LA Optical is a locally owned optometry practice in East Toowoomba, proudly serving the community with professional eye care and a people-first approach.
Previously known as Chas Sankey Fraser Optometrists, this long-standing practice on Margaret Street has been a trusted name in Toowoomba eye care for decades. In February 2024, experienced optometrists Lauren Hess and Abby Ussher took over the practice following the retirement of respected optometrist Alan Twiddle in June 2024.
The new name, LA Optical, reflects Lauren and Abby’s continued commitment to personalised, high-quality eye care for patients of all ages. The practice name and signage were officially updated on 1 July 2024, but the heart of the clinic remains unchanged – caring for your vision with integrity, expertise, and compassion.
In late 2025, the team expanded to welcome a third optometrist, Alek Sims, bringing further depth of knowledge and care to our growing patient community.
As a modern and environmentally conscious optometry practice, LA Optical is committed to sustainable eye care. We work with eco-friendly suppliers and offer a curated range of sustainable spectacle frames, lenses, and contact lenses, all selected with both vision and environmental impact in mind.
Zuko the therapy dog is also at the practice when Abby is there.
I decided to become an optometrist a few years after I finished high school, I got a traineeship at my local independent optometrist as an optical dispenser and that’s where I developed a passion for eyes and vision. I love my job because of the people I meet, no two eyes are the same, and vision is such an integral part of peoples lives, jobs and hobbies. I especially enjoy helping people from rural and regional areas, like where I grew up. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter Lyla and our two dogs Digby and Zuko.
I always wanted to do something in the health and medicine fields, but I wanted to keep family friendly hours. My mum suggested optometry at the end of my final year at school and I thought ‘why not’. Once I actually started my degree, I absolutely loved it. I love it even more now after 13 years. I love being able to help my patients, educate them, and how I get to blend science and fashion in a really unique way! More than anything, I love spending time with my family – my husband and my beautiful daughter and two sons. We love to spend time outdoors with the animals on our farm, go to the park and play games. I also love to cook and read in my spare time.
I have recently relocated to the Toowoomba region from South Australia with my wife, Jess, and I am excited to be joining the LA Optical family from December 2025!
As an Optometrist, I have broad experience working in rural and regional locations, where I’ve been involved in all aspects of eye care, from general vision testing to managing more complex eye health conditions.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, orienteering, and lawn bowls. I look forward to becoming part of the community here in Toowoomba and supporting patients with their eye health needs.
Alek is a therapeutic optometrist, he graduated in South Australia in 2017 and is also a CASA certified optometrist.
Personalised vision, innovative eyecare, sustainable future.
To provide personalised eye care solutions through advanced technology with emphasis on preventative eyecare.
We’re committed to providing a brighter future for the environment and to the people of the darling downs region.
Community:
Future:
Family:
