What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Panoptic Vision

Home
Australia
Lake Cathie, NSW
Panoptic Vision

Qualified optometrists, optical dispensers and accredited vision therapists serving the Hastings Early treatment means much better visual outcomes.

Panoptic Vision takes its name from the Greek word “panoptes”; meaning "seeing the whole". Our thorough examinations provide the necessary time to investigate all aspects of your vision needs.

We proudly practice as locally-owned, independent optometrists. We offer our patients a very personalised, high quality, comprehensive vision examination. We continually invest in, and make available, state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to provide the highest quality of eyecare to our community.

In addition to services for all ages, we offer full-scope vision therapy programs for children’s vision and vision learning issues. Eyecare for Adults
Eye examinations are an important part of your health and well being. Adults should have their eyes tested annually to keep their prescriptions current and to check for early signs of developing eye disease. At Panoptic Vision, we have access to state-of-the-art imaging systems that offer an unobstructed view of the blood vessels of the eyes at high resolution. This enables us to detect early signs of chronic systemic conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension. Age 20 and above
After the age of 20, eyeballs usually stop growing and changing. Sight remains relatively stable from this time until the age of around 40 where most people experience problems with tasks up close. Younger adults not needing visual correction will rarely get their eyes checked. The increasing use of computers for studies and work can cause binocular vision issues (both eyes working together as a team). If not treated, this can lead to headaches, eyestrain, fatigue, increased error rates, and poor concentration and attention. Comprehensive assessment of the focussing and eye-aiming muscles will indicate whether the muscles systems are coping well or not. Early intervention often means simple, quick solutions can be provided, rather than waiting for major breakdowns in the system and the symptoms that come with it. Age 40 and above
Multifocal spectacles and contact lenses are for both clear distance and near vision. Eye health needs regular monitoring at all ages, but particularly after the age of 40. Family history of conditions such as macula degeneration and glaucoma become more relevant, and there are many signs of early changes that can be detected through a routine eye examination. Many systemic (whole body) conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes can directly affect the back of the eye. Other conditions such as arthritis and anxiety can have ocular side effects from the medications for these conditions. After age 40, the internal focussing lens starts to harden (cataracts) and the focussing muscles have to work harder if clear near-vision is to be maintained. People tolerate this for a while but as the lens continues to harden, and the muscles have to work harder and harder, vision fatigue symptoms (as mentioned above) start to occur, ending in a blurred vision. Over about ten years, the lens becomes completely hardened and during this time, spectacle support for near vision is gradually increased to keep up. For some people who don't do much reading/computer work, they will notice that they will need an increase in their prescription every 2-3 years but for others who need to do work up close for many hours a day, they may need a change in their prescription more frequently. While the glasses themselves don't make the eyes worse, it is very true that the dependency on them increases. The internal lens will harden whether glasses are worn or not. Eye exercises can always help to keep the muscles strong and flexible, but the hardening lens will always end up pushing them past their physical limit.

Age 60 and above
Cataracts are a normal age change that start to become noticeable when people reach their 60s with most having them removed in their 70s. The same focussing lens that hardens during your 40s gradually gets discoloured, yellowed and sometimes milky white, making your vision seem as though you are looking through a tint or dirty window. Cataracts are painless and often increase very gradually, so it is quite a surprise after one is removed and replaced with a new artificial lens to see how bright, colourful and clear the world now looks. There is about a 12-month wait list for cataract surgery in the public system and our monitoring of cataracts always takes this into account. An optometric eye examination will thoroughly assess the health of all the areas of the eye from front to back and if needed, a referral to an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) will be made.

How we can help
At Panoptic Vision, we have specialised equipment for taking digital images of the back of the eye, a topographer to map the front of the eye and to provide an extensive tear analysis for dry eye assessment, and computerised visual field analysis for detecting any peripheral vision problems as found in conditions such as glaucoma. If you have any eye health concerns, we will provide a thorough treatment or refer you to a specialist as necessary. Eyecare for Children

