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OUR HISTORY

Providing vision care since 1920

Much like our 101-year-old grandfather clock, Barry & Sargent Optometrists is rich in history and tradition. We are a leading optometry practice that is clinically focused. We use the latest knowledge and technology to care for our patients. We have provided Wellingtonians with excellent vision care since 1920.

In 1920, Mr Ted Sargent, with the help of Mr Barry, opened one of New Zealand’s first optometry practices on Willis Street in Wellington.

Ted Sargent (Geoff’s grandfather) and Tom Shanks (Richard’s grandfather) were some of the first pioneers of the optical industry in New Zealand and set the path for who Barry & Sargent Optometrists are today. Even after more than 100 years on, Barry & Sargent Optometrists continues to remain family focused and New Zealand owned.

In the 1950s, Ted Sargent passed the practice to his son, Roger, as Tom Shanks did to his son, Ken. They worked alongside John Andersen who practiced from 1967 until 2012. The next generation of Sargents and Shanks were born, and it was no surprise that the family tradition continued.

A young Geoff Sargent started working at Barry & Sargent Optometrists in the school holidays, getting to know his way around the repairs workshop and even learning to grind lenses. Geoff realised his dream of becoming an optometrist and after graduating started to work alongside his father.

From a young age, Richard Shanks also knew he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and found a passion in behavioural optometry and developmental vision.

Since then, two bright new optometrists have joined the team. Both Marama Lambert and Natalie Wong have worked at Barry & Sargent Optometrists upon graduating. They have both become familiar faces within the practice and more recently joined as partners of Barry & Sargent Optometrists.

Barry & Sargent Optometrists continue to be one of the leading practices in terms of eye care, and even after a century has passed we can assure that the tradition of excellence in vision care will continue.