Kevin O’Brien Marks 40 Years in Business
Kevin O-Brien first arrived in Singleton in 1980 and it was only going to be for a brief period.
Forty years later and he remains in the same location that he first stepped in as a locum at the optometrist practice in John Street but boy, have times changed in the field.
Advances in technology, medical understanding of eye conditions and a dramatic change in the way humans view the world has meant substantial investment in state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and a continual need to maintain and expand credentials for Kevin.
“There are quite a few eye conditions that you can’t see or feel,” he said adding they don’t get diagnosed unless people have an eye examination.
Near visual stress associated with extended periods of close work, use of devices and video games is showing a tsunami of short sightedness around the world to the point that China has mandated every citizen spend one-and-a-half hours in the sun, in the park, away from screens.
Diabetic related eye conditions, glaucoma and other eye conditions are increasing as the world population increases but improvements in outcomes again emphasise the need for a regular visit to an optometrist.
Older people often put up with poor vision and often don’t realise how their quality of life could improve significantly with appropriate attention and a simple visit to an optometrist.
Both Kevin and his wife, Maryjane, have been actively involved in the Singleton community from when they first set up home here. Maryjane is a retired nurse and they raised two children who both pursued medical careers. Kevin and Maryjane have been involved with the Rotary Club of Singleton on Hunter and have attended many trivia nights and fund raisers supporting local causes.
Kevin said it wasn’t hard becoming part of the Singleton community and he has enjoyed the loyalty of his patients over the years, some who continue to travel from Dubbo and Tamworth and elsewhere back to Singleton for their eye checks.
He has also enjoyed the loyalty of staff, including recently retired Sue Jones, who worked alongside Kevin for 39 of those 40 years.
Happy birthday Kevin O’Brien Optometrist, a true Singleton business success story.