Happy 20th to See Side Optical!

Back in 2006, See Side Optical opened its doors in Thirroul with a simple idea — eye care should be personal.

Founders Sonya Broadhead and Linda Simpson had spent years working in large corporate optical stores, where the focus was often on sales and speed. They knew there was a better way.

So they created something different.

From day one, See Side Optical has been about taking the time to truly understand each patient — looking beyond prescriptions to consider lifestyle, comfort, and the perfect fit. No pressure, no upselling — just honest, personalised advice.

That same philosophy still guides us today.

Our entire front-of-house team are qualified optical dispensers, so you’re always speaking with someone who understands both the clinical and personal side of your vision.

And while technology has come a long way (hello, AI and advanced lens design), we’ve stayed committed to combining the very best technology with genuine, human care. By working closely with global leader Rodenstock, we’re able to create highly customised lenses designed specifically for you.

In 2026, our commitment to personalised care was recognised on a national level with an Optical Dispensing Association award for Outstanding Practice Owner — something we are incredibly proud of.

Almost 20 years on, we’re still here for the same reason — to help you see comfortably and confidently, every day.

Most importantly, thank you. To our amazing clients and community — your support, trust, and loyalty have meant everything to us.

To celebrate 20 years, we’d love you to join us this June and enjoy a special $50 voucher* – a small thank you from our family to yours.

20 Things We've Learnt in 20 Years of Optometry in Thirroul

1. Choosing your favourite coffee shop is basically choosing your personality: Black Bird Cafe, Black Market Roasters, Home Coming, Finbox or Honest Don's.
2. Have you really exercised in Thirroul if you haven’t lost your breath halfway up the Sublime Point track?
3. Ray Humphreys proved you don’t need a council position to become the unofficial Mayor of Thirroul , you just need to know everybody and stop for a chat every 15  metres.
4. We learnt locals don’t use street names for directions. It’s more like: “Near Anita’s”, “past Black Bird” or “at Ryan's". If you’re not local, it just sounds like directions to a mate’s house.
5. Thirroul Living Facebook comments can go from “lost dog” or "moving boxes required" to “town planning debate” in under three minutes. Anyone know what those sirens are?
6. Somehow, a U-turn on King Street became less of a driving manoeuvre and more of a local custom.
7. The heritage-listed Anita's Theatre will always be one of the true icons of Thirroul… although locals might argue the Coles carpark is just as memorable, for very different reasons.
8. Major General Brian “Hori” Howard reminded us that true strength can come with humility, humour and service. A decorated Vietnam veteran, military leader and deeply respected local whose legacy reached far beyond Thirroul.
9. In a nursing home, Nan’s glasses could genuinely belong to absolutely anyone.
10. Joseph Vezgoff showed that art and creativity belong in everyday life, not just galleries. His talent quietly became part of the soul of Thirroul.
11. Elizabeth Carmichael carried herself with such grace and elegance that many locals would quietly say she was the closest thing Thirroul had to royalty.
12. Christine Hill reminded us that some people don’t just live by the beach, they capture its soul. Her local artwork became part of the colour and character of Thirroul.
13.  Are you really a local if you haven’t visited Kim’s Christmas lights and Santa on Christmas Eve?
14. We learnt people in Thirroul can identify each other purely by silhouette, dog breed, surfboard, or coffee cup.
15. When you’ve been away for a while, you always take the coast road home.
16. In a small town, a quick adjustment of someone’s glasses somehow leads to hearing about their grandchildren, renovations, surf conditions and who moved away. 20 minutes later and it's school pickup time.
17. The escarpment light changes so beautifully during the day it accidentally became the best lens demonstration imaginable.
18. The Couchman twins reminded young people from the Illawarra that talent from a small coastal town can still make it to the big stage while staying humble and grounded.
19. When Austinmer locals say the water is beautiful, trust them and go for the swim.
20. After 20 years, we realised optometry was never really about glasses. It was about becoming part of the story of Thirroul — one conversation, one family and one familiar face at a time.

See Side Optical is at Shop 10, Anita's Theatre, King Street, Thirroul. Book online or call 02 4268 3933.