Panoptic Vision

Panoptic Vision Panoptic Vision takes its name from the Greek word “panoptes”; meaning "seeing the whole". Early treatment means much better visual outcomes.

Panoptic Vision at Lake Cathie has qualified optometrists, optical dispensers, accredited vision therapists and stockist for beautiful eyewear serving Port Macquarie-Hastings 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!

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects the ability to read and write. It is not caused by vision but is l...
24/02/2026

Dyslexia is a common learning difference that affects the ability to read and write. It is not caused by vision but is linked to how the brain processes written and spoken language. People with dyslexia may have difficulty recognising and working with sounds, which makes reading and spelling more challenging.

Read our blog to find out more: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/vision-therapy-and-dyslexia-what-you-need-to-know

If you or your child is experiencing difficulties with reading, consider arranging a comprehensive eye examination to rule out co-existing vision issues as part of a broader assessment. This helps ensure that vision problems are not mistaken for dyslexia and that any coexisting issues are managed appropriately.

👁️ Book your appointment online now with Panoptic Vision Lake Cathie:
https://bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionLakeCathie
👁️ Book your appointment online now with Panoptic Vision Bellingen:
https://bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionBellingen

👁 February is AMD & Low Vision Awareness MonthAge-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vis...
19/02/2026

👁 February is AMD & Low Vision Awareness Month
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in Australians aged 60 and over.

What is AMD?
AMD affects the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.

There are two main forms:
• Dry AMD – more common and usually slow progressing
• Wet AMD – less common and can progress more quickly

AMD can impact central vision, which is important for reading, recognising faces, and driving.

Supporting Your Eye Health
Small, consistent choices can make a difference over time:
✔ Have regular comprehensive eye examinations
✔ Be mindful of smoking habits, as smoking is a known risk factor
✔ Include leafy greens and antioxidant-rich foods in your diet
✔ Wear quality UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
✔ Manage blood pressure and general health

As we’ve shared in our summer vision blog, prolonged UV exposure may contribute to macular changes over time. Protecting your eyes in bright Australian conditions is a simple step towards long-term eye health.
https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/how-to-protect-your-vision-during-the-summer

At Panoptic Vision, we use advanced retinal imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to carefully assess and monitor the health of the macula.

If you are over 60, have a family history of AMD, or notice changes in your central vision, a comprehensive eye examination is important.

I love learning new things about the eyes and about health in general. Recently a patient taught ME something new about ...
17/02/2026

I love learning new things about the eyes and about health in general. Recently a patient taught ME something new about eye health - that Goji berries are good for the eyes. - Kelly Waterworth, Optometrist at Panoptic Vision Bellingen

Find out what Kelly learnt here:
https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/what-goji-berries-taught-me-about-macular-health

Snippets from Kelly's blog:
"It turns out that the wonderful little Goji berry contains a pigment with a funny name - Zeaxanthin. In fact, no other known dietary source beats Goji berries in terms of its Zeaxanthin content. This pigment, along with another one called Lutein, helps to protect the macula, an area at the back of the eye responsible for our sharp, central vision. A small study in 2021 found that regularly eating small handfuls of Goji berries (28mg of Goji berries, 5 times a week in this study) may help prevent or delay the development of Age-related Macular Degeneration."

👁️ Regular eye tests are important in picking up on changes to the ocular health and discussing the best ways to look after YOUR eyes.

Here at Panoptic Vision, we make sure to look at your unique vision and health situation, LISTEN to what is important to you in terms of managing your eye health and offer tailor-made advice.

Explore the relationship between nutrition and eye health, including the role of pigments such as Zeaxanthin and Lutein in supporting the macula. Learn about Goji berries, leafy greens, omega-3 rich fish, and lifestyle habits that may contribute to healthy vision, as well as why regular eye examinat...

February is a timely reminder that vision needs change at every stage of life.As children head back to school, clear and...
16/02/2026

February is a timely reminder that vision needs change at every stage of life.

