OUR TEAM
Why Shire Optometrists
At Shire Optometrists, we offer experienced, reliable, and professional EyeCare.
Our experienced Optometrists conduct a clinically focused eye examination to provide an assessment of your vision and a detailed analysis of your eye health. We understand how and what to prescribe, making clinical decisions based on your varied lifestyle needs.
Our qualified Optical Dispensers use their experience and fitting skills with modern technology to provide custom-made precision optical devices to suit your style, fashion and budget.
The Science
of Vision
The Art
of Fashion
The Spirit
of Community
Shire Optometrists offer experienced, reliable, and professional eyecare.
Over 70 years
Shire Optometrists was established in Cronulla over 70 years ago, and have been delivering exceptional eyecare services and products to the local community ever since.
Across the Shire
We have conveniently located practices across the Sutherland Shire in Cronulla, Gymea, Jannali and Illawong.
Service + Range
We offer a complete range of EyeCare services and an extensive range of EyeWear products in each of our Shire based locations.
Our Team
Stephen Langshaw
Optometrist
Steve has over 35 years of experience as an optometrist, graduating from UNSW in 1982.
He has been providing eyecare to the Shire from the Gymea practice for over 30 years and is a founding partner of Shire Optometrists.
In this time, his ability to treat the full range of optometric conditions has gained Steve a strong reputation and dedicated following. Steve has a specialist interest in contact lenses, ocular pathology and children’s vision. For 11 years, Steve was the clinical supervisor for the University Clinic at Garrawarra Hospital, where he shared his experience and helped train future optometrists.
Steve is a lifelong resident of the Shire with his wife and family.
Richard Bell
Optometrist
Richard graduated from UNSW in 1978 and is a founding partner of Shire Optometrists.
He has been consulting from the Cronulla practice since 1979 and has provided eyecare to multiple generations of Shire families.
Richard provides a broad range of optometric services including eye examinations, disease diagnosis and management and contact lens fitting.
Richard is also a lifelong resident of the Shire and raised his family here.
Richard Walsh
Optometrist
Richard has over 15 years of experience and is passionate about providing outstanding care for all patients.
Richard graduated from City University, London and initially worked in optometric practice in central London, followed by two years working with consultant eye surgeons in Harley Street then a further 8 years working for an independent eye hospital. His roles involved assessment of patients for eye disease including glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and dry eye disease as well as assessment for refractive laser surgery and refractive lens exchange surgery.
Prior to joining Shire Optometrists, Richard worked for an independent community optometry practice providing eye examinations, disease diagnosis and management, and complex contact lens fitting including myopia control. Richard lives in the Shire with his wife and children having moved to Australia in 2019.
Kylie Watkins
Optometrist
Kylie graduated from UNSW in 1993 and commenced her career working in both city and country practices in Western Australia.
Kylie joined Shire Optometrists in 1995 and helped establish the Illawong practice.
Kylie has been a long term resident of the Shire and enjoys delivering exceptional eyecare to her loyal patients with professionalism and dedication.
Georgia Tsimos
Optometrist
Georgia graduated from UNSW in Optometry with Ocular Therapeutics in 2018. She complimented her studies with training in New York and the provision of eye examinations to remote Indigenous communities in NSW. She is passionate about patient care and education.
Georgia first came to Shire Optometrist’s for her Year 10 Work Experience, and continued her association as an Optical Assistant during her university studies.
After graduating, Georgia worked in Armidale, country NSW, where she gained a great deal of experience during her two years in practice there. With only one ophthalmologist within 100km and no Eye Department at the local hospital, she was an integral part of the local healthcare team. Georgia worked in a busy Parramatta practice, prior to joining Shire Optometrists in 2022.
Georgia re-joined Shire Optometrists with a wealth of experience and has reconnected with the Sutherland Shire community, as an integral part of the Shire Optometrists clinical team.
Kay Koutzas
Optometrist
Kay has over 20 years of experience in optometry with 12 years practising in the Sutherland Shire. During this time, she has developed a loyal following with her high level of clinical skills and personable approach.
Kay is passionate about providing comprehensive eye examinations and detecting early signs of eye disease. She has a particular interest in contact lens fittings and dry eye management. Kay completed her Ocular Therapeutics course in 2018. This enables her to diagnose and treat a variety of eye diseases with prescription medications.
During her career Kay spent 2 years working alongside eye doctors where she completed post- surgical aftercare for LASIK and Cataract procedures. She served as the Vice-President of the Optometrist Association NSW board for 2 years.
Kay is a resident of the Sutherland Shire along with her family.
Amelia
Practice Development Manager / Senior Optical Dispenser
Amelia is a senior optical dispenser and practice development manager, based at our Illawong practice. Amelia’s first part time job was working in her family owned Optometry practice….and the rest is history! With over 35 years in the Optical industry, working for corporate groups and independent practices across Australia, New Zealand and the UK, Amelia has been able to indulge her flare for fashion and bold statements, while helping others look and feel stunning in their eyewear.
