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WHO WE ARE
Visique Taradale Optometrists was originally started by Alan Grant over 50 years ago.
Amanda Shepherd took over the practice in 1996 and started with a full renovation that increased the hours available for eye examinations until it became evident we had outgrown the original rooms.
In 2008 we moved to our current more spacious location, allowing us room for more staff and the latest equipment.
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In 2019 Colleen Powell joined as a partner and took over the practice in 2023. Amanda continues practicing as an Optometrist in the practice.
All of our team love working and getting to know everyone in Taradale. Our clients enjoy our service and return to see us regularly. Many have known us for years, enjoying the warm welcome and friendly, personalized service we offer.
TIM MOSELEY
Dispensing Optician
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Tim is our Dispensing Optician. His primary role is to advise on frames, lens types, materials and coatings. Keeping up with technical advances in lens design is an important part of his role and means we can offer the best solution to your visual needs from the huge selection of lenses we have available.
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Tim will guide you through the process of selecting new glasses, giving information, advise and recommendations on frames and lenses that will see you leave with the best vision we can give you and looking great too!
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COLLEEN POWELL
Optometrist
B. Optom, TPA, Cert Oc. Pharm, ACC treatment provider
Colleen joined the practice as a partner in 2019 and is well known in Hawkes Bay having worked in Hastings for many years prior to joining us in Taradale.
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She has over twenty years’ experience working in both Australia and New Zealand. Her work has included time spent in a large central city practice and then as the sole charge optometrist in a rural practice in outback Australia.
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She has a special interest in low vision and has completed post graduate study in this area.
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Member:
New Zealand Association of Optometrists.
SIAN COLDICUTT
Optometrist
B. Optom, TPA, Hons., ACC treatment provider
Sian joined Visique Taradale in 2015 when she moved to Hawkes Bay and has recently returned to us following maternity leave.
Sian is passionate about eye health and helping clients understand their eyes and vision better. She enjoys taking the time to discuss your concerns to determine the best outcome for your needs.
Sian is currently with us on Wednesdays.
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Member:
New Zealand Association of Optometrists.
JO FRANKLIN
Office Manager
Jo has been part of the Visique Taradale team since 1998. She works four days a week taking care of reception and admin.
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Jo is the smiling face you see at the start of your client journey and as you leave the practice.
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With over 20 years’ experience, Jo is the person to contact with any non-optical questions. She is a great source of knowledge for insurance claims, government subsidies or payment plans.
LEIGH KAYE
Reception
You will meet Leigh at reception on Monday's and Friday's.
Her role is to help you with choosing frames, complete minor adjustments and repairs, along with ensuring your optometry journey runs smoothly.
AMANDA SHEPHERD
Optometrist
B.Optom, TPA, Cert. Oc Pharm, ACC treatment provider, Accredited Police examiner
Amanda has worked within the Taradale community since 1992 and enjoyed it so much she purchased Visique Taradale in 1996.
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She has over 30 years optometry experience and thoroughly enjoys her role and client contact. She believes in providing the time with clients to ensure they have all the information they need to understand what is happening with their eyes in order to make fully informed decisions.
She has a special interest in aged care optometry including low vision, dry eyes, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
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Member:
New Zealand Association of Optometrists
Cornea and Contact lens Society of NZ.