As children head back to school, clear and comfortable vision plays an important role in learning, reading, and classroom confidence. Subtle vision changes are not always obvious, which is why regular eye examinations are part of supporting children’s overall development.

February is also AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of monitoring eye health as we age. Vision can change gradually over time, and early awareness allows people to better understand how their eyes are functioning and what support may be helpful.

At Panoptic Vision, we take the time to assess vision carefully and explain findings clearly, supporting families and individuals with thoughtful, personalised eye care across all life stages.

Whether it’s a child returning to the classroom or an adult prioritising long-term eye health, regular eye examinations remain an important part of looking after your vision.

👁️ Book your appointment online now with Panoptic Vision Lake Cathie:
https://bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionLakeCathie

👁️ Book your appointment online now with Panoptic Vision Bellingen:
https://bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionBellingen

11/02/2026

Seeing more helps us care better.

At Panoptic Vision, we continue to invest in advanced diagnostic technology to better understand how your eyes are functioning, not just how clearly you see.

Our advanced Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) allows our optometrists to capture highly detailed images of the structures inside the eye. This technology helps us observe subtle changes over time and supports thorough, well-informed eye examinations.

OCT imaging is:
👁️ Non-invasive
👁️ Comfortable
👁️ Completed within minutes
👁️ Used to support careful observation and explanation

Most importantly, it helps us see more clearly, so we can explain findings more clearly and support thoughtful conversations about eye health.

Technology doesn’t replace care. It strengthens it.

January sunshine is part of the Australian way of life — and your eyes are along for the journey.During summer, our eyes...
25/01/2026

January sunshine is part of the Australian way of life — and your eyes are along for the journey.

During summer, our eyes are exposed to higher levels of UV radiation while we’re driving, walking, swimming, or enjoying time outdoors. Long term UV exposure can damage the eyes over time, which is why everyday protection matters.

Choosing quality sunglasses with appropriate UV protection, wearing a hat, and being mindful of glare are simple habits that support comfortable vision during the warmer months. Just as you protect your skin, your eyes deserve the same consideration.

At Panoptic Vision, we help patients select practical, comfortable, and stylish eyewear designed to suit everyday Australian lifestyles — from beach walks to school runs and weekend sport.

If it’s been a while since your last eye examination, summer is a timely reminder to check in on your eye health.

👁️ Book your appointment online now with Panoptic Vision Lake Cathie:
https://bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionLakeCathie

👁️ Book your appointment online now with Panoptic Vision Bellingen:
https://bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionBellingen

"

Between work, study, streaming, and staying connected, digital devices play a significant role in modern life. At the sa...
17/01/2026

Between work, study, streaming, and staying connected, digital devices play a significant role in modern life. At the same time, January also means brighter days, stronger sunshine, and more time spent outdoors. Together, these seasonal habits can place additional demands on your visual system if eye care is not kept front of mind.

Check out our blog for tips on caring for your eyes:
https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/new-year-new-vision-caring-for-your-eyes-in-a-screen-heavy-sun-soaked-summer

If it has been some time since your last eye examination, the beginning of the year offers a natural checkpoint.

👁️ Book your appointment online now with Panoptic Vision Lake Cathie:
https://bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionLakeCathie
👁️ Book your appointment online now with Panoptic Vision Bellingen:
https://bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionBellingen

A new year often brings new habits — and more screen time.Whether it’s work, study, or staying connected, many of us spe...
11/01/2026

A new year often brings new habits — and more screen time.

Whether it’s work, study, or staying connected, many of us spend hours each day on digital devices. Prolonged screen use can contribute to visual discomfort, fatigue, or reduced focus for some people, particularly without regular breaks or suitable visual support.

Simple steps such as adjusting screen height, taking regular breaks, and ensuring your prescription and eyewear suit your daily demands can make a meaningful difference to visual comfort.

