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The Optometrists at LA Optical provide a range of services
From glasses, contacts, sunglasses, prescription goggles, drivers licence assessments, CASA aviation examinations, we are able to look after all of your optical needs.
Both of our optometrists have vast experience in fitting contact lenses.
This includes soft contact lenses and hard or rigid contact lenses.
They can fit orthokeratology contact lenses, custom made contact lenses.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses correct your vision overnight if you’re shortsighted with specially designed contact lenses and enables you to be glasses free during the day.
Ortho-K is a on-surgical and reversible method of vision correction, they are ideal for active lifestyles and effective for myopia control.
They can fit contact lenses for myopia control.
We have a limited range of trial contact lenses, which means depending on your prescription, you can leave wearing them the same day.
Trial contact lenses are free of charge.
We will always do our best to see urgent to emergency appointments on the day.
Our optometrists are experienced in foreign body removal, red eye management, dry eye treatment and eye infection treatment.
We can refer to other private ophthalmologists in Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane, or organise referrals to public hospitals for any matter outside our scope of practice such as retinal detachments and tears.
Dry Eye disease is very common, especially in women over 40.
Our optometrists are experienced in dry eye diagnosis, management and treatment.
We have the technology and skill to diagnose dry eye, it’s impact on your wellbeing, and design a treatment plan that may include in house treatments.
There are several types of dry eye and lots of reasons why it occurs. Evaporative dry eye is the most common and is due to a lack of oil on the surface of your tears.
If you would like to discuss your dry eye, book in for a dry eye examination.
Myopia control is the process of attempting to slow down myopia or short sightedness in children and young adults.
We have the skill and technology to measure your prescription and eyeball length (as this can grow excessively in high myopia) and offer solutions to try and slow your child’s myopia down. This may include optical options (contact lenses or glasses), environmental/lifestyle changes and pharmaceutical options such as low dose Atropine eye drops.
Understanding Myopia and Myopia Control
Myopia, commonly known as short or nearsightedness, is a refractive error where close objects appear clear, but distant objects appear blurry. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often develops in childhood and tends to progress until the late teens or early twenties.
Myopia has become increasingly prevalent worldwide, with more children being diagnosed at younger ages. High myopia (severe nearsightedness) is associated with a higher risk of eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment later in life. Therefore, managing and controlling myopia progression early on is crucial for long-term eye health.
Early intervention and regular eye exams are crucial for managing myopia in children. Optometrists can monitor your child’s eye health and prescribe appropriate myopia control treatments based on their age, prescription, and lifestyle factors. By addressing myopia early, you can help reduce the risk of high myopia and associated eye complications in the future.
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision or interested in myopia control options, scheduling a consultation with an optometrist specializing in paediatric eye care and myopia management is recommended. They can assess your child’s current vision status, discuss suitable treatment options, and provide personalized guidance to support your child’s visual health and development.
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For more information on myopia control or to schedule a consultation with our experienced optometrists, please contact our practice. We’re here to help your child achieve clear vision and maintain optimal eye health.
Women are more prone to some eye conditions than men. This can be due to hormones, pregnancy, menopause and make up.
Our optometrists can assess for dry eye, due to hormone changes, medication and lifestyle.
Our optometrists can assess for diabetic retinopathy in women with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Our optometrists can assess for eye dryness, inflammation and infection due to make up ingredients, glues, dyes and the bacterial associated with it and provide advise on how to apply, remove makeup and how to care for your eye health.
We understand the importance of children’s eye health and vision. That’s why our optometrists are highly experienced in providing comprehensive eye tests for children. Abby and Lauren are well known in the community when it comes to children’s vision examinations. Both optometrists are mums themselves and they are passionate about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop great vision, allowing them to reach their full potential both academically and personally. With our child friendly equipment and testing methods and personalised approach, we can help your child develop great vision and assess their tracking and reading skills. Our optometrists have years of experience in testing children with autism, ASD, ADD, ADHD, strabismus, lazy eyes, amblyopia, learning disorders, dyslexia, fatigue, global delays, focusing and reading problems. Trust us with your child’s eye care needs and experience the difference!
Cataracts occur when the lens inside the eye hardens, thickens and/or turns yellow. Everyone will develop cataracts if they live long enough, but not everyone will need to do anything about them.
Cataracts are usually age related, and occur as we get older, other factors such as environment, medications, injuries can cause them to develop earlier. The average age for cataract surgery is about 74. Our optometrists are trained in detecting cataract, and changing cataracts. Most cataracts are slow to develop. Our optometrists frequently refer to local ophthalmologists for cataract surgery and are highly experienced in post cataract surgery assessments. There are options for public and private hospital patients.
