Dr Alan Burrow Optometrist

03/08/2025

Meet Your Local Eye Experts 😊

Did you know we’ve been part of the Coffs Harbour community for over 30 years? 👁️‍🗨️

As your friendly, local and independent optometrist, we’re here to help you and your family see clearly—for life.

When you become a patient with us you can be sure you'll be looked after, we live here too, and we care about our community and our patients!!

29/07/2025

Fit and Fabulous!!

When you see us for your eyewear you can be confident that your glasses will not only be customised to your individual lifestyle and vision needs, they will be expertly fitted to your face!!

Great fitting specs make all the difference!! Call today to book your next eye exam and be assured of quality service, care and fit for your next pair of specs.

17/06/2025

Latest Blog Live NOW!

A Customised Frame for Every Face

When you get your spectacles fitted by a dedicated team who knows your face, your prescription history, and your personal preferences, you’re not just a number — you’re part of our practice family.

Customised spectacle fitting is about more than frames and lenses — it’s about taking the time to get things right. Faces not only come in all shapes and sizes but are also asymmetrical with the right and left sides being different. Fortunately, we have a vast array of frames to cater not only for different physical features but also fashion requirements.

From nose bridges to temple lengths, every element of your glasses needs to work in harmony with your features. A poorly fitted frame can lead to sore spots, slipping, or even headaches. A bespoke fitting ensures your glasses sit properly, distribute weight evenly, and feel comfortable from morning to night.

Lenses aren’t just inserted into a frame — they must be aligned with your pupils to maximize visual clarity. A customised fitting includes careful measurement of your pupillary distance, lens height, and frame tilt — all of which affect how well your glasses help you see. Our state-of-the-art Visufit technology ensures precision like never before. These tiny adjustments make a big difference in your daily visual experience.

Matching the frame to the wearers optical, physical and fashion needs requires significant skill. For this reason, our optometric assistants have been trained understand the preferences of the wearer and to provide the necessary advice. Frame selection is also reviewed by the optometrist to ensure that the chosen frame can be customised to the patient’s features and is suitable for the prescribed lens design.

If you’ve never had a proper spectacle fitting, you might be surprised at how transformative it can be.

Customisation is transformative for both comfort and vision

15/06/2025

22/05/2025

👀 Contact Lenses - top tips!

Contacts giving you a hard time? 🤔

A quick tip: always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses. Make sure you don't have makeup on (Mascara and contacts do NOT work well together) and if you are in the bathroom at the mirror - be sure to put the plug in the hand basin!

You can also book online at our website www.alanburrow.com.au

15/05/2025

When the Staff Start Shopping on the Job... 👀👓

You know a pair of frames are good when not only do our customers fall in love with them—but our staff can't resist snagging a pair too!

It's not uncommon around here to hear, “Wait... are those the new ones?” followed by, “Okay, I need them.” And honestly? We don’t blame them. Great taste knows no bounds.

We’re just saying—when your team and your clients are twinning unintentionally, that’s when you know you’ve got a winner.

Come try them on. You might just end up matching your optician. 😉

12/05/2025

👁️ Thinking About Contact Lenses? Just ask Dr Alan 👁️

🤔 Q: Are contact lenses uncomfortable to wear?
👉 A: Not at all! They might feel a little different at first, but modern soft contact lenses are designed for comfort—even for long days.

🤔 Q: Can I sleep in them?
👉 A: Only if they’re made for overnight wear. Most disposable soft lenses aren’t, so it's best to remove them before bed.

🤔 Q: Can they get stuck behind my eye?
👉 A: Nope! It’s actually impossible—your eyelid has a natural barrier that prevents anything from disappearing behind your eye.

🤔 Q: What if I have astigmatism?
👉 A: Great news—toric contact lenses are specially made to correct astigmatism and give you clear, stable vision.

🤔 Q: How do I know if contacts are right for me?
👉 A: Easy—just book a contact lens consultation with us! Dr. Alan will assess your eyes and help you find the best option.

📞 Ready to explore the world of contacts? Call us to book your consult today! ✅

08/05/2025

👓 See the Difference – Discover Lenses That Go Beyond Ordinary! ✨

Not all lenses are created equal – and your eyes deserve the best. That’s why we supply superb quality lenses from ZEISS, HOYA, and SHAMIR – each offering advanced technology and precision tailored to your unique vision.