Development of Children's Eyesight
Babies are born with very limited vision. The first few years of life are critical in establishing good binocular vision (both eyes working together as a team). Many things can interrupt this and because both parents and children would be unaware of many of these problems, it is important to have regular check ups. Age 3 is a good time for an initial eye examination if there have been no previous signs of a problem (turned eye, clumsiness, squinting etc). Testing children's vision
Testing children's vision is painless and usually lots of fun for them! Many parents worry that due to communication problems, children won't be able to give reliable answers. Most of our testing involves "games" which don't require verbal answers. We use different targets at different distances, special lights which can measure the eye in many ways and, from as young as 6 months, we can assess eye health e.g. whether both eyes can see equally, move well together and whether the brain is processing vision normally for their age. The "big" chair isn't always needed. Many examinations for babies and toddlers end up happening on Mum's lap or even on the floor if that's where the child wants to be! Panoptic Vision is the first to use Children's Vision Auto Refractor
At Panoptic Vision we were the first in Australia to use a children's vision auto refractor. This is a hand-held device that is positioned a meter away from the child and all they need to do is look at the pretty coloured lights for two seconds. A reading of their refractive error (needed for prescription) and other important information regarding exact eye turn amounts is recorded. Technology never replaces traditional testing, but sometimes with tired toddlers who have been asleep in the car on the way to the appointment, 2 seconds at a time is all you have! Age 4 to 8
From age 4 to 8, children should continue to grow out of normal amounts of long sightedness. This is also when an enormous amount of visual processing develops. This is why we recommend annual checkups during this time. Many vision skills such as vision memory, sequencing, figure ground (judging the foreground from the background) and visual closure just to name a few, are all improving and are all needed for the complex task of learning to read. Sometimes children have a natural learning style that encourages some but not all of these vision skills to develop equally and so by the time they reach school age, they are not learning to read without compensations. This can lead to a struggle learning to read. There are many internationally used assessments that have been developed to test these skills and to provide developmental ages for each one. How we can help
At Panoptic Vision we offer a 90-minute Vision Processing Assessment which allows us to determine a child's visual learning strengths and weaknesses. If there is a problem, we can then offer vision therapy activities to improve those areas. Older school age children may also find that even after developing good reading skills, they may start to struggle with visual fatigue. Comprehensive assessment of the focussing and eye aiming muscles can determine whether spectacle support and/or vision therapy eye exercises can assist. School workloads are unpredictable and sometimes far exceed the comfort levels of eye muscles that were really only designed for hunting and gathering!

23/11/2025

Looking for a Meaningful Gift for Mum, Dad or Nan?

Treat your loved ones to something that shows you really care. The gift of healthy vision. 👁️💝

Whether it’s an overdue eye check, new reading glasses, or the perfect pair of sunnies, a Panoptic Vision Gift Voucher is a thoughtful way to support their health and style.

🎄 Ideal for parents, grandparents, and those who never splurge on themselves.

🎁 Order online: www.panopticvision.com.au/gift-vouchers

21/11/2025

Your eyes deserve a little year-end TLC 👁️💛

Whether it’s a fresh pair of frames, upgraded lenses, or prescription sunnies, your health fund could cover part of it — but only if you claim before December 31st!

Avoid the rush and make your appointment today with Panoptic Vision. Let’s help you start the new year seeing your best.

👉 Book now: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

20/11/2025

👨
As we celebrate the men in our lives—fathers, partners, sons, brothers, mates—we remind them that taking care of their health includes their eyes too. 👁️💪

Whether it’s protecting your vision at work, staying sun-smart outdoors, or managing digital eye strain, eye health matters at every age.

✅ Book a check-up
🕶️ Refresh your frames
👓 Ask about prescription sunnies or lens options for your lifestyle

Because looking after your eyes isn’t just smart—it’s strong.

🚨Reminder to act before 31st December to claim for Optical Extras from your health fund!

📍 Visit us in Lake Cathie or Bellingen
📅 Book online: www.panopticvision.com.au

18/11/2025

👷‍♂️ Eye Injury Prevention Starts at Home (and Work!). Your health fund may cover you for Safety Eyewear before 31st December.

Eye injuries are more common than you might think. Many of them occur at home, in the garden, or on the job. At Panoptic Vision, we encourage our community to:
🔴 Wear safety glasses when using power tools, gardening, or working with chemicals
🔴 Keep sharp objects out of reach of children
🔴 Use sunglasses outdoors to protect against UV exposure
🔴 Be aware of sports-related risks. Protective eyewear isn't just for pros!

