Who are we, and what can we offer you?

We are a locally owned independent optometry practice in Toowoomba.  Our Optometrists, who are all therapeutically qualified, deliver comprehensive eye examinations.  This means, they not only test your eyes for new prescription glasses or contact lenses, but also perform eye health checks in order to diagnose eye health conditions.

Our four optometrists have over 120 years of experience between them, and together, offer a full range of optometric care.  They all take pride in their work, with thorough examinations and continuity of care.  They regularly attend conferences and undertake extra study to keep up to date with advances in eye care, and we invest our time and money in the latest testing, imaging and diagnostic equipment to ensure our Optometrists can continue to offer the highest standards of eye care.

A comprehensive eye examination appointment with one of our Optometrists will be booked for a minimum of 30 minutes so that they can spend the time needed to get a complete picture of your eye health.  Any eye scans, imaging or other tests are also performed by your Optometrist which allows them to interpret and discuss these with you.

We also have a great bunch of support staff who work with our Optometrists.  Our Optical Dispensers and Optical Assistants are on hand to follow up on recommendations from your examination and give you options for lens designs and frame selections.  We work together to give you the full benefit of our expertise and knowledge, and the time to make sure your leave our practice confident that you have found the solutions that will work for you and your lifestyle.

What prompted our change from bulk billing to non-bulk billing?

In 2015 the Australian Government introduced an indexation freeze on Medicare rebates for Optometrists.  Arguably, the rebates we could claim at the time were already below a fair rate, and we were then facing five years of no increases.  We made the decision to stop bulk billing all of our consultations to coincide with this change in order to ensure our ability to continue to offer the high standard of care we have held to for the 20+ years of practicing as Somerville & Merrin.

What does this mean for you?

We charge a fee for our appointments, with a partial refund from Medicare available to all patients with a current Medicare card.  The claim is processed on your behalf on the day of your consultation with rebates being paid directly into your nominated bank account from Medicare usually in under 24 hours.

Our appointments are not ‘free’ but we think our charges are fair.

What are your eyes worth?

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love a bargain, however, when I’m looking for a health care provider, price is not the deciding factor for me.  I value professionals with experience, knowledge and being up to date with the latest advancements in their field.  I also like being treated like a person, not a number, and having a rapport with the professional I choose.  I value my health and I choose my health care providers with care.

Do you value your sight? If so, give us the opportunity to show you our quality of care and give you a complete profile of your optical health.



Naomi Arnold

Practice Manager