🔹 ZEISS – Renowned for German engineering and innovation, ZEISS lenses offer outstanding clarity, contrast, and UV protection. Perfect for those who won’t settle for less than razor-sharp vision.

🔹 HOYA – A global leader in optical technology, HOYA delivers comfort and precision through cutting-edge lens designs – especially known for lightweight materials and advanced coatings.

🔹 SHAMIR – Experts in personalised vision, SHAMIR creates lenses with ergonomic design for digital lifestyles, offering incredibly smooth transitions in multifocals and sharp vision at every distance.

From simple single vision to high-definition multifocals, our lenses come with advanced coatings that protect against UV, reduce glare, and enhance clarity — all customised for your lifestyle and needs.

📍 Visit us today or send a message to find your perfect lens match!

06/05/2025

👀 Gen Z – Look at Us! Why You Should See an Independent Optometrist (like...us!)

Hey Gen Z! Let’s talk about your eyes for a sec.

1️⃣ Screen Time Overload
You’re on screens for 7+ hours a day (yep, we see you 👀). That much time staring at a phone or laptop can seriously strain your eyes and lead to fatigue, dryness, and discomfort. (While you're online, why not give us a follow on Insta too?)

2️⃣ Headaches + Blurry Vision ≠ Normal
If you’re constantly squinting, rubbing your eyes, or dealing with headaches, something’s up. A proper eye exam can uncover whether you need glasses—or something else.

3️⃣ It’s Not Just About Seeing Clearly
Many eye conditions have ZERO symptoms early on. Regular check-ups can help detect issues before they become bigger problems. Your future self will thank you. 🙌

So, Gen Z… show your eyes some love. 💙
Call us or book online anytime: www.alaburrow.com.au

01/05/2025

Makeup & Eye Health — Caring for Your Vision While Looking Fabulous! ✨👁️

Love your look and your eyes! Here are our top tips for protecting your vision without sacrificing beauty:

1. Follow the 3-Month Mascara Rule
Old mascara can harbor bacteria and lead to infections like conjunctivitis. Swap your mascara every 3 months — no exceptions! And never add water to revive dried mascara; it only encourages bacteria growth.

2. Clean Your Brushes & Tools
Dirty brushes = irritated eyes. Wash your makeup tools at least once a week with mild soap, let them dry completely, and store them upright in a clean, airy spot to prevent bacteria build-up.

3. Watch That Eyeliner Placement
Avoid applying eyeliner on the waterline — this can block tiny oil glands essential for keeping your eyes moist, leading to dry eye or irritation. Apply eyeliner just outside the lash line, and always sharpen pencils before use to reduce bacteria.

4. Remove Makeup Every Night
Sleeping in makeup can clog tear ducts and cause irritation or even a sty. Always remove your eye makeup gently before bed.

5. Choose Natural Products
Opt for natural, fragrance-free eye products. Harsh chemicals and fragrances can trigger sensitivity and irritation.

6. Be Cautious with Lash Extensions & Falsies
The adhesives in lash products can be irritating or harmful if they come into contact with your eyes. Choose gentle formulas and apply carefully.

7. Never Apply Makeup in a Moving Car
One bump in the road and you could poke your eye with a mascara wand or eyeliner pencil — risking serious injury to your eye or cornea. Wait until you’re parked!

Protecting your eyes doesn't mean sacrificing your glam. 💁‍♀️
With just a few smart steps, you can stay fabulous and protect your precious sight!

29/04/2025

Why Your Next Glasses Should Come From a Local, Independent Optometrist 👀

✅ It’s personal – You’re not a transaction. You’re a person with unique vision and style.

✅ Expert fittings – Size matters. No more specs that pinch, slip, or just don’t sit right. We use the precision of the ZEISS measuring system and trained staff to get it right.

✅ Quality over quantity – We use trusted suppliers, high-quality materials, and offer solid warranties and aftercare.

✅ Supporting local – We’re small, independent, and part of your community. Your money stays local.

✅ Ongoing care – Free or low-cost adjustments, repairs, spare parts, and priority help when you need it. We’re here after you pick up your glasses, too. If you're our patient and have an emergency, you're also our priority!

👓 Choose well. See better. Support local.