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Media Release dated 4 June 2010

Stevenson, Sangster & Associates Optometrists join the Matthews Group

Two Wellington optometrists have announced a merger that enhances their ability to compete in the current economic environment.

Matthews Group CEO Phil Matthews announced that the Wellington optometry practice of Stevenson, Sangster and Associates joined the Matthews Group of Optometry practices on the 1st of April this year.

The existing Matthews Eyewear Eyecare practice in City Chambers, on the corner of  Featherston and Johnston Streets,  moved on May 24, merging with the Stevenson Sangster practice on the ground floor of Solnet House at 70 The Terrace. The merged practice will be called Stevenson Sangster and Matthews. There is also a smaller practice in Lower Hutt.

Stevenson, Sangster and Associates Optometrists are a highly respected practice nationally, known for its clinical focus and early adoption of leading technology.

Peter Stevenson is a past chairman of the New Zealand regulatory body, The Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board; and a past president of both the New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) and the World Council of Optometry. Peter has a unique understanding of the profession.  As well as practicing general optometry, he is one of the pre-eminent contact lens practitioners in New Zealand. Peter has a particular interest in specialist lenses for conditions such as keratoconus and corneal grafts.

Andrew Sangster is also a past president of the NZAO. He has represented the association overseas and is still on its executive council. Andrew has a special interest in contact lens practice and is one the few accredited orthokeratology practitioners in New Zealand. Andrew has a post-graduate qualification in ocular therapeutics which enhances his primary eye health care. His other special interests are ocular pathology and pediatric optometry.

Peter Stevenson now consults part time to the group, while Andrew continues to work full time. Peter Turner, an associate in the original Stevenson Sangster business, continues his associateship in the merged practice.

Phil Matthews sees great value in the merger. “The last year has been an exciting time for the Matthews Group of practices,” he says. “The addition of Grylls and Keleher and Stevenson and Sangster represents an expansion of clinical expertise in the group, which means better service for our patients.”

Phil Matthews said sharing knowledge is important and commented that the addition of leading-edge technology and techniques like orthokeratology from Stevenson and Sangster made the merger exciting for the group.

There are now eight practices in the Matthews Group spread across the lower North and upper South islands.

Phil Matthews said sole practitioners would unfortunately continue to struggle in today’s extremely competitive commercial environment. “The new presence of vertically integrated optical companies in the market place is placing huge pressure on both independent wholesalers and retailers,” he says. “The larger Matthews Group gives us better buying power and expanded professional expertise.”