Optometrist opens in Ettalong

Ettalong's first optometrist opened for business in Ocean View Rd in mid-March.

Trading as Bay Optical, the business is a first attempt for proprietors Bill Ashton and Simon Della Vedova.

Bill is a licensed optical dispenser with 40 years' experience while Simon is a university qualified optometrist and contact lens practitioner with knowledge of all the latest technology.

Both men had worked together in a large franchise outlet but felt that together in their own business they could provide a better service to clients.

Bill's role has in the past included the making of lenses and frames as well as taking precise measurements and arranging fittings.

"We are pleased to have trained, experienced and qualified people dealing with the public from the moment they walk into the shop," Bill said.

Ettalong was selected because there was no optometrist in the area.

Bill does not live on the Peninsula but lived in Umina for 15 years earlier in his career while Simon is looking to move into the area but at present commutes daily from Sydney.

Fashion trends in the industry have moved to small lenses with rimless or half rimless frames.

Frames, nearly all of which are imported, are made of titanium or combination alloys that makes them expensive to manufacture.

With the success of improved technology in the manufacture of resin lenses, glass lenses now only form approximately 10% of all lenses made.

Resin lenses are now no thicker than their glass predecessors but are much lighter.

They can be graduated to replace bifocal lenses, "tinted" to allow for darkness outdoors and Teflon coated to reduce reflection.

Contact lenses are only approximately 10% of the total business.

"This is a very friendly town," said Simon.

"People stick their heads in and say hello, something that wouldn't happen in Sydney.

"We've been very well received and are looking forward to getting to know more of the locals", he said.

Cec Bucello, May 26