Kelly Waterworth

Kelly has fourteen years’ experience as an optometrist. She recently moved to Australia from South Africa.

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She completed a Bachelor of Optometry at the University of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. She has undergone the Competency in Optometry Exams through The Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand. These exams are compulsory for all overseas-trained optometrists, to ensure they meet Australia’s high standards. Kelly achieved the highest marks in her cohort.

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Kelly is currently completing her Therapeutic Endorsement course through the Australian College of Optometry and by July 2025 will be able to prescribe scheduled ocular medications for the management of ocular pathology. This will also allow her to co-manage certain chronic eye diseases and post-surgical care with an ophthalmologist (eg Glaucoma, Diabetic Retinopathy, post Cataract surgery etc)

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Kelly has a special interest in myopia control (slowing the rate at which shortsightedness worsens) using specialised contact lenses and spectacles. She feels that this can have a significant impact, as high levels of shortsightedness increase the risk of certain eye diseases.

 

Through Kelly’s experience she has learnt to really listen to each patient’s individual visual needs and come up with a solution that is tailor made to that person.

 

When Kelly is not at work, she is usually enjoying time outdoors with her husband, 2-year-old daughter and their dog. She enjoys canoeing and ultra-distance running and is looking forward to exploring the Bellingen Shire through these activities.