Our occupational therapists at Bullseye Sensory Clinic have put together a selection of tips to help you and your family get back into the back to school routine!
Nine News Perth stopped by our new Sensory Clinic in Leeming earlier this week to chat about our integrated approach to vision care and some of the high tech tools we use in our vision therapy and occupational therapy including Vivid Vision virtual reality and RightEye eye-tracking technology.
Mia graduated from Curtin University and has enjoyed working as a speech pathologist for over 20 Years, gaining experience in the health sector, private practice and with disability service organisations. Mia is passionate about working collaboratively with families and other professionals to deliver tailored programs for every child. Mia works with a child’s interests providing fun learning activities to support social and communication development.
In her spare time, Mia enjoys completing craft projects and exploring WA in her campervan. Spending time with her husband, two daughters and 2 Spaniels is her favourite pastime.
Originally from Montreal, Canada, Dominique grew-up shadowing her father in his optical dispensing practice. Assisting her father in the office and with patients, developed her interest in providing quality eyecare services to patients early on.
Having grown-up in a multicultural environment, Dominique is fluent in English, French and Spanish. She can also manage to understand some Arabic, Italian and Portuguese!
Dominique decided to follow her father’s footsteps and completed her double-degree in Optical Dispensing and Sciences at Edouard-Montpetit College.
She then completed two years of Bachelor of Science, majoring in Exercise Science, which led to her reaffirming her passion for sports and outdoor activities. Shortly thereafter, Dominique took a big leap of faith and moved to Geelong on her own to complete her Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry at Deakin University. Soon after moving across to Perth for clinical placements, she developed a special interest in paediatric optometry, and myopia control.
Dominique recently completed a post-graduate Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision through the Australian College of Optometry. She is also therapeutically endorsed, and a member of Optometry Australia, the Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists, and the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia.
In her spare time, you will find Dominique at the beach snorkeling, free-diving or scuba-diving in the ocean!
Karen grew up in Scotland with her two younger sisters. She loved visiting her Grandpa’s boat on Loch Lomond. Despite the freezing temperatures, she loved playing with her dog in the loch. In 2005, Karen backpacked around Australia and New Zealand for 12 months before permanently relocating to Australia. She practised in both regional and cities across Australia before settling in Perth.
Karen completed her optometry degree at Aston University in Birmingham in 2001 and from her early stages of study knew she wanted to focus on children’s vision. Karen loves hanging out with kids and is passionate about helping them reach their potential. As a parent, she is also conscientious about providing support for mums, dads and carers while their little one is under her care. In 2010, Karen completed her masters in behavioural optometry through UNSW.
In her spare time, Karen loves playing with her family in their garden, working on their veggie patch.
Darrell’s fascination with the eyeball and vision began after sitting in and observing his mother’s eye examinations when he was growing up. He graduated in Johannesburg in 1986 and worked in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the UK before migrating to Australia in 1999 where he worked as a partner in an independent practice for 12 years.
Meeting people, being able to make a positive impact on a person’s quality of life, and educating patients about vision is what Darrell loves most about his job. Darrell has a keen interest in contact lens fitting, orthokeratology, and management of neurological disorders. He has completed a post-graduate qualification in the management of neuro-ophthalmic disorders, as well as a graduate certificate in ocular therapeutics, and has recently held the position of President of the national board of Optometry Australia. Darrell regularly presents to local physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other health care professionals about vision’s role in a person’s treatment and recovery.
If he’s not looking at or thinking about eyeballs, Darrell is likely playing sport or eyeing off (pun intended) another guitar to add to his collection!
The best thing about being an optometrist? For Nick, it’s being able to make an instant improvement in a person’s quality of life and finding the best visual solutions for their day-to day life. Nick always strives for clinical excellence and believes being a great communicator is key to achieving this. He loves chatting with his patients and taking the time to explain their eyes in detail and the different options in which he can help.
Nick grew up in a small town in New Zealand and studied optometry at the University of Auckland. After graduating, he made the jump across the ditch to Perth to chase the sunshine and better weather. Nick has a particular interest in Orthokeratology, dry eye management, and myopia control. In 2017, Nick presented his research on myopia control at the International Myopia Conference in Birmingham and is currently completing additional studies in Advanced Children’s Eyecare.
Outside of work Nick is often at the beach or satisfying his sweet tooth by baking some treats.
Jemma’s family has a history of working in health care, so she always knew she wanted to join the industry. She decided to pursue the profession of occupational therapy after seeing the difference working with an OT made to her younger brother’s life. Jemma also has a background in optics, with several years experience as an optical dispenser.
