Preservative Free Systane Complete

Systane Complete Dry Eye Relief

Alcon has expanded its range of preservative-free eye drops with the addition of Systane Complete Preservative-Free. This lubricating eye drop combines the long-lasting formulation of Systane Complete in a multi-dose, preservative-free bottle.

Systane Complete is a unique formula which many dry eye sufferers find very soothing. There are ingredients to help the layers of the natural tear film, in particular the vital oily ‘top coat’ of the tears. This oily layer reduces tear evaporation.

The various ingredients in this eye drop creates a viscoelastic meshwork. This meshwork forms a bandage over the eye’s surface, which binds to damaged areas of the cornea. The result is extended protection and lubrication and comfort.

The bottle features patented PureFlow Technology. This is a one-way valve to ensure no contaminated liquid can go back into the container and includes a fine silicone membrane to filter returned air. The bottle has a low squeeze force and features a blue tip to aid with installation.

This as suitable for people with mild to moderate dry eye, who can get symptom relief of dry eye for several hours. Worth a try!

Available in our practice or from our online shop.

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.