Chris Edwards - Optometrist

We are delighted to introduce our new Optometrist Chris Edwards. Chris qualified as an Optometrist at the University of Auckland and then quickly completed additional therapeutics training so he can diagnose and treat a broad range of eye conditions.

He has experience working as an Optometrist in both New Zealand and Australia. He is passionate about collaborating and thinking "outside the box" to get the best solutions for all of his patients.

After immigrating from South Africa in 1994, Chris enjoys the many outdoor pursuits that Auckland has to offer with his partner and two young children. He recently completed the ‘Whaka 100 MTB Marathon’, which is described as one of Southern Hemisphere's toughest single-day mountain bike events, providing a true test of endurance.

When he is not moutain bike riding he works maintaining a 100 year old launch. His family enjoys time out on the Hauraki Gulf on this kauri carvill, called Phyllis M.

We are delighted to have Chris on our team, particularly as our appointment book has been very busy! Another optometrist will mean less wait time for a consultation.

Chris, Sally and Claire are available for online bookings.

Book an Appointment Online

or call us on 09 425 9646

Chris Edwards - Optometrist

We are delighted to introduce Optometrist Chris Edwards who has joined us. Chris qualified as an Optometrist at the University of Auckland and then quickly completed additional therapeutics training so he can diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions.

He has a wide range of experience working as an Optometrist in both New Zealand and Australia. He is passionate about collaborating and thinking "outside the box" to get the best solutions for all of his patients.

After immigrating from South Africa in 1994, Chris enjoys the many outdoor pursuits that Auckland has to offer with his partner and two young children.

We are delighted to have Chris on our team, particularly as our appointment book has been very busy! Another optometrist will mean less wait time for a consultation.

Chris, Sally and Claire are available for online bookings.

Book an Appointment Online

or call us on 09 425 9646

Jackie Low - Extern Optometry Student 2022

Jackie Low is a final year student completing her optometry externship at the University of Auckland.

Claire and Sally will be supervising Jackie and reviewing her findings. We invite you to make an appointment with Jackie. 

Please allow an hour and note the examination fee will be reduced to $75. We are delighted to be able to mentor and support final year students here at McDonald Adams Optometrists.

Vlad Zorzoliu - Optometrist

Optometrist Vlad Zorzoliu has joined us. Vlad completed his Optometry studies at the University of Auckland and has been working at Central Otago Optical in Alexandra.

Vlad loves the way as an optometrist you can help people see better; in his words ‘be an advocate for eye health’.

Vlad is experienced in contact lens fitting including speciality and hard lenses. He has a natural rapport with children, drawing on skills gained through coaching tennis.

We are delighted to have Vlad on our team, particularly as our appointment book has been very busy! Another optometrist will mean less wait time for a consultation.

Vlad, Sally and Claire are available for online bookings.

Book an Appointment Online

or call us on 09 425 9646

Should I see an Optometrist or a GP?

A common question! Think about it this way, a GP is a general practitioner and an Optometrist is an eye practitioner.

Often someone will go to their GP with an eye problem only to be referred to us. There is a (unfortunate) misconception that Optometrists only sell glasses. Even though that is part of what we do, finding the right prescription for your glasses probably only accounts for 20-30% of your appointment time. The rest is spent on the health of your eyes.

When to see whom?

Red eye: Optometrist

Something in your eye: Optometrist

Tired achy eyes: Optometrist

Black spots floating in your vision: Optometrist

Dry eyes/itchy eyes/burning eyes/tearing eyes: Optometrist

Anything to do with your eyes: Optometrist

It’s not that your GP does not know about eyes - they do. But as Optometrists we are specialised in eye health. We have qualifications to prescribe appropriate medications - usually eye drops - when needed. So we don’t need to refer you to GP to get a prescription.

We have the equipment to make assessments, aiming to manage things correctly from the the start so you get the best results sooner.

If the situation needs a referral to an eye specialist - an Ophthalmologist - we can take care of that too.

Bring eye problems to us. You can book online or phone for an appointment.

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Book an Appointment Online

or call us on 09 425 9646

Contact lenses create confidence for children

Children do surprisingly well with contact lens wear.

We are talking about children aged 8-12 years of age, and studies show this group of youngsters do as well as their teenage peers in managing contact lenses. Studies found some positive outcomes. Children in one study reported improved self perception in terms of their physical appearance, their athletic competence, and their social acceptance.

What about safety and hygiene?

Here children also do well. It is widely understood they will take a little bit longer to master handling contact lenses, and we will review the handling and care instructions more often, and more carefully with children. But their problem rates are not higher than the teens.

Cost and commitment?

We will fine tune the pricing once we know the exact contact lens prescription, but re-usable soft disposable contact lenses start from $3 per day, and daily disposables from $2 per day. This includes appointment fee and contact lens solutions (where appropriate) and eye drops.

Cost per day goes down in the second year as fewer appointments are needed.

For new contact lens wearers there are usually several appointments needed. Firstly to fit and teach you how to insert and remove and care for contact lenses. Then follow up visits after one week and one month. For more information see our FAQ page.

Would you like to hear a second opinion? Dr Kate Gifford is an Australian Optometrist and Researcher with extensive experience fitting children with contact lenses. She is a gifted communicator too - in this video she talks about children and contact lenses.