Your guide to the 5 best optometrists in Canberra for your professional eye care By Charlotte Stevenson
Let me confess something upfront: I used to put off getting my eyes checked, which is a big mistake. After months of blurry vision, frequent squinting, and headaches from constantly using my laptop, I finally booked a proper eye test.
I set out to find a good optometrist, someone who took the time to explain things, didn’t push unnecessary extras, and actually had good frames because, let’s be honest, it’s a big deal. So, I booked appointments, visited clinics, asked a million questions, and read countless reviews.
If you’re trying to figure out where to get quality eye care in Canberra, here are the top optometrists I’d personally recommend.
How much does an eye exam cost in Canberra?
Most standard eye exams in Canberra cost between $60 and $90 out of pocket, but if you have vision insurance, the cost can be lower. Advanced services like retinal imaging, contact lens fitting, or dry eye treatment can range from $120 to $300, depending on the technology and scope.
1. Capital Eye
Address: Suite 3B – 3 Sydney Avenue, Barton
Phone: 02 6273 7458
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Capital Eye is where I’d send anyone with serious eye health concerns. This independent practice feels more like a specialist eye hospital than a high-street optometry clinic.
They offer advanced eye exams using technology that allows immediate detection of disease even before any vision loss occurs.
They offer a wide range of eye care services, like comprehensive eye exams, dry eye treatments, ocular disease management (for conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration), and more.
Capital Eye makes sure that it provides medical advice and tailors eye exams to address the patient’s concerns. They also take the time to explain the next steps in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
While it’s easily one of the most medically equipped clinics in Canberra, it does come with a steeper price tag. And if you’re looking to shop for new glasses, the focus here is definitely more clinical than retail.
Feels like a valued client from exam to follow-up
“Very happy to recommend Capital Eye. Friendly, professional and efficient. Great after sales service and follow up for my new glasses. Felt like a valued client and will happily return!”
– Michael Thomas, Google Review
Personalised professional service
“I’m most impressed with Capital Eye optometrist. The examination went smoothly and was conducted thoroughly. Slight adjustments were made to a previous script. Manufacture and fitting of the lens into my recycled frames went well. Personalised professional service at all times, including follow-up to check I was happy. 5 ⭐️”
– Alan Laos, Google Review
2. Simpson Optometry
Address: 45 Ainslie Ave, Braddon ACT 2612 (facing Cooyong St)
Phone: 02 6162 0121
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
As one of Canberra’s largest independent optometry practices, Simpson Optometry constantly invests in high-tech testing equipment to help it detect early signs of eye disease and deliver the best services to its clients. They blend independent charm with solid professionalism.
The clinic has a lovely ambience, which combines modernity and comfort.
The optometrists were honest about the treatment options and did not pressure patients into buying add-ons. They also discussed early disease detection without making it sound scary.
They have an extensive but not overwhelming frame selection. They also have both designer and budget-friendly brands to choose from.
Since Simpson Optometry is a popular spot, be sure to book ahead to avoid parking headaches.
Exceptional service that outshines the big chains by miles
“Simpson Optometry is simply the best business for all your eye care needs in Canberra. I won’t mention any other names of chain type Optometrists, but this business is 1000 times better than any of them that I have dealt with. James Simpson is a consummate professional who takes pride in his work and as a bonus is a hell of a nice guy too. The counter staff are wonderful too with Donna giving me excellent advice on frame choices, and making sure that my new glasses would fit to perfection. As you can tell, I cannot speak highly enough of this business and I wish them all the best moving forward into the future.”
– Peter Newman, Google Review
Passionate care and unmatched expertise
“James is an incredible optometrist. Calm, understanding and a wealth of knowledge. He is the best there is in Canberra and he is giving the gift of sight back to my partner as I type. My wife is the one getting the contacts and she couldn’t be in better hands. It’s plainly clear to see that this is a passion for James and while the
– Graeme Poleweski, Google Review
3. Junic Eyecare – Eyecare Plus Coombs
Address: 110 Woodberry Ave, Coombs
Phone: 02 6152 8585
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
As part of the Eyecare Plus network, Junic Eyecare combines personalised service with advanced technology for all age groups.
