Book with Tim Duffy Optometrist

Lauren studied Optometry at the University of New South Wales graduating with honors in 2014. During her studies, she completed her preceptorship at the Australian College of Optometry and private practice at Vision Splendid (Tim Duffy Optometrist) in Gunnedah. Lauren has a keen interest in children’s vision and also eye disease management. She performs perception testing and comprehensive children’s eye examinations. She also implements behavioural optometry programs in line with ACBO recommendations (Australian College of Behavioural Optometry). Lauren has a therapeutics qualification and as such is able to prescribe medications to treat anterior eye diseases and inflammations. She works together with ophthalmologists to co-manage glaucoma. Lauren is passionate about rural eye care. In 2015 she volunteered as a member of VOSH and travelled to Romania to provide eye care to remote villages. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys horse riding.

Helen’s journey in eyecare began when studying Optometry at UNSW. She graduated with distinction in 2023, and in 2024 she embraced a new chapter of her career in Gunnedah. Helen has a keen interest in eye disease management, children’s vision and contact lenses. She has shown a commitment to quality rural healthcare through completing her preceptorship with the Brien Holden Vision Institute across various rural locations in NSW and placements at the Australian College of Optometry. Helen is also therapeutically endorsed, allowing her to prescribe medications for anterior eye diseases, infections and injuries. Driven by the sincere desire to make a positive impact, Helen gains personal satisfaction in finding solutions for her patients while placing their wellbeing at the forefront. Outside the clinic, you might spot her exploring Gunnedah and its surrounding towns, genuinely seeking to connect with and contribute to the local community.

Alison has been with Vision Splendid since 2010, having previously worked in optometry practices in Dubbo and Sydney as well as working as a locum in various locations. But it is back in her home town of Gunnedah where she has settled with husband, Alex. Now working part-time, she is trying to achieve that balance between her professional and home life that eludes most parents with small children! Alison has played hockey with a Tamworth team on and off for the past few years and hopes to take the field again in 2017. The purchase of a bicycle is also on the wish-list, followed closely by some free time in which to ride it! Alison loves being a country optometrist and finds great satisfaction in the variety of the job. She has a special interest in ocular pathology and enjoys good relationships with both ophthalmology practices in Tamworth. Obtaining her graduate certificate in ocular therapeutics in 2012, Alison is able to prescribe drugs for many eye conditions which has helped enormously her ability to provide quality primary eyecare to the Gunnedah community.

Chanelle graduated with Distinction in Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry from Deakin University. She was a Fred Hollows and Institute for Urban Indigenous Health cadet, and has spent some time in Brisbane with a strong focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health. She has moved to Narrabri from Melbourne and she is looking forward to joining the Narrabri community. Chanelle is excited to provide compassionate, community centred care and build meaningful relationships with her patients. Outside of work, Chanelle enjoys baking cakes and exploring the local markets.

Alicia is a graduate of Deakin University, having completed her Bachelors of Vision Science/ Masters of Optometry with distinction. She is passionate about accessible eye care and community-focused practice. During her studies, Alicia completed clinical placements in the regional towns of Hamilton and Shepparton—experiences that deepened her interest in rural and regional eye health. These placements not only strengthened her diagnostic and clinical skills but also sparked a commitment to improving vision outcomes in communities where access to care can be limited. Outside of optometry, Alicia enjoys an active lifestyle and a wide range of hobbies—from snowboarding and playing badminton to reading and camping.