The local opthalmologists who perform cataract surgery are:
They perform cataract surgery at either the Surgicentre on Scott Street or at St Andrews Hospital on North Street.
Local patients who meet the criteria to be put on the public cataract waiting list are referred to the Toowoomba Base Hospital, but as of 2024, the surgery is usually organised at a day surgery in Ipswich and depending on the severity of the cataract, surgery is organised and completed within one year.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed worldwide and is usually a very straightforward and quick procedure. It is usually a day surgery and you can leave the hospital within hours of having the surgery, you will require a driver. Most of the time, only one eye at a time is operated on, and the procedure is done under light sedation, and the eye is numb.
Macula degeneration is a disease that affects the macula, which is the very centre of the retina (back of the eye). Macula degeneration can affect the central vision and in late stage cause central vision blurring and/or blindness.
Age related macula degeneration is usually a disease that occurs due to advancing age. Our optometrists can assess your macula health by assessing your macula using our slit lamp and OCT scan (like an x-ray of your retina).
There are two main forms of macula degeneration: dry and wet. Dry macula degeneration is usually more mild/early stage. Wet macula degeneration is usually more advanced disease and requires complex treatment with anti-VEGF injections. Out optometrists are experienced in detecting, monitoring and diagnosing macula degeneration. If you think you have any signs of macula degeneration, or have a family history, it is important to have a regular eye examinations.
Glaucoma is a usually a painless disease affecting the optic nerve, when the pressure of the eye is too high. Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be treated and managed. Both of our Optometrists are therapeutically endorsed, meaning they can prescribe eye drops/medication for glaucoma to reduced the eye pressure. Glaucoma can affect peripheral vision if untreated. Our optometrists work closely with Ophthalmologists in Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane to co-manage glaucoma. Glaucoma can run in families, so it is important to have regular eye exams if you have any signs of high pressure or glaucoma or a family history.
Glaucoma is monitored using a range of tests including a pressure test (we use the painless iCare device), optic nerve examination, OCT scan and visual field test when necessary.
The local glaucoma ophthalmologists we regularly refer to include:
Embracing Sustainability at LA Optical
At LA Optical, we are committed to sustainability in every aspect of our practice. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll notice our dedication to minimising our environmental footprint and supporting local communities.
We take pride in offering a curated collection of spectacle frames from brands that share our commitment to sustainability. These brands prioritise eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics, cotton based plastic, recycled metals and biodegradable acetates. By choosing these frames, you not only enhance your style but also contribute to reducing waste and preserving natural resources.
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our optical lenses. We partner with the last remaining local Australian made lens manufacturer who upholds stringent environmental standards and prioritize energy-efficient production methods. By choosing locally made spectacle lenses, we support our community while ensuring high-quality vision care for our patients. We offer a biodegradable lens option called Eco6.
Beyond our product offerings, we strive to operate our practice in an environmentally responsible manner. This includes minimising energy consumption, reducing paper waste through digital records, and implementing recycling programs for used eyewear and packaging materials. By making these conscious choices, we aim to protect our planet and leave a positive impact on future generations.
When you choose LA Optical, you’re not just choosing exceptional eye care—you’re supporting sustainable practices that benefit our planet, local economy and community’s future. Together, we can make a difference one pair of glasses at a time.
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To learn more about our sustainable eyewear options or to schedule an appointment with one of our caring optometrists, please visit or contact us. Join us in prioritising sustainability without compromising on style or quality.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology, commonly referred to as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical treatment option designed to correct refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness) and mild astigmatism. It involves the use of specially designed gas permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight to gently reshape the curvature of the cornea while you sleep. This temporarily corrects your vision so you can see clearly during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
How Orthokeratology Works
During the night, the Ortho-K lenses gently flatten the cornea’s front surface, altering the way light is focused within the eye. This temporary reshaping of the cornea allows light to properly focus on the retina, resulting in clearer vision throughout the day. The effects of Ortho-K typically last throughout the day, providing clear vision without corrective eyewear.
Benefits of Orthokeratology
Is Orthokeratology Right for You?
Orthokeratology may be a suitable option if you:
Consultation and Fitting Process
If you’re interested in exploring Ortho-K as a vision correction option, our optometrists, Lauren and Abby, will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. This exam will assess your current vision prescription, corneal health, and overall eye health. If Ortho-K is suitable for you, we will custom-fit the lenses and provide detailed instructions on their care and usage.
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To learn more about Orthokeratology or to schedule a consultation, please contact our optometry practice. Our experienced team is here to help you achieve clear, comfortable vision through innovative vision correction solutions like Ortho-K.