The start of the year is an ideal time to prioritise a comprehensive eye examination, not just to check your vision, but to understand how your eyes are coping with modern, screen-heavy lifestyles.

At Panoptic Vision, we take a personalised approach — combining advanced diagnostic technology with thoughtful care — to support your vision needs at every stage of life.
New year. Clearer perspective. Thoughtful eye care.

👁️ Book your appointment online now with Panoptic Vision Lake Cathie:
https://bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionLakeCathie

👁️ Book your appointment online now with Panoptic Vision Bellingen:
https://bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionBellingen

🍹🌴🏄 What's your favourite summer look? Check out our Maui Jim eyewear collection!Maui Jim engineered the revolutionary P...
21/12/2025

🍹🌴🏄 What's your favourite summer look? Check out our Maui Jim eyewear collection!

Maui Jim engineered the revolutionary PolarizedPlus2® lens, bringing to the market technology to protect eyes from intense glare and harmful UV. Their Classic Collection of seven styles has evolved into over 125 styles of sunglasses, all of which are polarized and protect from 100% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, and over 125 styles of eyeglasses.

👉 Learn more here:
https://www.panopticvision.com.au/post/maui-jim-eyewear-at-panoptic-vision

📢 Urgent last call! Act before 31st December to claim for Optical Extras from your health fund!

Check out new Maui Jim eyewear at Panoptic Vision, and get ready for your summer look!

Wishing You a Bright and Beautiful Holiday Season! 🌟🎄From all of us at Panoptic Vision Lake Cathie, thank you for trusti...
18/12/2025

Wishing You a Bright and Beautiful Holiday Season! 🌟🎄
From all of us at Panoptic Vision Lake Cathie, thank you for trusting us with your eye care in 2025!

🎁 Holiday Hours – Plan Ahead:
🕒 Christmas Eve (24 Dec): Open 8:30am–1pm
❌ Closed: 25 Dec – 28 Dec
✅ Open: 29 Dec

🎉 New Year’s Eve (31 Dec): Open 8:30am–1pm
❌ Closed: 1 Jan – 4 Jan
✅ Reopen: 5 Jan

Appointments fill fast—secure yours early to avoid missing out!

📍 Book here: bit.ly/BookingPanopticVisionLakeCathie

🚨 Reminder: Claim your Optical Extras from your health fund before 31st December!Here are some holiday season tips to pr...
16/12/2025

🚨 Reminder: Claim your Optical Extras from your health fund before 31st December!

Here are some holiday season tips to protect your vision and keep the season bright:

🧑🎄 Deck the Halls with Care
Ornaments, tree branches, and light strings can poke or scratch your eyes. Handle with care. Artificial snow sprays and glitter can irritate your eyes. Use them sparingly and keep them away from your face.

🧑🎄 Sports and Outdoor Fun
Whether you're playing cricket, or enjoying backyard games, goggles or sports glasses can prevent injuries from balls, or UV exposure. Sunglasses with 100% UV protection are essential, even on overcast days. Reflected UV rays from water or sand can damage your eyes.

🧑🎄 Digital Eye Health
Festive movies and virtual greetings are fun but staring at screens too long can cause digital eye strain. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

This holiday season, give the gift of eye health! Check out our gift vouchers: https://www.panopticvision.com.au/gift-vouchers

🚨 Urgent Year-End Reminder: Use it or lose it!Your health fund optical benefits don’t roll over. Most reset on December ...
14/12/2025

🚨 Urgent Year-End Reminder: Use it or lose it!
Your health fund optical benefits don’t roll over. Most reset on December 31st.

Don’t leave money on the table (or glasses on the shelf)! 👓
Now’s the time to book your eye test and claim your new glasses, prescription sunnies, or contacts before your benefits disappear.

📅 Appointments fill fast — secure your spot today at Panoptic Vision, Lake Cathie or Bellingen.
👉 https://www.panopticvision.com.au/contact

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

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.

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram

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.