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!

28/09/2025

🚨 "An estimated 300,000 Australians have glaucoma but about half these people don’t know they have the disease. One in eight people over the age of 80 has glaucoma." - Centre for Eye Research Australia

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, often developing with no noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. It is an eye condition that results from increased pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure.

Often painless in its early stages, acute glaucoma can cause sudden, severe pain behind the eye, along with other alarming symptoms. Early detection is key to preventing permanent damage.

Book your appointment today to get peace of mind about your eye health: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

22/09/2025

Did you know that thousands of eye injuries occur in Australian workplaces every year? Many of these injuries are preventable with the right protective eyewear and regular eye check-ups. Whether you’re working in construction, trades, or an office environment, taking care of your vision is essential for long-term health and productivity.

👁️ Learn more here: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/caring-for-tradies-eye-health

17/09/2025

When the eyes are not working together effectively, the brain may struggle to fuse the two images which can sometimes result in double vision, eye strain, or difficulty concentrating. This is often described as a binocular vision problem.

Check out our blog: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/what-is-binocular-vision
Learn about:
👁️ Causes of Binocular Vision
👁️ Possible Symptoms
👁️ Types of Binocular Vision Problems
👁️ Assessments
👁️ Management Options
👁️ Living with Binocular Vision Problems

If you experience persistent visual discomfort, double vision, or related symptoms, consider booking an appointment with an optometrist for a comprehensive assessment.

12/09/2025

Your eye health is closely connected to your overall wellbeing.

Here are some tips for Healthy Eyes & a Healthy Life:
🍎 Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and vitamins C & E.
🍎 Stay hydrated and reduce screen time to prevent digital eye strain.
🍎 Exercise regularly to maintain good blood circulation and eye health.

Make regular eye exams an essential part of your healthcare routine. Book an appointment today: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

$Anisometropia is a condition where there is a significant difference in the refractive error between the two eyes, which...$

07/09/2025

Anisometropia is a condition where there is a significant difference in the refractive error between the two eyes, which means that each eye has a different prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

Its impact on visual health and overall quality of life can be significant.

Early detection and appropriate treatment can help manage anisometropia and prevent potential long-term complications. Your eyesight is a precious gift, so don’t hesitate to seek professional help to keep it at its best.

➡️ Learn more here: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/the-hidden-symptoms-of-anisometropia

Book an appointment with our friendly team at Panoptic Vision today: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

03/09/2025

Blurry vision in one eye can be unsettling. It might happen suddenly or develop gradually over time. While some causes are harmless, others may require immediate medical attention. Knowing the potential reasons behind this condition can help you take appropriate action.

When to See a Doctor
👁️ Sudden or severe blurry vision in one eye.
👁️ Blurriness accompanied by pain, redness, or sensitivity to light.
👁️ Changes in vision following an injury.
👁️ Persistent blurriness that doesn’t improve with rest.

Learn more about blurry vision here: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/blurry-vision-in-one-eye-causes-and-when-to-seek-help

📞 Contact us today to schedule an eye assessment if you have any concerns about your eye health: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

25/08/2025

Here are 5 Fun Ways to Nurture Your Health with Your Family! 🍎☀️🛼

1. Go on a “Healthy Vision” Nature Walk 👣
Turn your daily walk into a mini eye workout! Spot colours, shapes, animals, or road signs and take turns calling them out. It’s a fun way to give your eyes (and legs) a stretch.

2. Make a Rainbow Plate Together 🌈
Challenge the kids to build a meal with as many colourful fruits and veggies as possible. Foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E (like carrots, spinach, and berries) are great for eye health too!

3. Screen-Free Hour – Unplug to Reconnect 🏏
Give your eyes a break and bond as a family. Try a board game, drawing challenge, or backyard cricket match. Your eyes – and your relationships – will thank you.

4. Hydration Station!🚰
Make water fun with lemon slices, cucumber or mint. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and for avoiding dry eyes, especially when the weather is cold and dry.

5. Book a Health Check (for Grown-ups and Children!) 👁️
Let children know that check-ups are fun and nothing to be worried about! Make it fun to schedule eye exams, dental visits, or a GP check-up – it’s a family wellness win.

👀 Learn more about eye health assessments here: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/eye-health-assessment

19/08/2025

🚨 Warning signs of myopia 🚨

There are 3 S’s to look out for in children:
🟢 Sitting closer to the front of the class in order to see the board.
🟢 Squinting when having to see further away.
🟢 Schoolwork performance is declining.

Other possible behaviours to note is if your child has difficulty reading road signs or seeing distant objects well. They may exhibit unexplained changes in behaviours at school. Some may shy away from activities. Others develop skills to cope which can make it difficult to spot if they have visual difficulties e.g. copying another student’s work, or having good audio memories to manage not being able to see well.

Book an appointment and speak to our friendly team to learn more: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

11/08/2025

Myopia (short-sightedness) is on the rise, affecting both children and adults at an alarming rate. With increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity, more people are experiencing blurred distance vision, eye strain, and a greater risk of long-term eye health complications. The good news? Early intervention can slow its progression!

At Panoptic Vision, we offer comprehensive myopia management solutions, including specialised lenses such as MiYOSMART, Ortho K contact lenses and vision therapy, and lifestyle recommendations to help protect your vision. If you or your child are experiencing difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, book an eye assessment today and take proactive steps toward better eye health.

Learn more: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/myopia

What is Myopia? Myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is a common condition in which light is focused in the front of the retina, causing blurred distance vision. Panoptic Vision has 3 different treatments for Myopia - Ortho-K, MiYOSmart and MiSight® 1 day. Dr Jesse Nixon spe...

05/08/2025

In today’s digital world, excessive screen time is taking a toll on our eye health, leading to digital eye strain (also known as Computer Vision Syndrome).

Symptoms like dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision are becoming increasingly common. This month, Panoptic Vision is raising awareness about simple yet effective ways to protect your eyes:

✅ Take regular breaks—Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

✅ Use blue light-blocking lenses to reduce strain and improve visual comfort.

✅ Optimise your screen setup—adjust brightness, positioning, and font size for better ergonomics.

Your vision matters! If you’re experiencing persistent eye discomfort, book an appointment and speak to our friendly team at Panoptic Vision today: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

27/07/2025

As we age, our eyes naturally undergo changes, often leading to presbyopia—the gradual loss of the eye's ability to focus on nearby objects. For those over 40, this can mean difficulty reading fine print or viewing screens clearly.

At Panoptic Vision, we are committed to providing our patients with the latest advancements in eyewear technology. That's why we are proud to offer the Australis VR Progressive Lenses, a groundbreaking innovation in vision correction.

Learn more here: https://hubs.ly/Q03vZ50c0

At Panoptic Vision, we are proud to offer the Australis VR Progressive Lenses, a groundbreaking innovation in vision correction. Contact us!

22/07/2025

Blurry vision in one eye? Panoptic Vision explains causes, serious conditions, and tips to protect your eye health effectively.

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.