A small investment in the right eyewear can prevent serious, even permanent, damage.

Book an appointment today to get the right eyewear for your activities: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

14/11/2025

A Gift That’s Thoughtful and Useful? Yes, Please.

Not sure what to get for your loved ones this Christmas?
🎄 Give them something they’ll actually use, and love!

👓 A Panoptic Vision Gift Voucher can go toward stylish frames, prescription lenses, eye exams, or even sunglasses to stay sun-smart this summer.

✨ It’s the perfect blend of practical, personal, and perfectly timed.

🎁 Grab yours here: www.panopticvision.com.au/gift-vouchers

11/11/2025

👀 Why Regular Eye Exams Matter For Every Age. Your health fund may cover you for Prescription Glasses before 31st December.

Did you know that many vision problems develop without obvious symptoms? Whether you're six or sixty, regular eye check-ups can help detect early signs of eye conditions, monitor changes in vision, and ensure you're seeing your world as clearly and comfortably as possible.

From children’s vision assessments to age-related eye care, our optometrists in Lake Cathie and Bellingen provide tailored eye health services that support your lifestyle and stage of life.

👁️ Comprehensive Eye Tests
👁️ Glaucoma & Macular Checks
👁️ Contact Lens Fittings
👁️ Sports Vision Therapy
👁️ Children’s Eye Screenings
👁️ Myopia Control Programmes

07/11/2025

Did you know most health funds cover more than just glasses?
Here’s what your optical extras may include:
👓 Prescription glasses or multifocals
🕶️ Prescription sunglasses
👁️ Contact lenses (even Ortho-K!)
✨ Lens upgrades like blue-light filters
🦺 Prescription safety eyewear

Check your policy, then make the most of your benefits before they reset on Dec 31.

💡 Don’t miss your chance to see clearly — and save!
👉 Book your appointment today at Panoptic Vision: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

04/11/2025

Eye Health Helps Us Connect with Community and the World Around Us:
👁️ Clarity of vision = clarity of mind. Seeing clearly reduces frustration, stress, and disconnection in daily life.

💡 Reducing screen strain = reclaiming presence. Digital eye strain is real. Taking breaks, blinking more, and regular check-ups can make a world of difference.

🌳 Healthy eyes let us enjoy nature. Whether you’re walking by the coast or hiking through the hinterland, strong vision helps you appreciate the little details.

Enhancing our wellbeing can involve simple things like taking a screen break, enjoying the outdoors, and scheduling that eye check-up you’ve been putting off. It’s a simple step to reconnect—with your body, your lifestyle, and the world around you.

🚨Reminder to act before 31st December to claim for Optical Extras from your health fund!

02/11/2025

👁️ November is Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
Your eyes can reveal more than you think, especially when it comes to your overall health.

At Panoptic Vision, we use state-of-the-art technology to image the front layers and back of the eye in order to screen for various issues. Blood vessel health can indicate possible overall health problems such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

A comprehensive eye health check can reveal early signs of conditions, that’s why regular eye exams are an essential part of managing your health—especially if you live with or are at risk of diabetes.

💚 Your eye health is closely connected to your overall well-being.

🚨 Remember to act before 31st December to claim for Optical Extras from your health fund!

📍 Lake Cathie & Bellingen
🌐 Book now: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

31/10/2025

👩‍⚕️ Meet Linda Chase – Your Trusted Behavioural Optometrist at Panoptic Vision 👓
With nearly 25 years of experience, Linda Chase is known for her compassionate care, attention to detail, and deep understanding of how vision impacts learning, development, and quality of life.

Specialising in Behavioural Optometry, Linda supports patients of all ages through comprehensive eye exams and advanced visual assessments.

Whether you're booking your child's first eye test or need support for more complex visual issues, Linda is here to help you see more clearly and comfortably.

🌐 Learn more about Linda: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/linda-chase

Linda, an experienced Mid North Coast optometrist, offers expert eye care with a focus on patient wellbeing and complex visual issues.

29/10/2025

🚨 Your health fund optical benefits are about to expire! If you haven’t used your extras cover for the year, now’s the time to act. Most health funds reset on December 31st, and unused optical benefits don’t roll over, meaning you could lose hundreds of dollars in rebates you’ve already paid for.

