Optometrists
Anthony Dowling
Anthony graduated from University of Melbourne in 1992 and over his career has developed a special interest in advanced contact lens fitting, ocular disease management and specialist care for people with reduced vision. He worked at the Victorian College of Optometry (VCO) until 2006 and held various positions including Head of Contact Lens and Head of Ocular Disease Clinics before being appointed Deputy Clinic Director and Manager of Clinical Services.
He served as a clinical instructor and lecturer to undergraduate optometry students at the University of Melbourne and led the VCO’s Continuing Education Division providing post-graduate training to qualified optometrists.
In 2000, he was amongst the first optometrists in Australia to become endorsed to prescribe therapeutic drugs to treat eye disease and in 2006, having developed a love for providing top quality clinical care, Anthony decided to venture into private practice in Horsham. This provided a great opportunity to work in close partnership with the local GP’s and visiting ophthalmologists and further develop his interest and skills in ocular disease management and primary eyecare. He is pleased to bring these skills to Ocean Grove.
Anthony is proud to own a professional independent optometry practice serving the local community.
Outside of optometry he enjoys the relaxed lifestyle of Ocean Grove, time spent with his kids and following the mighty Hawks!
Letitia Dowling
Letitia has wanted to be an optometrist since year 10 work experience showed her what it was really like. She graduated from Melbourne University in 2000 and worked in Essendon, Carlton and Melbourne’s CBD
She moved to Horsham in 2006 with Anthony where she enjoyed working in a rural setting, where optometrists were the first point of call for any eye issue, with emergency ophthalmologists 200km away. She had to deal with whatever walked in the door, and became quite adept at foreign body removal and red eye management as well as general optometry care.
Letitia is qualified to prescribe ocular therapeutic medication and has completed an advanced course in children’s vision. She has a keen interest in paediatric optometry and contact lenses.
Letitia lives in Ocean Grove with Anthony and their two young children, Ella and April. Outside of Optometry, Letitia is helping to organize the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod, follows the Essendon Bombers and is going OK in the footy tipping competition!!
Majella O’Connor
Eighteen years after founding the practice Majella retired from regular work in 2020 however you may occasional still find her consulting in the practice when Anthony and Letitia are on leave.
At other times she is sure to be seen on the beach or golf course enjoying the wonderful lifestyle that living in Ocean Grove offers.
Anthony and Letitia are extremely grateful for Majella’s hard work in developing the professional health focused practice that is Ocean Eyes Optometrists and wish her well in retirement.
Dispensing Staff
Optical Dispenser, Kate Hanafin,
Kate is a qualified optical dispenser who has nineteen years’ experience. She is well known for her outstanding ability to choose, repair, and adjust spectacles so they look and feel wonderful. She has remarkable product knowledge, and can help with advice on almost anything optical, from sportsglasses to sunglasses, from high fashion to high prescriptions. Kate has an eye for quality, and handpicks each of our frames to ensure that our range has something for every taste, size, face shape, and budget. She has something set aside that is perfect for you!
Optical Assistants:
Natalie B, Natalie L and Jessica:
Our team of optical assistants are delighted to help you with appointments, frame selections and adjustments, contact lens orders, health fund advice, and the care of your glasses.
