Hobart Optometry: Good Vision for Life

Expert eye care for nursing homes in Hobart, Tasmania.

Sight is our most precious sense.

Being able to read, to see the faces of friends and family, and to get around safely are all vital for a good quality of life. Regular eye examinations are an important part of keeping our sight.

Never dismiss vision difficulties as ‘just getting older’. If you’ve noticed a change in your sight, get your eyes checked promptly.

Paul Graveson, Optometrist

BOptom BA GradCert(optom) PGCOT

With over 30 years clinical experience — including more than 20 years as a Low Vision Consultant at the Royal Hobart Hospital Low Vision Clinic, and 15 years in aged care — Paul is an expert in caring for older eyes. He knows every person’s situation is unique, so he makes sure to work around each individual’s needs and priorities.

Benefits of regular Eye exams

Peace of Mind

All going well, regular yearly eye exams reassure you that there's no sign of trouble brewing.

Early Warning

Even it turns out there is a problem, early detection gives you the best chance of getting effective treatment to keep your sight.

Quality of Life

Having up-to-date glasses or magnifiers lets you get the most of your pastimes — whether it's reading, television or chatting with friends.

We bring it all to you

Eye Examinations

Hobart Optometry carries a comprehensive set of advanced portable eye examination equipment.

Glasses service

If you need glasses, we carry a range of frames, both traditional and modern.

Special Magnifiers

For those with impaired vision, we also carry a variety of magnifiers, ranging from the basic to the very advanced.

Eyecare that's right for you

You're a person, not just a pair of eyes.

The art of Doing what's practical

Paul Graveson is used to working around each individual's situation, to ensure they get the best possible outcome. Figuring out what that means for you takes time, so appointments are extra-long so you're not rushed. Family members are welcome to attend.

For Best care, you need teamwork

Getting the best outcome means dealing with each person as a whole, and that means communication is key — with yourself, with family, with your doctor, and with the home. Paul Graveson will discuss your care with you, and will write an easy-to-understand report to share, so everyone knows what's going on.

Eye disease

Roughly one in three nursing home residents has diabetes, which can cause blindness. By age 90, one in twenty people have undiagnosed glaucoma gradually stealing their sight, and half at least some macular degeneration. It's recommended that people over 75 have their eyes checked yearly, even if they are seeing well.

Vision Impairment

Because of his Low Vision Clinic work, Paul Graveson is very familiar with helping people with vision impairments to make the most of their vision, especially those with macular degeneration or glaucoma. He knows what can make a difference, and carries a variety of advanced magnifiers you can try.

Not everyone can go out

We understand that many people in nursing homes find it difficult or unpleasant to go out to appointments, so we work hard to make the best possible care available in the home. We might recommend you see a specialist, but if you can't then we'll understand and work with you to find the best possible outcome.

Dementia and vision

Everyone needs to be able to see for quality of life. People with dementia might not be reading, and might not even need glasses, but if they develop eye disease and lose vision or get eye pain it makes a bad situation worse. Paul Graveson has extensive experience in examining people with dementia.

Hobart Optometry visits these homes

Central

St Anns (Hobart)

Rivulet (South Hobart)

North

Wellington Views (Old Beach)

Barossa Park Lodge (Glenorchy)

Strathglen (Berriedale)

Strathaven (Berriedale)

South

Snug Village (Snug)

East

Queen Victoria Home (Lindisfarne)

Derwent Views – previously Freemasons (Lindisfarne)

What does it cost?

Eye examinations by Hobart Optometry are not generally bulk-billed, but they are claimable on Medicare. Our normal practice is to send out an account.

Glasses are claimable on private health insurance extras cover, if applicable.

Veterans with a DVA Gold Card generally have the basic eye examination and basic glasses covered by DVA. Some scans may not be covered, and we’ll discuss this with you beforehand. Many residents like to choose a better frame or better-quality lenses, in which case there will be a co-payment.