"I really enjoy my job and love my business. I am very proud of the practices we have built, and am excited about the future of our new venture."
- Tony Ireland
Born in Bega, principal optometrist Tony returned to the South Coast at the completion of his studies. After working in Nowra, he started a practice in Ulladulla in 2003 and another in Batemans Bay in 2016.
With strong ideas about how independent optometry can thrive, he helped start a national optometry group called EyeQ Optometrists.
In 2021 he has chosen to break away, forming a small, independent group of practices: Evolve Optometry. We still have our practices in Ulladulla and Batemans Bay, and recently opened a brand new practice in Gungahlin, ACT.
The Gungahlin practice has brought Ross Collins and Damien Lonergan in to the business. Ross has extensive practice management and dispensing experience from his time on the South Coast, and Damien brings over 20 years in various roles within eyecare to the dynamic new practice.
Store Details
Our philosophy is to deliver comprehensive eyecare, and we are proud to stock a range of the finest independent eyewear brands. This means our optometrists work with excellent equipment and are always tracking the latest advances. Our dispensers have formal fashion training to ensure you can have the best-looking eyewear.
Tony established his practice in Ulladulla in 2003. He is passionate about optometry and looking after his patients. Tony has a postgraduate Masters of Optometry degree. Away from work Tony loves swimming and paddling. He is involved in Mollymook Surf Lifesaving club running nippers as well as coaching and competing in the surf.
Belinda and Tony started the Ulladulla practice together almost 20 years ago. Belinda left as the practice grew to pursue other interests and then to start their family. Belinda returned to manage the day to day running of the Ulladulla site and now brings her extensive management experience to oversee all three practices as Operations Manager.
Ross has over a decade of experience in the optical industry, starting out as an Optical Dispenser and quickly stepping into practice management. His passion for delivering top-notch customer service has always been at the heart of his work. With years of expertise in finding independent and unique eyewear, Ross is here to help you find the perfect pair, all while ensuring you get the personalised service you deserve.
Damien has over 20 years experience in the optical industry. He graduated from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Vision Science, Master of Optometry. Some of his previous roles include optical dispensing, retail store management, wholesale equipment sales, training, and servicing. This background diversity allows Damien to relate to the needs of a wide range of people. Prior to Evolve Optometry, Damien has maintained a practice within the YourGP group.
Bonnie studied a degree in Fashion Design before joining the team as an Optical Dispenser then progressing to Practice manager. Bonnie chooses the latest fashion forward frames to have in store and loves styling patients with unique, trendsetting eyewear.
Nanthi graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of Vision Science & Masters of Clinical Optometry and has more recently been working in regional NSW. Nanthi has a passion for providing full-scope optometry to patients, having a special interest in dry eyes and ocular diseases. In Nanthi's free time she enjoys exploring the area, playing social netball and trying new recipes.
Liz has a special interest in assessing and treating visual issues that impact on children - including eye turns (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), eye teaming and eye focusing issues (accommodation and convergence dysfunctions) and the visual skills related to learning (visual information processing). She also enjoys assisting big kids (adults) with the same types of issues, along with anyone with special needs or those who have visual consequences of conditions such as acquired brain injuries and strokes.
Suki graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Clinical Optometry. She started practicing in 2020 in Sydney’s Hills District, before moving to Canberra in 2022. Suki splits her work life between Evolve Optometry and a local ophthalmology practice, providing paediatric eyecare and post-operative cataract surgery care. She enjoys every part of practicing optometry, with particular interests in children’s vision and collaborative management of eye conditions. Outside of work, Suki enjoys spending time with her family and baking things for her loved ones.
Brendan joined Evolve Optometry mid 2022, bringing years of experience having completed the Optical Dispensing course in 2002. Seeing many advancements in both frame fashion and lens technology, Brendan is passionate about delivering that knowledge to his clients. Away from work, Brendan enjoys the outdoors and can be found either mountain biking, snow boarding or paddle boarding.
Suzie grew up on the south coast of NSW and has over 20 years experience in dispensing. Suzie has a passion for selecting beautiful frames to suit every individual. When not at work Suzie enjoys being outdoors, fitness and spending time with her family.
Elena grew up in Peru and is currently studying Optometry at the University of Canberra. With over four years of experience in optics, she is committed to providing exceptional customer service and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for all her patients.
After recently returning from maternity leave, Aimee is enjoying putting her dispensing skills and knowledge to use again, drawing on her creative background to help patients select the perfect frame and lens designs to meet their needs. In her spare time Aimee enjoys exploring the beautiful beaches of the South Coast with her family.
Originally from London, Leah found her home on the South Coast seven years ago. Although new to optics, she's passionate about helping you find the perfect frame. When she's not at work, Leah and her partner, along with their trusty sidekick Maggie (their dog), are out exploring the beauty of the South Coast.