Brennan & Smith Optometrists

Brennan & Smith Optometrists Your locally owned & operated Optometrists. Providing our patients with the highest standard of care. Wheelchair accessible

Cooper and Smith Goondiwindi now also apart of the Brennan and Smith Regional Eyes Team

11/08/2026

Why would I make your vision WORSE?

Ever wondered why, during an eye test, we sometimes put a lens in front of your eyes that makes the chart suddenly look blurry?

It’s completely intentional.

Your eyes have their own “zoom in, zoom out” focusing system, called accommodation. When we’re younger, that focusing system can be incredibly strong and can sometimes compensate during an eye test.

By deliberately blurring your vision for a moment, we encourage those focusing muscles to relax. This helps us work out a more accurate picture of your true prescription — rather than your eyes trying to do some of the work for us.

So yes… sometimes quite a bit of your eye test may seem blurry before we get to that beautiful, crystal-clear ending. ✨

It’s all part of the process — including our familiar “one or two?” technique.

Sometimes, we have to blur your vision to find your clearest sight.

05/08/2026

⚠️ The TGA has just issued an important update about GLP-1 medications.

If you’re taking medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, Mounjaro or Saxenda for diabetes or weight management, this is something worth knowing.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has updated the safety information for these medications following reports of a very rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

NAION can cause sudden, painless vision loss, and unfortunately the vision loss can be permanent. The condition remains very rare, but it’s important that people are aware of the symptoms and know what to do.

🚨 This is NOT a reason to stop taking your medication.
These medications have changed the lives of many people living with diabetes and obesity. The benefits often outweigh the risks, and any decisions about your treatment should always be made with your prescribing doctor.

👁️ What you should do:
• Be aware of any sudden change in your vision.
• If you experience sudden or partial vision loss, seek urgent medical attention.
• Arrange an assessment with a trusted, independent optometrist who is knowledgeable in this area. Having someone who knows your eyes, takes the time to investigate thoroughly, and can guide your next steps is invaluable.

As optometrists, we’d always rather assess a symptom that turns out to be nothing than have someone ignore a potentially sight-threatening change.

💬 Had you heard about this latest TGA update?

05/08/2026

Every. Single. Time.

I’d rather remove metal from your eye than reverse into a 45° park…even with a reversing camera 😬

I remove bits of metal from people’s eyes so often that it genuinely feels easier than reverse angle parking.

So here’s the real question…

What would you trust me to do… and what definitely wouldn’t you trust me to do? 😂👇

01/08/2026

How do you test the eyes of someone who can’t tell you what they can see?

This is one of the questions I get asked all the time.

The answer is retinoscopy – a skill every optometrist learns, but one that takes years of practice to truly master. 🔦

By shining a light into the eye and observing the reflection from the retina, we can accurately estimate a person’s prescription without them saying a single word.

This is invaluable for:
👶 Babies (no baby is too young to have their eyes checked)
🧩 People with ASD
🗣️ People with aphasia or after a stroke
🌏 Those who don’t speak English
♿ People living with disability
🧠 People with dementia
🤔 Even patients who are unable—or unwilling—to give reliable responses.

Because I regularly care for babies and children, work in refugee eye care clinics, and provide outreach services to local nursing homes, retinoscopy is a skill I rely on every single week. It allows us to provide thorough eye examinations to people from all walks of life, regardless of their age, communication, or circumstances.

At Brennan & Smith, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality eye care, and having the skills to assess patients who can’t communicate in the traditional way is something we’re incredibly proud of.

💬 Did you know we could estimate your prescription without you reading a single letter on the chart?

24/07/2026

Are you seeing clearly… or are you just seeing the weekend? 🍾

It’s amazing how many people suddenly become very motivated during an eye test when the eye chart starts looking a little more… familiar 😂

Tell me… what’s your Friday drink of choice? 🍺🍷🥂🥃👇

24/07/2026

Are you seeing clearly… or are you just seeing the weekend? 🍾

It’s amazing how many people suddenly become very motivated during an eye test when the eye chart starts looking a little more… familiar. 😂

Tell me… what’s your Friday drink of choice? 🍺🍷🥂🥃👇

22/07/2026

It could always be worse…

And yes, that is Kanski. It still sends shivers down my spine. 😅

Address

Armidale, NSW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+61429725555

Website

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