Women in Business: Locals caring for locals – OPSM Waurn Ponds

Local optometrist Hayley Birch has lived in Torquay all her life and loves caring for the eyes of her community.

Graduating amongst the inaugural optometry cohort from Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, Hayley enjoys providing eye care to residents, family and friends.

“I’ve recently taken up CrossFit which has been challenging, but good fun,” Hayley said.

“In my down time, I enjoy a cuppa with friends, family and my cats.”

She has also returned to her alma mater, teaching clinical skills to Deakin optometry students two days a week.

“Beyond prescribing glasses, I regularly remove foreign bodies from tradesmen’s eyes, prescribe antibiotic eye drops to manage infections, and care for diabetic patients collaboratively with local GPs,” she said.

Hayley particularly enjoys helping children with their vision, having performed school screening eye checks in the past.

During these school screenings, she typically finds about one in five children requiring assistance.

Hayley recommends that children have an eye check before Prep, in Year 6, and Year 11-12 as these are the times when children’s eyes can change the most.

“Being a practitioner at OPSM Waurn Ponds is fantastic,” she said.

“I can practice the full scope of my profession, with state-of-the-art equipment.

“I love that we as a team are constantly developing together and enhancing the personalised examinations we provide to every one of our patients.”

OPSM Waurn Ponds is located in the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre.

Eye checks are available every day. Phone 5243 9288 or book online at opsm.com.au.