We’re excited to announce the northern expansion of Southern Eye Specialists.
Marlborough, Tasman, and North Canterbury residents can expect greater support with their vision requirements after our recent acquisition of Graeme French Ophthalmology in Blenheim.
“We were looking to expand Southern Eye, and this was the obvious opportunity to take,’ says our GM Simon Templeton.
“Southern Eye Specialists has been supplying Blenheim residents with additional tertiary services for thirty years now, and many locals are used to travelling down to Christchurch for surgery and procedures.”
“We aim to add equipment and extra expertise into Blenheim, ensuring locals there have greater access to all subspecialties of ophthalmology,” Simon says. “We’re really happy to be working with the community there. It’s a win-win for all.”
We’re also happy to announce that Dr French will be continuing in the new business along with Michele and Megan – the tightknit team ensuring continuity of care for patients.
“I’ve been the sole ophthalmologist for Blenheim for some time – and have been working here since 1995,” says Dr French. “In that time, I’ve forged some wonderful connections with the local community, and it’s great to now help usher in this new era of eyecare.”
“The sharing of resources between the two practices will certainly help optimise care.” he says. “I think when we have subspecialist clinics starting in Blenheim, we’ll also see more people arriving from the Nelson and Kaikoura areas for treatment.
It is an idea whose time has come, according to Southern Eye’s Dr Jim Borthwick.
“This is a natural extension of a close association we’ve had with Graeme over the last three decades,” says Dr Borthwick. “He (Dr French) has provided a fantastic service in that time. We’ve come to know him well, both in our professional associations and in our personal relationships too.”
Now Dr Borthwick is looking forward to travelling up to “a beautiful part of New Zealand”, with our team planning for additional clinics in Blenheim.