An interest in eyecare was formed at an early age for optometrist Wendy Hill, who began wearing glasses at nine years old. Wendy’s interest was further piqued several years later when her younger sister was diagnosed with a rare and sight-threatening eye condition. A timely diagnosis and appropriate referral to an eye surgeon saved her vision.
Wendy was fitted with her first pair of contact lenses at the age of 14 and says it was a life-changing event. She still gets immense satisfaction watching the transformation contact lenses can bring to peoples’ lives.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Optometry from the University of Johannesburg in South Africa in 1997, Wendy moved with her family to New Zealand the following year and she has called Auckland home ever since. In 1999 Wendy passed the OCANZ (The Optometry Council of Australia and New Zealand)examinations, enabling her to practise in New Zealand.
In 2009 Wendy completed a two year course in ocular therapeutics at the Department of Optometry and Vision Science (DOVS) at the University of Auckland, graduating one year later with a post graduate diploma in Science, under the supervision of Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer.
With a special interest in glaucoma, Wendy has worked alongside Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer since 2004. Wendy is a board certified glaucoma prescriber, which allows her to manage and treat the condition. Other areas of special interest for Wendy include myopia control and the management of dry eye.
Wendy has been a director on the board of the OCANZ since 2016. She is a member on the Professional Conduct Committee of the New Zealand Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board and is also an external examiner for the final year clinical examinations at the Department of Optometry and Visual Sciences (DOVS) at the University of Auckland. Wendy is passionate about sharing her enthusiasm for her profession with students.
Wendy has spent the last 16 years working as an optometrist in Newmarket.
According to Wendy, joining the highly-experienced clinical team at Mortimer Hirst provides an ideal environment for her to expand her knowledge and continue to evolve as a clinician.
Wendy’s skill set and experience is a perfect fit for our industry leading clinical team says the Mortimer Hirst clinical director, Grant Watters.
Wendy Hill is based at Mortimer Hirst’s St Heliers practice.
