Our Professional Staff include:
 

 
Derek Fails BSc.(Hons.), M.C.Optom.

Derek graduated in optometry in 1987 from the University of Bradford in Yorkshire. After completing post-graduate exams with The College of Optometrists, he moved to Tasmania.

Derek worked for Grist Optometrists in both Hobart and Launceston and Fent Optometrists before taking on a management role with Gibb and Beeman Optometrists.

He was appointed to the Optometrical Registration Board of Tasmania for a three year term in 1996.  Recently Derek has also been appointed to the board of the newly created National Optometry Board, which is one of the ten boards established in the new National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for Health Professional

 

Colin McKenzie BSc.(Hons.), M.C.Optom.

Colin first graduated in optometry in 1987 from the University of Caledonia in Glasgow, Scotland. After completing post-graduate exams with The College of Optometrists, he moved to Tasmania.

Colin first worked for Grist Optometrists in both Hobart and Devonport and then carried out locum work establishing his own practice in a specialist medical centre.

Colin and Derek first met when they worked for Grist Optometrists in the early 90’s.

When an opportunity arose to link up with a stand alone dispensing practice and provide a total service to patients in that environment while maintaining specialist clinic work, they knew they had the chance to do something special in Tasmania.

Colin and Derek went on to provide eye testing in a retail store environment as well as being involved in the shared care approach to patients providing post operative refraction at the Tasmanian Eye Clinics as well as Low Vision Aid for the Visually impaired.

This whollistic approach appealed to both Colin and Derek who feel the patients best interests are served best where all health professionals co-operate in the patients’ care.

 

Adam Olechnowicz

Adam was born and bred in Sydney. He completed a Bachelor of Optometry Degree at the University of New South Wales in 2004. Adam was employed by Vision Centre Optometrists in Adelaide South Australia upon completion of his degree. Adam worked mostly in the Salisbury practice, an outer northern suburb of Adelaide.

Adam moved to Hobart and started practicing within Eyelines in 2007. In 2008 Adam moved to Launceston. Adam has now returned to Hobart and provides regular services to Eyelines stores at Sorell and New Norfolk.

Adam is a keen gardener and a very loyal and enthusiastic Sydney Swans supporter.

 

Richard Lane

Richard Lane was the owner of Lanes Optometrist for many years and is now working with Eyelines. Richard offers full scope optometry and contact lenses. He was awarded an Order of Australia for services to scuba diving and the community.

 

Donald Beaumont

Donald graduated from Queensland Institute of Technology (QIT) in 1970.

Donald has been with Eyelines for 4 years and prior to that was in private practice.

Donald is also a qualified Pharmacist. Donald’s interests are art, antiques and gardening.

Areas of interest include voluntary work in third world countries.

 

Jill Shepherd

Jill graduated from University of Melbourne in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Optometry B.Sc.(Optom) and has practiced in Tasmania ever since. Jill worked in Launceston until 1982 when she got married and had her daughter Liz.

From 1985 Jill had her own practice in Launceston until 1994 when her son Matthew was born. Jill also specialised in Children’s vision for many years and then worked part time until her son Ian was born.

Jill has been with Fails & McKenzie since 2000. Jill started with Eyelines stores at Prospect and Launceston but is now based full time at our Burnie store. Jill attended the International Low Vision Conference in London and Vision 2005. Jill’s area of particular interest is Childrens vision, especially reading difficulties.

 

Helena Bramwell

Helena worked as a Biochemist prior to studying Optometry. Helena graduated and qualified from UMIST in Manchester, United Kingdom in 2000.

After 18 months working in the UK for Rayners Optometrists and Dollond and Aitchison, Helena spent a year at Lesley Calver Optometrists in Wellington, New Zealand.

Returning to the UK in 2003, Helena worked for Boots Opticians in Carlisle before moving to work in Tasmania in February 2006.

Helena’s interests include running, cycling and travelling.

 

Ian Slater

Ian graduated from UMIST in Manchester, United Kingdom in June 1999.

Practicing for over 10 years, Ian has previously worked for David Inman in Sheffield (an Independent); UK multiples including Dollond and Aitchison, Specsavers, Optical Express and Asda (Walmart); and in Wellington, New Zealand for Geraldine Booth.

Ian has a BA (Honours) in Accounting and Financial Administration.

In his spare time Ian enjoys running, cycling and playing the electric bass guitar.

 

Geraint Llywelyn-Roberts

Geraint is based in Launceston and provides optometrical services to most areas. He again is an import from the UK and joined the group in Nov 2006.

 

Debbie McKenzie

Deb is working part time in Huonville due to family commitments. As a local resident she is happy to provide a much needed service in the Huon Valley. Saturday appointments are available.

 

Nancy Chang

Nancy Chang has joined Fails & McKenzie from Auckland, New Zealand and is consulting in the Launceston region. We welcome Nancy to our organisation. Nancy will be providing testing through Fails & McKenzie in the Eyelines Launceston store.

Nancy enjoys cooking, travel and crafts. Nancy was involved in the Order of St John in New Zealand and therefore involved in many of the local community events providing valuable first aid and care when required.