Their Coombs clinic feels like a neighborhood practice. They were patient with children having their first eye test and were funny and clearly experienced with kids.
They also offer advanced services like OCT (optical coherence tomography) and myopia control, which is fantastic if you’re looking for long-term eye care solutions. Even though it’s a bit out of the city centre, it’s worth the drive for the quality care.
However, the location is a little out of the way if you’re based in the city centre, and while they do carry quality frames, the selection leans on the more practical side than fashionable.
My go-to optometrist
“Dr Juliet knew right away what to do and understood my conditions. She checked my eyes, provided pain relief, prescribed me eye drops, and basically saved me from going into emergency. I was told that she was actually not working that day too but happened to be in the office. Dr Juliet’s compassion, kindness, professionalism and knowledge was just incredible. It is truly hard to come by. My conditions did not faze her at all. Thank you so much to you and your receptionist. 🙏🏻❤️ After years of being in Canberra, I’ve finally found my go-to optometrist in this city.”
– Noppron Gan, Google Review
Exemplary post-sale service
“Since we bought comfortable and stylish glasses for my two year old late last year, Junic have provided exemplary post sales service and made sure to fix the glasses under warranty when needed, which for a toddler wearing glasses has been a bit too often! But they have made the process smooth and done it all with a smile each time. Cannot recommend them highly enough if you need to buy glasses for a small child.”
– Marriane Scholem, Google Review
4. Evans & McMahon Optometrists
Address: 29-33 Northbourne Ave
Phone: 02 6257 1103
Business hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
Evans & McMahon is one of the longest-running optometry practices in Canberra.
The optometrists are tech-savvy despite the clinic’s old-school reputation. They also do great contact lens fittings and keep records across both locations.
What I liked most was their focus on eye health rather than on eyewear sales. It felt refreshingly non-commercial.
If you need consistent long-term care, this is a dependable choice.
Since they have two branches — one in Canberra, one in Tuggeranong — there will be slight differences in staff, equipment, or appointment availability depending on which location you visit.
It is also worth noting that the overall atmosphere of the practice leans more toward the clinical side than the modern. While this doesn’t affect the quality of care, those who prefer a more contemporary or relaxed aesthetic may find the environment less inviting.
Consistent and excellent service
“I have been going to Evans and McMahon for more than 15 years. Over this time I have appreciated the consistency and excellence of their service, care, and professionalism from reception, to optometrists, to spectacle technicians. They really care about my eye health, they are a great team. I highly recommend their services.”
– Peter Cox, Google Review
Decades of dependable eye care and support
“E&M have been my optometrists for 3 decades and despite all the changes that have happened in that time, they have remained a great local business. I’ve had 3 visual emergencies in the past 3 years and they have been great, fitting me in on short notice and helping me get the right treatment. And their reception staff are fabulous!”
– Karen Nicholson, Google Review
5. Bailey Nelson Canberra
Address: Canberra Centre Shop EG 18-2 Bunda St.
Phone: 02 5127 5196
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Friday, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Bailey Nelson is basically the cool kid of optometry. Their frames are designed in-house, which means you’re getting something unique at a lower price.
Their optometrists are chill but meticulous, and the whole eye exam process felt streamlined and stylish.
It’s ideal if you’re after fashion-forward glasses and don’t need highly specialised care. They also do health fund rebates on the spot and often run seasonal promos.
Just keep in mind that they don’t carry other brands and don’t offer in-depth eye health services, so if you have complex needs, this might not be the right fit for you.
Super helpful team from start to finish
“SO helpful! When my American parents were visiting Canberra we needed an emergency (last minute) eye exam to get a prescription refilled right before a holiday weekend. The team at Bailey Nelson was super helpful from start to finish. The exam was thorough. The doctor was very knowledgeable and kind. Got the prescription filled and all was well again. Thank you for your help and professionalism!”
– Carrie Bennett, Google Review
Thorough and quick eye exams
“Only get my specs and prescription sunnies from Bailey Nelson. The team are great. Eye exams are both thorough and quick. I’ve had 2 issues with my eyes in the past 12 months, and the optometrists I saw (Hamina and Vivian) were both helpful and reassuring to get me sorted.”
– Ellyse Paton, Google Review