Bay Optical FAQ

Bay Optical has proudly served Ettalong Beach and Peninsula community since 2003. Over the years, our experienced team, Simon, Bill and Ally, have built long-term relationships with generations of local families, delivering personalised eye care and quality eyewear. Our newest team member, Hope, continues that tradition of care today.

Yes! Simon has been looking after our patients since 2003, and we believe continuity of care is important. Simon is also a therapeutically qualified optometrist, meaning he is trained and endorsed to diagnose and treat a wider range of eye conditions, including prescribing certain medications where appropriate. Seeing the same optometrist allows us to better monitor changes in your vision and eye health over time, while building a trusted relationship with you.

At Bay Optical, you're not just another appointment. Simon takes the time to listen, explain your eye health clearly, and recommend solutions that suit your vision and lifestyle. Simon is a therapeutically qualified optometrist, which means he is trained and endorsed to diagnose and treat a wider range of eye conditions, including prescribing certain medications where appropriate, rather than always needing to refer you elsewhere. As a locally owned, independent practice with experienced staff, advanced diagnostic technology, and an on-site laboratory, we're committed to exceptional eye care with genuine, personalised service.

Choosing an independent optometrist means choosing personalised eye care. At Bay Optical, Simon believes a comprehensive eye examination should never be rushed. That's why he allows up to 45 minutes for most appointments, giving him time to thoroughly assess your vision, examine your eye health, discuss any concerns, and explain your results in detail. Unlike corporate optometrists who may need to push through a high volume of patients each day, Simon's priority is providing quality care tailored to each individual. He takes the time to understand your lifestyle, visual needs and long-term eye health before recommending any treatment, lenses or eyewear.

Recent media reports have highlighted concerns within corporate optometry about commercial pressures, including sales targets, rushed consultations, and reduced time for clinical appointments in some large retail practices. These reports have sparked an important discussion within the profession about ensuring patient care always comes first. At Bay Optical, Simon's focus has always been on providing thorough, personalised eye care and giving every patient the time and attention they deserve. With an experienced dispensing team in Ally and Hope, we're able to correct all your vision needs and help families across Ettalong Beach and the Central Coast enjoy the best possible vision for life.

Yes. One of the advantages of choosing Bay Optical is our on-site laboratory. Many lenses can be edged and fitted in-house, allowing for excellent quality control, quicker turnaround times and precise fitting.

Yes. We regularly care for patients from Ettalong Beach, Umina Beach, Woy Woy, Booker Bay, Blackwall, Empire Bay, Saratoga and throughout the Central Coast. Many of our patients have been visiting us for years and recommend us to family and friends.

Yes. Our practice is conveniently located in Ettalong Beach with nearby street parking and public parking available, making it easy to visit for your appointment.

For most adults, an eye examination every two years is recommended. However, if you have diabetes, glaucoma, a family history of eye disease, or notice changes in your vision, more frequent examinations may be advised by your optometrist.

A comprehensive eye examination typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes. This allows enough time to assess your vision, examine your eye health, and discuss any treatment or eyewear recommendations.

Appointments are recommended to ensure we can give you the time and attention you deserve. If you have an urgent eye concern, please contact us and we'll do our best to see you as soon as possible.

Yes. Our comprehensive eye examinations can detect conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, often before symptoms develop. Early detection allows for timely treatment and ongoing management.

Yes. Bay Optical has invested in advanced diagnostic equipment including OCT, ultra widefield retinal imaging, visual field testing, corneal topography and dry eye assessment technology. These instruments help us detect many eye conditions earlier and monitor changes over time.

An OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan uses light waves to capture detailed, cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve, revealing each individual layer beneath the surface. It's quick, painless and non-invasive, similar to having a photo taken. This level of detail helps us detect eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease at an early stage, often years before any change in vision would be noticeable, allowing for earlier treatment and better long-term outcomes.

Yes, Simon can assess, monitor and manage many eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. If specialist treatment is required, we'll coordinate referrals with trusted ophthalmologists and continue to monitor your eye health.

Yes. Dry, itchy, watery or gritty eyes are common and can often be treated. We provide comprehensive dry eye assessments using advanced diagnostic technology to determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Treatments may include Intense Pulse Light (IPL) Therapy, which can reduce or even eliminate the need for eye drops.

Children should have their eyes examined before starting school and then regularly throughout their school years, or sooner if there are concerns about their vision or learning. Signs to watch for include squinting, sitting very close to screens, frequent headaches, rubbing their eyes, poor concentration or difficulty reading. If you notice any of these signs, we recommend booking a comprehensive children's eye examination.

Yes. Bay Optical offers a carefully curated range of premium designer eyewear to suit a variety of styles, lifestyles and budgets. Our collections include well-known brands such as Ray-Ban, Oroton, David Beckham, BOSS, Dutz and Lafont, along with other quality Australian and international eyewear brands. Whether you're looking for a timeless classic, lightweight everyday glasses, bold European styling or premium prescription sunglasses, our experienced dispensing team will help you find frames that complement your face shape, prescription and personal style. Ally and Hope hand-pick every frame in store, and we regularly update our collections with the latest releases, so there's always something new to discover.

Absolutely. Choosing the right glasses is about more than just style. Ally and Hope will help you select frames that complement your face shape, suit your prescription, fit comfortably and match your lifestyle, and explain the best lens options to maximise your vision.

Yes. We supply premium progressive lenses tailored to your prescription and daily activities, helping you see clearly at distance, intermediate and reading distances. We use Essilor's XR series lenses, paired with Visioffice 3, their latest technology to customise your lenses precisely to you.

We use Essilor Visioffice 3, a high-precision 3D measuring system, to capture personalised measurements for your glasses. It only takes a minute and helps ensure your lenses are tailored specifically to how you naturally wear your frames, for sharper and more comfortable vision.

Yes. We supply prescription sunglasses in a wide range of styles and lens options, including polarised lenses that reduce glare, ideal for driving, boating, fishing and enjoying the Central Coast lifestyle.

Yes. We supply Australian Standards-compliant prescription safety glasses for tradies, apprentices, industrial workers and businesses throughout the Central Coast. We can help you choose eyewear that meets workplace safety requirements while providing clear and comfortable vision.

Yes. We provide ongoing aftercare for eyewear purchased from Bay Optical, including professional frame adjustments, fit checks and minor maintenance to help keep your glasses comfortable and performing at their best.

Your comfort is important to us. If your Bay Optical glasses need a small adjustment after you've started wearing them, simply visit our practice. We'll professionally adjust the fit so your glasses sit comfortably and provide the best possible vision.

Absolutely. We provide contact lens fittings and teach you how to insert, remove and care for your lenses safely and confidently. Please note that contact lens consultations attract a separate fee.

Many people can wear contact lenses every day, depending on their eyes, prescription and lifestyle. We'll recommend the most suitable type of contact lenses for your individual needs.

Yes. We process on-the-spot claims through HICAPS for most major private health funds, making it quick and easy to claim your eligible optical benefits. You simply pay the gap.