🔴 Read our blog to find out what is typically covered under optical extras:
https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/use-it-or-lose-it-make-the-most-of-your-health-fund-optical-benefits-before-year-end

Don’t let your hard-earned health fund benefits go to waste!

📞 As appointment schedules fill up fast at this time of year, it’s smart to book your eye test early to ensure you don’t miss the deadline. Secure your spot today at Panoptic Vision, Lake Cathie or Bellingen.

Don’t let your health fund optical extras go to waste! Most benefits reset on Dec 31. Book your eye exam with Panoptic Vision now and make the most of your cover for glasses, contacts, and prescription sunnies.

27/10/2025

☀️ 🌈 💞 When it comes to choosing the most appropriate eyewear for your child, our experienced and friendly staff at Panoptic Vision are here to help and put your child at ease so we can help them find the best fit according to their needs. Getting a new pair of glasses can turn into a fun and exciting activity for the child as well! Act before 31st December to claim for Optical Extras from your health fund.

🧒 Read our blog for some basic points to bear in mind, and to help us see things from the perspective of the child: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/eyewear-for-children-at-panoptic-vision

How to help your child choose glasses they will love, and which are fun, stylish and durable. Check out range of children's eyewear.

Address

Lake Cathie Medical Centre, 1459 Ocean Drive
Lake Cathie, NSW
2445

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+61265848900

Website

http://www.panopticvision.com.au/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Panoptic Vision posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Panoptic Vision:

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Lake Cathie?

Our Story

STAFF PROFILES

Natasha Barnard-French - Behavioural Optometrist. Natasha graduated from optometry at UNSW in 1993 followed by a research masters (MSc) in the neuroscience of vision development and specific learning disorders such as dyslexia. She moved to Perth to work in specialty children's vision practices to help hone her clinical skills and experience. 5 years, a wedding and a 2 year old daughter later, Natasha received her fellowship from ACBO (Australiasian College of Behavioural Optometry).

10 years later Natasha found herself back on the east coast with 2 young daughters for what was supposed to be a 3 month visit to her parents in Laurieton. She has been happily settled in Laurieton since 2010.

Natasha is committed to providing quality vision assessment and solutions to people of all ages, and has a particular passion for assisting children with vision related learning difficulties. In whatever spare time she can find, Natasha enjoys playing flute in the local orchestra and playing the piano to accompany her daughter playing the violin.

Craig Butler - Behavioural Optometrist. BOptom FACBO FCOVD.

Craig has 35 years experience prescribing advanced lens designs and developing innovative vision therapy programmes to enhance the vision performance of infants, children and adults.

He has completed Fellowship training and accreditation in Behavioural Optometry with both the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists (ACBO) and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) in the USA.

He is excited to join Panoptic Vision to incorporate the newly emerging scientific principles of brain neuro-plasticity for improving vision-related brain functions. He will be working with our team on regular days to make these skills accessible for anyone interested to improve the way they see.

Julie Currie - Vision Therapist.

Julie is a mum of four and has lived in the Camden Haven since 2003. She began working as a vision therapist with Natasha in 2012. Julie has completed 2x35 hour OEP (Optometeric Extension Program) courses as well as being trained by a fellow of ACBO (Australasian College of Behavioural Optometry). Julie is passionate about all aspects of children's learning and development. She specialises in helping children reach their potential by improving their visual processing skills through a range of vision-related fun activities and tasks programmed in eight week blocks.

Gemma Harris - Qualified Optical Dispenser.

On securing employment in the optical industry, along with two small children, Gemma went on to complete her Optical Dispensing qualification through OTEN. Gemma is passionate about finding the right Lens and Frame combination for your lifestyle in this beautiful part of the world.

Sarah-Jane Cross - Optical Assistant.

Sarah-Jane has been in the optical industry for 5 years now inbetween being a busy mobile travel agent. Her passion for fashion brings a modern eye to the practice and her bubbly personality will welcome you through the door.

Suz Burtenshaw - Dip. Early Childhood. Vision Therapy Assistant.

Suz moved to the area in 2010 from living overseas. Suz had been working as an Early Childhood Educator for 8 years completing her Diploma of Early Childhood Services before joining us at Panoptic Vision. Suz is currently studying Vision Therapy and working closely with Julie our Vision Therapist to continue her passion of working with children. Suz is also working front of house on our reception.