Gai
Optical Dispenser
Emad
Optical Dispenser
Emad is a full time Optical Dispenser and has been in Jannali for over 19 years. With over 33 years in the Optical Industry, Emad has developed a loyal following and his passion to provide personalised eyecare and eyewear options for all patients ensures they get the best of care. Other than his extensive experience and qualifications in the Optical Industry, Emad has completed a science degree and also a gardening and landscaping course, so when you see Emad in the practice, he can help you with some outdoor advice as well your optical needs.
Adam
Optical Dispenser
Adam is a full time Optical Dispenser, based at our Gymea practice. Adam has been in the Optical industry for 25 years, including 10 years in a laboratory producing 1000s of pairs of glasses. During his time in the lab, Adam realised he prefers the unique connection created working directly with patients, embracing the challenge of ensuring everyone leaves the practice happy and with all their eyecare needs resolved – no mean feat when every person’s eyes are unique and we all have different requirements. Adam has also worked in early childhood education, as a small business consultant, bookkeeper, radio DJ, a Fringe Festival events coordinator and in online marketing – with such a wide range of skills and experience, it is no wonder Adam seems to have something in common with everyone. Adam loves the mental workout and imaginative escapism of modern board games – and is adamant his performance is greatly improved by his multi-focals!
Alexia
Optical Dispenser
Alexia is the newest addition to the staff at Shire Optometrists. Alexia grew up around her family Optometry Practice, and decided that this was to be her career. After working for a corporate chain of practices for 3 years, Alexia joins us with a passion to improve patient experience, and develop her knowledge in all areas of eyecare.
Ellora
Optical Dispenser
Ian
Optical Dispenser
Ian has worked in the optical for nearly 40 years, primarily in wholesale optics. Ian takes particular interest in lens research and development, having seen many advances in lens design and manufacture since being in the optical industry. He likes to engage with our patients to ensure correct lens product information is provided and the patient is well informed on what possible lens options are available and their relevance.
Ian lives in the Shire, has raised his children here and now has four grandchildren. He is an active member of the community, having coached local soccer for 26 years and is a life member of the Maianbar Football Club and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Bundeena Bowling & Sports Club.
Stuart
Optical Stylist / Consultant
Brenda
Optical Consultant
For almost 11 years, Brenda has been greeting patients at our practice in Gymea and assisting our patients in all areas of optical care. Brenda excels at building rapport with patients and is skilled at helping our customers with frame selection, ensuring a look suited to their lifestyle and personality. Living and working locally makes Brenda a true local caring for locals.
Proudly supporting the
local community.
Our optometrists regularly visit nursing homes and house-bound patients because we believe everyone deserves great EyeCare.
FAQs
Medicare covers your initial examination to evaluate your spectacle prescription. There may be a private fee for additional tests or treatments which will be discussed with you prior to undertaking. A private health fund may provide a financial benefit toward the cost of spectacles or optical device.
Shire Optometrists are registered and accredited with all Australian health funds and can immediately process all claims online via HiCaps.
Yes, this applies to motor vehicle, marine and vocational assessments for any licence or certification. We are online with Transport NSW to submit at short notice if required.
Eye Tests are required every 5 years once you turn 45 and every year from 75 years of age. Shire Optometrists can perform your eye test prior to your medical review. To book your driver’s licence eye test, please click here.
We offer bulk billing via Medicare for all Australian residents registered with Medicare or as Veterans. Any additional tests or treatments beyond the scope of Medicare may attract private fees. All private fees will be discussed with you before commencement.
Yes, there are many, but it is essential to identify the cause and then commence at treatment plan. ‘Dry Eye disease (DED) is one condition which causes the glands around the eyelids to not produce quality tears causing inadequate lubrication to your cornea and conjunctiva causing symptoms like excessive watery eyes, redness, and sensation of stinging, burning, and scratching. There are several factors which can contribute to ‘Dry Eyes’ including: ageing, medical conditions, hormonal changes, wearing contact lenses, screen usage and laser or cataract surgery.
Shire Optometrists can help identify and manage your Dry Eye condition with a wide range of treatments at our Dry Eye Clinic in Gymea.
Serious eye injuries will require immediate help via the Emergency departments at Sutherland Hospital or Sydney Eye Hospital. Shire Optometrists can provide urgent help with all minor incidents including foreign bodies, chemical burns, unusual symptoms, floaters or flashing lights, lid lumps or lesions or inflamed lids, impacts or sudden vision changes. Please call our front desk who will be able to assess and guide you in to quickly identify any threat and instigate treatment or referral where necessary. If it does not seem right then call us immediately at Cronulla, Gymea, Jannali or Illawong.
Yes, we have multiple test procedures and strategies to identify glaucoma at each practice, including OCT, computerised visual fields, both applanation and non-contact tonometry. Glaucoma refers to a group of conditions which usually arise when the pressure in the eyes is too high, causing damage to the optic nerves. There are two common versions: ‘acute closed angle’ involving a sudden rise in pressure causing pain or ‘chronic open angle’ a slow increase in pressure with little or no symptoms.
Yes! We have a wide range of both prescription and non-prescription sunglasses suitable for every lifestyle, vocation or sporting need. This includes inserts for all forms of ski, scuba, swim goggles.
These will be customised to your specific need depending on your prescription. Our experienced and qualified Optical Dispenses are happy to guide you all the way.
To book your eye test, please visit: https://shireoptometrists.com.au/bookings/