About Us

Evolve Optometry

"I really enjoy my job and love my business. I am very proud of the practices we have built, and am excited about the future of our new venture."

- Tony Ireland

The History

Born in Bega, principal optometrist Tony returned to the South Coast at the completion of his studies. After working in Nowra, he started a practice in Ulladulla in 2003 and another in Batemans Bay in 2016.
With strong ideas about how independent optometry can thrive, he helped start a national optometry group called EyeQ Optometrists.

Our philosophy is to deliver comprehensive eyecare, and we are proud to stock a range of the finest independent eyewear brands. This means our optometrists work with excellent equipment and are always tracking the latest advances. Our dispensers have formal fashion training to ensure you can have the best-looking eyewear.

Our Stores

Ulladulla NSW

Store Details

Batemans Bay NSW

Store Details

Gungahlin ACT

Store Details

Meet the team

Tony Ireland

Optometrist / Owner

Tony Ireland

Tony established his practice in Ulladulla in 2003. He is passionate about optometry and looking after his patients. Tony has a postgraduate Masters of Optometry degree. Away from work Tony loves swimming and paddling. He is involved in Mollymook Surf Lifesaving club running nippers as well as coaching and competing in the surf.

Belinda Ireland

Operations Manager / Owner

Belinda Ireland

Belinda and Tony started the Ulladulla practice together almost 20 years ago. Belinda left as the practice grew to pursue other interests and then to start their family. Belinda returned to manage the day to day running of the Ulladulla site and now brings her extensive management experience to oversee all three practices as Operations Manager.

Ross Collins

Practice Manager / Owner

Ross Collins

Ross has extensive industry experience with over ten years as an Optical Dispenser, moving quickly in to practice management reaffirmed his dedication to providing exemplary customer service. A long history of sourcing independent and unique eyewear, Ross is here for all your eyewear needs with the service you deserve.

Damien Lonergan

Optometrist / Owner

Damien Lonergan

Damien has over 20 years experience in the optical industry. He graduated from the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Vision Science, Master of Optometry. Some of his previous roles include optical dispensing, retail store management, wholesale equipment sales, training, and servicing. This background diversity allows Damien to relate to the needs of a wide range of people. Prior to Evolve Optometry, Damien has maintained a practice within the YourGP group.

Bonnie Eason

Practice Manager

Bonnie Eason

Bonnie studied a degree in Fashion Design before joining the team as an Optical Dispenser then progressing to Practice manager. Bonnie chooses the latest fashion forward frames to have in store and loves styling patients with unique, trendsetting eyewear.

Anne Chung

Optometrist

Anne Chung

Anne graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of Vision Science and Masters of Clinical Optometry. Anne's passion lies in the dynamic role of optometry, which encompasses primary eye care to the community and collaborative care with other health care providers. Outside of work, Anne enjoys an active lifestyle including Gym, Oztag and Ballet.

Nanthi Gunaseelan

Optometrist

Nanthi Gunaseelan

Nanthi graduated from UNSW with a Bachelor of Vision Science & Masters of Clinical Optometry and has more recently been working in regional NSW. Nanthi has a passion for providing full-scope optometry to patients, having a special interest in dry eyes and ocular diseases. In Nanthi's free time she enjoys exploring the area, playing social netball and trying new recipes.

Liz Jackson

Optometrist

Liz Jackson

Liz has a special interest in assessing and treating visual issues that impact on children - including eye turns (strabismus), lazy eye (amblyopia), eye teaming and eye focusing issues (accommodation and convergence dysfunctions) and the visual skills related to learning (visual information processing). She also enjoys assisting big kids (adults) with the same types of issues, along with anyone with special needs or those who have visual consequences of conditions such as acquired brain injuries and strokes.

Brendan Gorzalka

Optical Dispenser

Brendan Gorzalka

Brendan joined Evolve Optometry mid 2022, bringing years of experience having completed the Optical Dispensing course in 2002. Seeing many advancements in both frame fashion and lens technology, Brendan is passionate about delivering that knowledge to his clients. Away from work, Brendan enjoys the outdoors and can be found either mountain biking, snow boarding or paddle boarding.

Suzie Rixon

Optical Dispenser

Suzie Rixon

Suzie grew up on the south coast of NSW and has over 20 years experience in dispensing. Suzie has a passion for selecting beautiful frames to suit every individual. When not at work Suzie enjoys being outdoors, fitness and spending time with her family.

Aimee Rose

Optical Dispenser

Aimee Rose

After recently returning from maternity leave, Aimee is enjoying putting her dispensing skills and knowledge to use again, drawing on her creative background to help patients select the perfect frame and lens designs to meet their needs. In her spare time Aimee enjoys exploring the beautiful beaches of the South Coast with her family.

Natalie Gardiner

Optical Dispenser

Natalie Gardiner

Natalie Gardiner our newest team member. Natalie is a qualified optical dispenser who has chosen to join the team in Gungahlin to pursue the next stage of her optical journey. Natalie brings a fresh perspective to the team and will be in store to help with all your frame and lens needs. Outside of work Natalie enjoys training in Muay Thai Kickboxing.

Leah Vaul

Trainee Dispenser

Leah Vaul

Originally from London, Leah found her home on the South Coast seven years ago. Although new to optics, she's passionate about helping you find the perfect frame. When she's not at work, Leah and her partner, along with their trusty sidekick Maggie (their dog), are out exploring the beauty of the South Coast.