Jemma thrives when given the opportunity to be creative and come up with new games and therapy ideas for her clients. She particularly enjoys working in the area of paediatrics as creativity is vital! Jemma loves that working with children requires a fun and playful approach, and challenges her to push herself in delivering innovative therapy ideas.
As well as developing her work in paediatrics, Jemma has an interest in the area of neuroscience and would love to explore more of the use of the music and art in her therapy programs.
Travelling and trying new experiences like zip lining and skydiving are some of Jemma’s hobbies. Her most recent trip was to South America where she completed a 5 day hike to Machu Picchu. In her free time you’ll find Jemma at the beach or trying a new coffee venue.
Nicole is from Northern England but also spent some time as a child in Israel (she’s fluent in Hebrew!). After getting her first pair of glasses at sixteen, she thought optometry would be a great industry to work in, and it sparked her interest in becoming an optometrist as a career.
Nicole studied optometry in Glasgow and has since completed an advanced certificate in children’s vision and additional studies in vision therapy. Nicole practised in Scotland and England before making the move to Australia in 2006. Nicole loves being able to help people resolve their visual and learning concerns; taking the time to listen to her patient’s concerns and working towards the best solution for each individual. Children’s vision, vision therapy, and myopia control are the areas she is particularly passionate about.
When she’s not in the office, Nicole enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with her kids.
Marna decided to pursue optometry as it combines her love of science, problem solving, and people! Her caring nature and genuine interest in getting to know each patient helps Marna create a management plan that is specific to each person’s visual needs and goals. Marna has a keen interest in paediatric care and contact lenses, and is currently a committee member of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia.
After completing an Undergraduate Degree majoring in Physiology with minor in Anatomy at the University of Otago, Marna studied Optometry at Auckland University. Giving back is something Marna is passionate about, and she has been a participant for a number of outreach programs. She was selected as a One Sight scholarship recipient in New Zealand, assisting with free eye care in the North Island, as well as being selected as a Unite for Sight Global Impact Fellow travelling to India to establish and operate free eye clinics in rural and disadvantaged communities.
In her free time, Marna likes to fix up her vintage 1982 camper van and if it’s a sunny day you can bet she’ll be at the beach!
Yes, another Kiwi! Shashi grew up in New Zealand and completed a bachelor of biomedical science and a bachelor of optometry at The University of Auckland. He worked in the windy city of Wellington before making his move to Perth.
Shashi wanted a dynamic career in science that allowed him to meet people and optometry fit the bill! Shashi gets a kick out of being able to use his great problem-solving skills to make a difference in someone’s life. He loves optometry’s vast scope and is always keen to expand on his knowledge and learn about what’s new in the biz. Shashi is Bullseye Optometry’s dry eye whizz and leads our dry eye clinic in diagnosing and managing dry eye cases.
When he’s not in the office, Shashi likes to cook up a storm in the kitchen. He also enjoys watching cricket and is a Black Caps fan.
Ever since Husveena can remember, she has wanted to work in health care. After going on an overseas exchange trip in high school she was introduced to the world of allied health and the differences you can make in people’s lives. Husveena studied Occupational Therapy at Curtin University and is currently completing her Masters of Clinical Exercise Physiology at the University of Western Australia.
Husveena loves working with people one-on-one and helping them achieve their goals. Listening is one of her strongest skills and she prides herself on her willingness to continuously learn. She adores researching and gathering new information, then reflecting and implementing this knowledge into her therapy sessions.
While born on the east coast of Australia, Husveena has called Perth home since she was two and is a fierce West Coast Eagles supporter. Husveena has an amazing array of hobbies and interests that keep her busy outside of work and study including dancing, henna art, photography and helping fundraise for Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Jillian is a beach loving Perth girl. She has been a speech pathologist for over 20 years having graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Speech & Hearing Science) honours degree from Curtin University in 1999.
Through roles in the education, health and disability sectors as well as a stint as a university supervisor and extensive private practice, Jillian brings a wealth of knowledge to the role. She believes in fun therapy sessions and can often be seen scouring the shops for new and interesting games.
She is passionate about helping children develop speech and language skills that will enable them to achieve their potential, goals and dreams both academically and socially.
When not at work Jillian enjoys spending time with her teacher husband and three very chatty kids!
Peppa likes to stop by and spend time with us at both Leederville and Leeming. She is a little bit shy, but if you are gentle she will come and say hi. Treats definitely help.
When she’s not at the practice Peppa enjoys hanging out with her cat pals Frank and Gus, naps, and playing with her toy rope.
