MEET OUR TEAM

OUR VALUES

We value personalised care, ensuring every patient receives tailored eye health solutions to suit their lifestyle. Our commitment to the Whitianga community is built on trust, service excellence, and a friendly, welcoming approach. With a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, we aim to expand our services while maintaining the highest standards of eye care.

Our Commitment to Care

At Mercury Bay Optometrist, we are proud to be a locally owned-and independently operated practice. We are dedicated to providing exceptional eye care with compassion, expertise, and professionalism. Our skilled team is passionate about protecting your vision and keeping your eyes healthy.

We offer comprehensive eye examinations, specialist eye care, and a wide range of frames to fit every budget. Whether you need routine vision assessments, advanced care for eye conditions, or stylish eyewear, we’ve got you covered.

Our approach is built on personalised care, excellence, and integrity. We focus on educating our patients, providing preventative care, and building lasting relationships within our community.

At Mercury Bay Optometrist, your vision is our priority. We are committed to helping you see clearly and comfortably, now and in the future.

OUR TEAM

Dispensing Optician

Optometrist

Ophthalmologist

With over 20 years of experience in the optical industry, Lynette is a highly skilled and award-winning Dispensing Optician. Her expertise spans both the wholesale and retail sectors, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the industry.

Lynette has played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of optical professionals through her work with the Dispensing Opticians Association. She has supported students and contributed to organising industry conferences, ensuring continued education and innovation within the profession. When she’s not at work, Lynette enjoys spending time with her family and unwinding with a peaceful yoga session.

With Lynette’s expertise and friendly nature, she is a trusted professional, passionate about delivering exceptional eye care.

Shonag Laird is a highly qualified optometrist with a Bachelor of Optometry (First Class Honours). Known for her friendly and approachable nature, she is dedicated to providing exceptional eye care.

Her expertise includes contact lens fitting, keratoconus management, myopia control, and binocular vision.

Shonag also has a strong focus on ocular disease, dry eye treatment, and post-concussion visual rehabilitation, ensuring her patients receive comprehensive and tailored care.

Outside of work, Shonag enjoys staying active with kickboxing and taking adventurous walks with her much-loved dog, who has macular degeneration.

With family nearby, she loves spending quality time with them whenever she can.

Dr Chris Murphy has been providing expert eye care services to the Coromandel Region for over 20 years, earning the reputation and commitment to the health and well-being of his patients.

He regularly visits Mercury Bay Optometrist every fortnight, to ensure the community has access to specialised eye care.

Dr Chris Murphy specialises in the cornea, anterior segment, external eye diseases, and cataracts, and offers a comprehensive diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

All pre- and post-operative care is conducted at the practice, with the support of our optometrist when required.

To book an appointment with Dr Murphy, please contact our friendly team via phone at 07 866 5919 or the contact form on our website.

Lynette Hunter RDONZ

Shonag Laird BMedSc (VisSc, Hons)

Dr Chris Murphy MB ChB; FRANZCO

Optical Consultant

Juliet Clague

Juliet is an experienced optical consultant who has been a valued member of the team at Mercury Bay Optometrist for over 15 years. During this time Jules has built strong relationships with our patients and the local community and is always a friendly and welcoming face.

Her years in the practice and her extensive knowledge ensures that our patients are given the best care and advice. Outside of work, she likes to relax by the beach, and you may even see her catching a wave or two! She enjoys spending time outdoors or helping her husband on the farm.

With a passion for helping others, Jules continues to have a reliable and friendly presence in the practice.

Make an appointment to meet us today. Our online booking system is currently being updated. Please click the button to email us, and we'll be in touch shortly to schedule your appointment.