Fresh look, same trusted care: Docklands Eyecare celebrates a decade in the community

After 10 years serving the growing Docklands community, local optometry clinic Docklands Eyecare has unveiled a fresh new name and identity – one that owner and principal optometrist Sue Callahan says reflects the practice’s deep commitment to the neighbourhood it calls home.

Located at 840 Bourke St, the clinic opened in late 2014 and recently received a Lord Mayor’s Small Business Achievement Award for more than a decade of continuous service. It has long been a staple for residents seeking personalised eye health care, and while the name may be new, Sue emphasises that the practice continues under the same ownership, with the rebrand signalling renewal, not reinvention.

“I established the business and remain the principal optometrist,” Sue said. “We’ve decided to change the name to align more closely with our values and our place in the Docklands community.”

While formerly operating under the Eyes on Docklands name, the rebrand to Docklands Eyecare reflects the practice’s independence and personalised approach – qualities that have fostered a loyal patient base over the past decade.

Sue credits the clinic’s longevity to strong local relationships, including longstanding partnerships with nearby medical centres, pharmacists and other allied health providers.

“We work closely with the medical centre and chemist just around the corner,” she said. “We’ve really formed an eye health establishment. We receive many referrals from them, and we refer patients when required. It’s important that people know we offer truly comprehensive eye care.”

Docklands Eyecare is known for its extensive clinical offering, particularly its specialist dry eye clinic, which attracts patients from across Melbourne and referrals from ophthalmologists.

We offer general and eye health examinations, dry eye diagnosis and treatment, ocular imaging and more,” Sue said. “Dry eye is a major focus of our clinic, and many people come to us specifically for that.

The clinic also provides orthokeratology, myopia control for children, contact lenses, premium eyewear and co-management of chronic conditions such as glaucoma and diabetes. All the optometrists are therapeutically endorsed, enabling them to treat a wide range of eye conditions without needing to refer patients elsewhere.

Supporting Sue is a small, long-standing team: optometrists Dr Sophie Holmberg and Dr Kusal Panditharatne, who each bring specialist interests in dry eye, ocular disease and children’s vision, and practice optical dispenser Kathleen, the warm and knowledgeable face greeting patients at the front of house.

“Sophie and Kusal have been with me for a number of years, and they are both experienced professionals offering exceptional eyecare,” Sue said. “Kathleen is the welcoming face at the front of house, supporting frame selection, repairing and dispensing glasses and ensuring each person receives personalised guidance to find the right eyewear for their needs. We take pride in offering high quality care and a broad range of products.”

With more than 30 years of experience, Sue says the most rewarding aspect of her work is the ongoing relationships she has built with patients – many of whom she now sees regularly in the street.

“People walk by and wave,” she said. “It’s that lovely sense of community that is most satisfying. Knowing people trust you enough to keep coming back – that’s what I value most.”

With a refreshed identity, a trusted team, and a renewed focus on community, Docklands Eyecare is excited for a bright new decade ahead.

docklandseyecare.com.au •