Eyecare Plus Optometrists Edgeworth

Amanda is the Owner of Eyecare Plus Edgeworth, a newly established practice dedicated to delivering high-quality, patient-centred eye care to the local community. With a strong clinical background and a commitment to excellence, Amanda leads the team with a focus on personalised service and evidence-based practice.

Originally from Gunnedah, Amanda completed her Master of Clinical Optometry with Excellence at the University of New South Wales in 2020. She was subsequently awarded the ‘Excellence in Patient Management’ prize in 2021, recognising her outstanding clinical performance and patient care.

Amanda has been practising in the Newcastle region since graduation and, alongside her husband James, opened the Edgeworth location in May 2025. Her professional interests include dry eye disease management, paediatric eye care, and contact lens fitting. As a therapeutically endorsed optometrist, she is qualified to prescribe medications for anterior eye conditions and collaborates closely with ophthalmologists in the co-management of glaucoma and other ocular diseases.

Known for her thorough, compassionate approach, Amanda is dedicated to building long-term relationships with patients and supporting the ongoing visual health of the community.

Outside of her professional role, Amanda enjoys camping, surfing, and spending time with family and friends—often accompanied by her adventurous Jack Russell, Toby.

Andrew has over 20 years of experience in the optical industry and a lifelong connection to eyewear since getting his first pair of glasses at age 12, he brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and personal perspective to the business.

His commitment to both eye health and standout design is evident in everything he does.

Beyond optics, Andrew is always eager to explore new creative ventures—whether that’s designing custom eyewear frames or building stylish, user-friendly websites.

Bethany was born and raised in Whanganui, New Zealand, and completed her tertiary studies across the country. She began with a Bachelor of Science in Anatomy and Physiology in Dunedin in 2018, before moving to Auckland to complete her Bachelor of Optometry with Honours in 2021. This strong foundation has given her an in depth understanding of the eye, its connection to the brain, and the body as a whole.

Bethany has a particular interest in dry eye disease, specialty contact lenses, and the prevention and management of ocular disease. She is passionate about providing thorough, personalised eye care and takes pride in helping patients achieve comfortable vision and long-term eye health. Bethany was awarded the Novatears Dry Eye Prize at her graduation; a nod to her commitment to excellence in dry eye consultations.

Aside from all-things-optometry, Bethany enjoys fitness and you’ll find her training for half marathons, marathons, hyrox events and more! Her more relaxing hobbies include sewing, and spending time with friends (often at the beach).

Cassandra has recently joined Eyecare Plus Edgeworth, but has worked as an Optical Dispenser for 14 years and brings an abundance knowledge. She began her studies in a different field, but after taking a casual role in optics and experiencing her own vision changes, Cassandra felt drawn to learn more about eyes and lenses.

In her role as Practice Manager and Optical Dispenser, Cassandra enjoys helping to cater to unique visual needs and problem solving to provide the best vision. She loves that no two eyes are the same and delivers personalised care tailored to each individual patient.

Living on the sunny Central Coast, you’ll find her frequenting the beach, gym or an art exhibit whilst she’s not at work.

Raquel is a qualified Optical Dispenser who has over 15 years experience, including Practice Management experience. Raquel completed her Certificate IV through OTEN in 2014, and has continued to grow with the industry since.

Raquel’s strength lies within her customer service, she always provides a warm experience within the practice, and embodies empathy and kindness.

Outside of work Raquel can be found spending quality family time with her husband and two children as they excitedly prepare for the arrival of their third baby due in June. Raquel also loves getting creative, a hot tea, birds, a good romance movie and searching for vintage toys to add to her 90s toy collection.

Malina has been part of the optical industry since 2009, starting her career as an Optical Assistant/Receptionist with an independent optometrist. In 2012, Malina went on to complete her Optical Dispensing Certificate.

Malina was Practice Manager for 10 years, and in 2022, decided to change professions becoming a disability support worker. In April 2025, an opportunity to rejoin the optical world came from Amanda and James. Malina is excited to jump back into the industry.

In her role as Optical Dispenser, Malina enjoys the process of frame selection and fitting frames to patients, she has great organisational and people skills.

Initially born in the Newcastle area, Malina has settled in beautiful Lake Macquarie with her family for the past 36 years. When Malina is not working, she enjoys time out on Lake Macquarie either fishing or kayaking and enjoying brunch with her friends.

Emily started in optics when she was 16, trained by a highly experienced Optical Dispenser and gained experience and knowledge from other dispensers whilst working across two different independent practices.

Emily began running social media for both practices and expanded her marketing knowledge whilst running her own online business.

After 5.5 years in optics, she decided to explore another industry. She worked as a Client Care Officer in a psychology practice for almost 2 years when Amanda reached out to Emily with an opportunity to join her at her new practice in Belmont. Having loved working with Amanda previously in her optical career, she was excited to work for someone with shared passion and drive.

She began working at Eyecare Plus Belmont in July 2023 as an Optical Consultant and Marketing specialist, which has been highly rewarding.

Emily has recently returned from maternity leave after having her little girl, Maisie, at 28 weeks. Maisie is now a thriving, busy toddler! In addition to mum-life and work, Emily also enjoys playing netball a few times a week and gardening.