Your Local Expert optometrist

About Us

Founded in 1960, Harris Blake & Parsons has been providing personalised, high-quality eye care to the Melbourne community for over 65 years. As an independent optometry practice, we are committed to delivering thorough eye examinations, advanced diagnostic testing, and tailored solutions to support your long-term eye health. With a focus on continuity of care and genuine patient relationships, our experienced team takes the time to understand your individual needs, ensuring you receive trusted advice and the highest standard of care at every visit.

Our Story

Introducing
Harris Blake & Parsons

Harris Blake & Parsons is so much more than just a shop that sells glasses. We are a community-minded optometry practice dedicated to taking care of your vision and eye health in both the long and short term. Serving our community for over 65 years, we’re a longstanding practice known for our in-depth knowledge, first-class care and friendly, professional service. Our team is highly experienced and qualified, with in-depth knowledge of both eyewear products as well as expert eye care techniques. We are passionate about all things optical and committed to delivering service that exceeds your expectations.

Our History

We were founded in 1957 by Wolf Gartner. Wolf first established the Ringwood practice before starting a visiting practice in Croydon in 1961. Not long after, he formed a partnership with Ross Harris and in 1969 the pair were joined by Terry Blake.

We’ve since had three other partners including Brett Parsons who became a partner when Wolf retired in 1990, Linda Harwood who became a partner when Ross retired in 2008, and our most recent partner, Dina Anastas who took up the position when Terry retired in 2013.

The people behind our success

Meet the
Harris Blake & Parsons
team

Brett Parsons

Optometrist & Partner
BSc Optom, FACO
The longest serving member of our team, Brett became a partner of our practice in 1990. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1984. He specialises in contact lenses, is a fellow of the Victorian College of Optometry and is a member of the Contact Lens Society of Australia. Brett enjoys basketball, snow skiing, travelling and spending time with his wife and two grown up children.

Linda Harwood

Optometrist & Partner
BOptom, Therapeutically endorsed
Linda graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2006 as part of the first graduating class to include ocular therapeutics. Linda finished her final year with three first class honours and joined Harris Blake & Parsons in 2006. She became a partner in 2008 when Ross Harris retired. Passionate about training the next generation of optometrists, Linda has been engaged by the University of Melbourne as a clinical supervisor of optometry students since 2012. She also has a particular interest in complex contact lenses and the management of ocular diseases. When she’s not at work, Linda enjoys spending time with her husband and two young children.

Amy Chan

Optometrist
BOptom, Therapeutically endorsed
After graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2012, Amy spent her first five years as an optometrist in Traralgon. Here she thrived on the many challenges of rural practice. In 2018 she joined Harris Blake & Parsons and quickly became a valued member of our team. Amy has a strong interest in contact lenses including orthokeratology, as well as managing dry eyes and other ocular diseases. Outside of work, Amy enjoys playing the saxophone, cooking and planning her next adventure.

Stephanie Gouldthorpe

Optometrist
BOptom, Therapeutically endorsed
Stephanie joined the Harris Blake & Parsons family in 2013 with a strong interest in full-scope optometry, patient care, and treating eye diseases. She graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Optometry in 2008. This course included therapeutics, allowing her to prescribe medications for ocular needs. Stephanie completed and thoroughly enjoyed overseas clinic work in Mexico, which provided not only invaluable optical experience but a chance to get a handle on some basic Spanish. When not at work her family keeps her busy, especially her three young children. She enjoys baking and is starting to explore the world of gardening.

Alexandra Forman

Optometrist
BBmed, OD, Ocular Therapeutics
Ally initially joined Harris Blake & Parsons in 2023 as an optical assistant, however transitioned into being a full-time optometrist after graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2025 with an ocular therapeutics qualification. As part of her degree, Ally completed an overseas placement in Connecticut, USA where she gained invaluable experience in ocular disease management. In her spare time, Ally is an avid rugby union supporter (go the All Blacks!), loves completing any kind of puzzle, and enjoys helping in the crew at local theatre productions.

Dina Anastas

Business Manager & Partner.
Optical Technician
Dina commenced her career in the optometry industry as an Optical Fitting and Surfacing Apprentice in 1985. After completing her four-year apprenticeship at RMIT as an Optical Technician and Diploma in Optical Dispensing, she went on to work for a number of optical groups and independent practices. Dina then joined Harris Blake & Parsons in 2007 on a part-time basis and quickly progressed to a full-time manager’s role. She became our sixth partner in early 2013. Dina loves all things lenses and loves finding the perfect frame for all our valued patients. Dina loves travelling and spending time with her family, especially her new grandchild!

Tiffany

Practice Manager.
Frame Stylist

Leonie

Frame Stylist and Lens Specialist

Optical Technician

Munyan

Frame Stylist and Lens Specialist

Optical Dispenser

Meaghan

Frame Stylist and Lens Specialist

Optical Dispenser

Emma

Optical Assistant and Administration

Jessie

Optical Assistant and Administration

Why Choose Us?

At Harris Blake & Parsons we are committed to a premium, full-service offering that takes care of every unique need. We’re also committed to delivering the very best of everything. Whether it’s customer service, customised eye care or the quality products we dispense, you’ll notice the difference the moment you walk in the door.

