Noel Templeton, Optometrist
Dip Optom; Cert Ocular Pharm, Theraupeutics
Noel graduated with a Diploma in Optometry in 1977 and completed his Diploma in Ocular Pharmacy: Therapeutics in 2004. He is a Civil Aviation Authority accredited examiner, and a Maritime Safety and NZ Police designated Optometrist.After graduating, Noel became a partner in a central Auckland High Street practice, Mortimer-Hirst, specialising in contact lens fitting especially keratoconus and post corneal graft.
Noel moved to Blenheim in 1991 and purchased the late Peter Maynes' practice in Picton in 1991. He opened a new practice in Blenheim's High Street that same year. The Picton practice was consolidated with Blenheim in 2021 Records are avialable from the Blenheim office.
In 2004, Noel purchased Catherine van Passeen's Westport practice which is now located at 217 Palmerston Street Westport with a visiting branch at the Reefton Medical centre.
Sally Blohm, Optometrist
Sally was born and bred in Zimbabwe. After completing her optometric training in the UK in 1985, she went back to Zimbabwe to join the family optometry firm. Her father had established the company after the War with one of his priorities being the provision of professional services to the smaller towns throughout the country.
By the time Sally got back to Zimbabwe her professional life was pre-ordained to be an exciting mix of rural and city practice. Twenty years passed in a flash of fortnightly travels to remote spots where the sheer beauty of wild places and the reliability of the motor vehicle were priceless!
ln 2005, Sally accepted a job offer in Kerikeri and moved to New Zealand. The following five years have been one of the most exciting and stimulating times of her life. She finds NZ an extraordinary country. Her entire extended family was involved in agriculture in Zimbabwe, the agricultural sector in particular enthrals her in its sheer diversity and scale. She feels really lucky to have found herself here in Marlborough.
Sally joined our team as a full-time optometrist in 2010. Later, in 2014, she completed her Therapeutics Training.
Theresa Anthony
Theresa started working for Noel Templeton in June 1998 as an Optical Technician responsible for the on-site workshop. She also assisted the Optometrist and helped choose frames with the clients.
Enjoying people contact and helping them, she up-skilled to become a qualified registered Dispensing Optician. She qualified in 2009 after 3 years of study.
Theresa has worked for the Practice for 21 years. She still enjoys the challenge of optics and choosing frames for the showroom.
There's such a great choice of designs, bringing colour and interest to the Practice. This makes for a very pleasant experience when choosing frames with the clients and finding the perfect choice for them. She thrives on helping people see well and feel confident.
Di McAllister
Di has been in the optical industry in Christchurch as a Technician for over 40 years.
She moved to Blenheim for a lifestyle change and has been with Noel and the girls since 2014.
Sharon Newport
Sharon has been working for the Company since 1991. Along with her role as Receptionist she also does Contact Lens teaches and other varied tasks.
In 2000, Sharon started work at our Picton Branch which was located in Mariners Mall. After closing Picton in September 2016 Sharon now works back in the Blenheim Branch.
Nicola Patterson
Nicola is our Westport Office manager and started in Optics after a long background with a local Westport Optometry Accounting Firm.
Having no knowledge of Optometry, the Optical industry appeared quite daunting initially. Now, she feels she has mastered it and says: "I think the job is enjoyable, challenging and there's always something to learn".
Nicola also enjoys helping with frames selection and assisting in choosing the best lenses for an individual's prescription.
Discounts on frames, lenses and products (NOT Exam Fees) are Available to Holders of These Cards - Under 16Yrs for community service card
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