Meet our team

Michael Wicks

Michael has a real passion for optometry.

He obtained his qualifications as an optometrist at The University of Melbourne, and has been in practice for 20 years. He branched out to set up his own practice in a local medical centre in 1991, which has now evolved into the optometry practice we see today.

Michael has special interests in paediatric eyecare, contact lenses, and sports vision. He has extensive knowledge and experience in managing laser refractive surgery cases, and is also a Clinical Teaching Instructor at The University of Melbourne.

Away from the practice, Michael enjoys a round of golf, and spends most winter weekends at the football 'loudly' supporting his beloved Bombers.

Michael is the proud father of two girls, Keeley and Teagan, and enjoys spending time with them and his wife Natalie.

Natalie Watt

Natalie joined our practice in May 2000, as a consulting optometrist. She has had extensive previous experience at both the Victorian College of Optometry, and the Low Vision Clinic.

Natalie has special interests in paediatric eyecare, contact lenses, and low vision.

Away from the practice, Natalie enjoys spending time with her partner Jon, and their young children Riley and Ella. Natalie is currently on maternity leave, but is due to return to the practice on a part-time basis in February 2010.

Amy Higginbotham

Amy returned to our practice in August 2007, after initially working with us in 1999/2000. During these 7 years away from us, she gained a wealth of knowledge from experience in both independent and corporate optometry practices.

Amy has gained her therapeutic qualification to prescribe ocular medications for a wide range of eye conditions. She has a particular interest in Behavioural Optometry, which involves the assessment, treatment, and management of children with visual processing problems.

Away from the practice, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband Andrew, and friends and family.

Laura Downie

Laura commenced consulting at our practice in July 2009, and as such is our newest optometrist. She comes to us with extensive knowledge gained in private practice, and a wealth of experience in the field of contact lenses.

Laura has a special interest in contact lenses, especially in the use of specialised contact lenses for those people with more complicated and challenging eye conditions. She is therapeutically qualified to prescribe a wide range of eye medications, and is a Clinical Teaching Instructor at The University of Melbourne.

Away from work, Laura enjoys music, and spending time with friends.

Dianne Brown

Dianne is our practice manager, and joined our team in June 1997.

Dianne oversees the administration of the practice, and does her best to keep Michael on track, and running to time.

Dianne and her husband, Peter, have two boys, Rhys and Nigel, and a beautiful little girl, Ellie. She enjoys the company of friends and 'a good night out'.

Val Psaltis

Val is our receptionist, and joined our team in September 2008. Although new to the optical industry, she brings with her a wealth of administration experience gained from many years with the Commonwealth Bank.

Val has already learned much about optometry from her time with us, and is enjoying using this information to help our clients in a variety of areas.

Away from the practice, Val enjoys spending time with her husband, George, and her family.

Kathy McArthur

Kathy is the most recent addition to our team, joining us in September 2009. She comes to us with a wide and varied experience within the optical industry, gained from both independent and corporate optometry.

Kathy works at reception, and is overseeing our new and improved dispensing station, providing our clients with state-of-the-art technology in helping to ensure they receive the best in spectacle lens technology for their specific visual requirements.

Away for the practice Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband, Ian, and their children.

Where to come and see us

Our practice is located at 870 Old Calder Hwy, Keilor.

How to find the practice

The map we have enclosed should help you find us.

If you use the big round-about in Taylors Lakes, at the corner of Sunshine Ave and Melton Hwy, as a starting point, finding us is simple.

Follow Sunshine Ave, heading towards St Albans, and turn left at the first round-about, Old Calder Hwy.

We are on the left approximately 500 metres past McDonalds.

The Building

The practice at Keilor is located in a modern looking house, rendered grey, immediately adjacent to the entrance of the Keilor Retirement Village.

We share the house with an orthodontist, and both our signs may be seen at the front of the property.

If you need directions, please call us at Keilor on (03)9449 3555.

The hours we work

The hours of our practice are:

Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.30pm
Thursday 9.00am - 8.00pm.

If you require an appointment outside of these hours we will do our best to accommodate you.