Sarah continues inspiring journey in optometry

Sarah Wilson: “I received an amazing foundation in optometry and I have continued to practise the way I have been taught, because it aligns with my own values about client care.”

Business Writeup: Wilson Fitzpatrick Family Optometrists

Wilson Fitzpatrick Family Optometrists’ Sarah Wilson first began her association with the practice in 2011 when she worked as a receptionist whilst completing her studies.

“The practice was established in 1984 and had a strong reputation for client care. It was such a wonderful place to work and I feel so fortunate that it was my introduction to Optometry because everyone in the practice was so client centred,” Sarah said.

When Sarah completed her studies in 2016, Geoffrey Fitzpatrick offered her a job as an Optometrist in the practice.

“I feel like an honorary member of the Fitzpatrick family!” Sarah laughed. “Geoffrey has been (and still is) an incredible mentor to me and he really set the bar high in terms of how clients should be treated and how a practice should be run,” she said. “I have such deep respect for him.”

Firm foundations

In 2018, Sarah became a partner in the business with Geoffrey and Deborah Fitzpatrick and then in 2022, she gained sole ownership of the practice.

“I received an amazing foundation in optometry and I have continued to practise the way I have been taught, because it aligns with my own values about client care,” she said.

Wilson Fitzpatrick Family Optometrists is independently owned, which means the team are free to stock and recommend products they believe in as well as provide eye care uniquely tailored to each individual’s needs.

“Ours is an individualised and holistic approach to optometry,” Sarah explained. “We are not just about eyes and glasses. We consider the whole person.

“This style of practice allows us to really get to know our clients, and I think everyone here would agree that the best aspect of this work is that we can build such great rapport and relationships with our clients over the long term. I think if you didn’t love people, you could not be in this industry.”

The practice has a lens lab onsite which means that most repairs and lens fittings are completed in-house, ensuring a faster turn around, and the opportunity for same-day preparation for single vision glasses.

Dry eye expertise

Sarah’s particular areas of interest are therapeutic management of anterior eye disease and dry eye.

“Dry eye is incredibly uncomfortable, but also common and there are a number of ways it can be addressed,” Sarah said.

“Of the five senses, in my opinion, sight is the most important in terms of a person’s independence,” said Sarah. 

“It is also something that you can’t check for yourself. 

“Many people don’t realise their eyesight is in decline until it has become quite poor, and children don’t know if they have diminished eyesight because they assume everyone sees the way they do, or don’t have the language to tell someone,” she said.

“If parents suspect there could be an issue with their child’s eyesight, I strongly encourage them to have them tested. It can often be quite easily corrected,” Sarah said.

• Wilson Fitzpatrick Family Optometrists is at 40 Howard Street, Nambour. Phone 5441 2277.