, Guess, Jimmy Choo, Tiffany & Co, Maui Jim, Oakley, and Ray Ban across our eyeglass and sunglass collections.
Do you offer same-day glasses?
Selected single-vision prescriptions qualify for same-day glasses. Our in-house production facility enables immediate lens cutting and fitting for qualifying orders.
How can I book an appointment?
Book online through our website or contact either Traralgon (03) 5176 2666 or Sale (03) 5144 6464 locations directly for appointment scheduling.
Reviews (7)
Debi Slinger
Jan 18, 2021
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Great optical place. Came here a few months ago and they repaired the arm on my glasses at no cost. Thank you.
Wheelchair accessible. Good parking at this shopping centre.
Wheelchair accessible. Good parking at this shopping centre.
Jess Sumner
Jul 20, 2020
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Kellie and the team are great to work with! The range of frames is so good that I always struggle to narrow down my choices instead of struggling to find something I’m happy with. They’re so friendly whe I come in for appointments and are happy to answer any questions I have.
Debbie Williams
Mar 31, 2020
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Shelley at Thrifty in Sale was absolutely fantastic, she picked up on my style of glasses very quickly and showed me the most unusual and beautiful pair of glasses that my grandson call frog vomit lol they are to fit for as well as a practical pair for work and the cutest pair of sunglasses. Thanks heaps for your help😊
Chrissy Bartram
Sep 14, 2019
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Just love Thrifty. Kellie and the gang are all very friendly and helpful. Nothing is ever a problem. Great service
Cat Gangur
Aug 23, 2017
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When my children had their first official eye tests the team were very accommodating to their nerves. Lovely service with a smile.
Fiona Flanigan
Aug 18, 2016
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Thanks for the awesome & friendly customer service yesterday Kellie, you always making picking new glasses a fun thing to do, and always look after me! Looking forward to my new glasses in a few days :)
Rachel Crompton
May 26, 2016
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I placed an order for 2 glasses on Monday the 23rd of May and recieved 1 set the next day and the 2nd set today the 26th. Very impressed!
