In 2026, Total Eyecare proudly celebrates 80 years of caring for the vision and eye health of southern Tasmanians.
Our story began in 1946 when Ken Iredale established his first optometry practice in Hobart, located on the corner of Elizabeth and Macquarie Streets in the historic Colonial Mutual Life (CML) Building. From these beginnings, the practice grew steadily, joining with other respected independent optometry practices over the decades to become Total Eyecare Optometrists.
Throughout our history, we have been fortunate to be guided by outstanding practitioners and leaders. Past partners have included Brian Sims AM, Michael Knipe AM OTL (posthumous), Bruce Palmer, Stephen Pereira, Brett Jenkinson, Andrew Maver, Beverley Reid and Andrew Koch. Today, the partnership consists of Wesley Robertson, Lee Baumwol, Heath Davis and Sib Payne.
Our commitment to excellence has been recognised both nationally and internationally. The only two Tasmanian optometrists to be awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) Brian Sims and Michael Knipe. Their recognition reflects Total Eyecare’s longstanding commitment to excellence in clinical care, professional leadership and community service. And in 2025, the Government of Timor-Leste further recognised the contribution of Total Eyecare optometrists to international eye care, awarding the Order of Timor-Leste Medal of Merit to Michael Knipe (posthumously), Andrew Koch, Colin McKenzie and Sib Payne for their decades of service through the East Timor Eye Program.
Today, Total Eyecare operates eight practices across southern Tasmania, serving our communities in Hobart, Sandy Bay, Howrah, Kingston, Claremont, New Norfolk, Sorell and Huonville.
Our team of experienced optometrists combines decades of clinical expertise with a shared commitment to providing exceptional patient care. As the largest independent provider of eye care in southern Tasmania, we continue to invest in the people, technology and services that allow us to deliver comprehensive eye health care for every stage of life.
While much has changed since 1946, our core purpose remains the same: to provide the highest standard of eye care and service to the communities we serve. As we celebrate this significant milestone, we remain grateful for the trust of generations of Tasmanian families and look forward to continuing that tradition for many years to come.