When you choose us, you’re choosing a practice that:

Supporting your local community

Giving back through community sponsorships

At Harris Blake & Parsons, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us. We’re proud to sponsor local organisations that foster creativity, connection, and wellbeing in the Yarra Valley and beyond.
Knox wind symphony
The Knox Wind Symphony is one of Victoria’s premier community wind bands, bringing together talented musicians from all walks of life to perform high-quality concert band repertoire. Their music inspires audiences across the state and provides a space for musicians to grow, collaborate, and connect. We’re proud to support an organisation that champions the arts, celebrates local talent, and enriches cultural life through music.
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Ringwood bowls Club
Established in 1929, the Ringwood Bowls Club is more than a place for bowls, it’s a social hub where people of all ages and abilities come together for friendship, competition, and community spirit. Whether it’s a weekend roll-up or a pennant match, the club fosters inclusivity and healthy, active lifestyles. We’re proud to be a sponsor of Ringwood Bowls Club and support the positive impact it continues to make in the lives of its members.
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Our Services

We’re here for everything your eyes need

A local and independent optometry practice, we are known for providing the highest quality service, personalised care and an unmatched range of eyewear products to our community for over 65 years.

Eye Checks

We provide a comprehensive range of specialised eye examinations designed to give you a complete understanding of your eye health. Our advanced testing allows us to assess everything from your vision clarity and prescription needs through to the early detection of eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and retinal issues. Using modern diagnostic technology, we also evaluate eye pressure, peripheral vision, corneal health, and tear function, ensuring no aspect of your eye health is overlooked. Whether you’re coming in for a routine check-up or have specific concerns, our thorough approach means we can detect problems early and provide the right advice and treatment to protect your vision long-term.

A patient having a diabetes eye check. Includes a close up view of the scan on a computer in the foreground and the patient using the scanner in the background
Eye Treatments
At Harris Blake & Parsons, we help with a range of eye concerns, from everyday vision needs to more specific issues. That might be glasses to help you see more clearly, treatment for eye infections, or support for dry, irritated eyes. We also offer advanced dry eye treatment using specialised IPL technology, which can help improve tear quality and provide longer-lasting relief. On top of that, we provide treatment for lazy eye and myopia management to help slow short-sightedness, especially in kids. Whatever you’re dealing with, we’ll take the time to figure it out and talk you through the best way forward.
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Eyewear

We’ve got a huge range of eyewear in-store, with something to suit everyone.

That includes our carefully curated range of premium and hard-to-find brands alongside more everyday options. Whether you’re after artisan crafted or keeping to a budget, there’s plenty to choose from.

Our range covers everything from vision correction, safety glasses for work, sunglasses for everyday wear, and durable options for kids. Whatever you need, we’ll help you find something that looks great, feels comfortable, and actually suits how you use your eyes everyday. 

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Contact Lenses

We offer a range of contact lenses to suit different eyes, lifestyles, and vision needs. That includes everyday disposable lenses for convenience, rigid lenses for sharper, more precise vision, and Ortho-K lenses that are worn overnight so you can see clearly during the day without glasses or contacts. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or looking for something that works better for you, we’ll help you find the right option and make sure it fits comfortably and performs the way it should.

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Reviews

Hear from our satisfied customers

The process

Your eye check journey

1. Book Appointment

Book online or call us to book your eye check. 

2. New Patient Form

If you have not visited us before, fill out our New Patient Form before your appointment. Alternatively complete this in-person prior to your appointment. 

3. Attend Appointment

Attend your eye check appointment. 
Your appointment will begin with a brief consultation, followed by a series of thorough, painless eye tests tailored to you.

4. Results & Treatment

In most cases you will receive your results immediately.
In your appointment your optometrist will assess your results and provide the findings and recommended next actions if required. 

Locations

4 convenient locations in Melbourne’s east

With four convenient locations across Melbourne’s East, accessing quality eye care is easy. All 4 of our Harris Blake & Parsons locations offer an extensive range of eye checks and eye treatments.
In addition, our Ringwood and Croydon clinics offer a large range of eyewear available to browse and purchase in-store.

To book an eye check at our Ringwood or Croydon stores, use the button below. For appointments at our Healesville and Yarram locations, please call us.

Ringwood
03 9870 5478

Croydon, Healesville & Yarram
03 9723 3218

Blog preview

Updates and helpful advice

Your vision is one of your most important assets. In our blog you’ll find helpful advice, tips, and insights to better understand your eye health, protect your sight, and make informed decisions about your vision care.

The Risk of Macular Disease
Are you at risk of Macular disease?...
A Recipe for Your Eyes

Which location would you like to attend?

Online bookings are available at Ringwood and Croydon. To make a booking at Healesville or Yarram, please call us. 

Ringwood

Bookings preferred, walk-ins welcome

Open Hours:

Mon-Thurs: 9am – 5:30pm
Fri: 9am – 6:30pm
Sat: 9am – 5pm
Sun: Closed

Croydon

Bookings preferred, walk-ins welcome

Open Hours:

Mon-Tues: 9am – 5:30pm
Weds: 9am – 3:30pm
Thurs-Fri: 9am – 5:30pm
Sat-Sun: Closed

Healesville

By appointment only

Open Hours:

Tues: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Closed all other days

Call (03) 9723 3218 to book

Yarram

By appointment only

Open Hours:

Visiting two days every six weeks, by appointment only.

Call (03) 9723 3218 to book