YOUR VISION IS OUR PASSION

Experienced Optometrists & Quality Eye Care in Toowoomba

Providing quality, affordable eye care to Toowoomba customers since 2006.

About Darling Downs Optometry 

Darling Downs Optometry are a locally owned optometry practice located in Toowoomba, Queensland. We offer a wide range of eye health services and eyewear for men, women and children.


Our qualified optometrist Dr Hendrik Ferreira has over 40 years of experience in optometry. Using the latest eye-care technology, Dr Ferreira can test your vision and monitor the health of your eyes.


Our expert optical staff will help you choose the right frames and lenses for your needs, and with an impressive collection of over 600 frames and sunglasses from leading eyewear brands in-store and online, you’re sure to find eyewear to suit you.


Darling Downs Optometry is a member of the Optometrist Association of Australia and ProVision.

Advanced Therapeutic Eye Care for the Community

Darling Downs Optometry delivers precise and timely therapeutic eye care in Toowoomba, focusing on the diagnosis and management of ocular diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and inflammatory conditions. Our therapeutically endorsed optometrists utilise advanced imaging and clinical testing to develop targeted treatment plans, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients with complex or chronic eye health needs. With a strong emphasis on early intervention and ongoing monitoring, we provide the standard of care necessary to preserve vision and prevent progression of sight-threatening conditions.

Immediate Emergency Eye Care Support

When sudden injury, infection, or acute visual changes occur, prompt assessment is essential. We offer urgent evaluations as part of our emergency eye care service, addressing issues like foreign bodies, chemical exposure, severe ocular pain, and abrupt vision loss during regular clinic hours. While not a 24-hour facility, our ability to triage and treat time-sensitive conditions quickly helps minimise damage and supports seamless referral pathways when specialist intervention is required.

Therapeutic & Emergency Eye Care FAQ

  • Q. What Types of Eye Conditions Can Be Treated Under Therapeutic Eye Care?

    A. Therapeutic eye care in Toowoomba, at Darling Downs Optometry, covers a broad range of ocular conditions, including dry eye disease, blepharitis, corneal abrasions, allergic and infectious conjunctivitis, anterior uveitis, and chronic diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Our therapeutically endorsed optometrists are trained to manage both acute and long-term conditions using clinical diagnostics and, where permitted, prescribe medicated eye treatments. This level of care ensures timely intervention without the need for immediate specialist referral, streamlining your treatment pathway and supporting better visual outcomes through consistent monitoring.

  • Q. How Is Therapeutic Eye Care Different From a Standard Eye Test?

    A. While a routine eye exam focuses on vision correction and general eye health screening, therapeutic eye care involves the diagnosis, management, and treatment of active eye diseases. At Darling Downs Optometry, this includes advanced imaging, intraocular pressure assessment, corneal health analysis, and the use of scheduled medications when clinically indicated. Patients receive individualised treatment plans tailored to their condition, with an emphasis on preventing progression and preserving sight—particularly important for those with systemic conditions affecting ocular health.

  • Q. Can Darling Downs Optometry Help With Sudden Eye Injuries or Infections?

    A. Yes. As part of our commitment to comprehensive therapeutic eye care for the residents of Toowoomba, we provide urgent assessments for conditions such as foreign body removal, chemical splashes, acute red eye, and corneal infections. These fall under our emergency eye care services, which are available during clinic hours. Prompt evaluation is critical in preventing complications, and our team is equipped to deliver immediate care while coordinating further referrals if needed. For urgent concerns, call (07) 4638 8828 to book an immediate appointment.

  • Q. Do I Need to See an Ophthalmologist, or Can Your Optometrists Manage My Eye Disease and Offer Therapeutic Eye Care?

    A. Many eye conditions can be effectively managed by our therapeutically qualified optometrists at Darling Downs Optometry, reducing the need for frequent specialist visits. With proper authorisation to diagnose and treat ocular diseases, we offer ongoing therapeutic eye care that includes monitoring, medication use, and lifestyle guidance. We maintain strong relationships with local ophthalmologists and will refer when surgical intervention or advanced medical management is required, ensuring seamless continuity of care throughout your treatment journey.

  • Q. When Should I Seek Emergency Eye Care Instead of Waiting for a Regular Check-Up?

    A. You should seek emergency eye care in Toowoomba if you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, trauma, chemical exposure, or a penetrating injury. Even seemingly minor symptoms like persistent photophobia or intense redness may indicate serious underlying issues. At Darling Downs Optometry, we prioritise these cases to prevent permanent damage. Don’t delay—contact us immediately to access urgent assessment and protect your vision.

Book an appointment with one of our optometrists today. 

Meet Our Team

Our expert optical team has been providing quality, affordable eye care since 2006. In 2014 we changed our name from Optical Warehouse to Darling Downs Optometry.

Dr Hendrik Ferreira (Optometrist)

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    Hendrik qualified as an Optometrist in South Africa in 1982. He established and managed an Eye Clinic for the South Africa Government before opening his own Optometric practice in rural Eastern Cape Province where he was exposed to a wide range of general and extreme eyecare.


    Hendrik immigrated to Australia in 2002, bringing his years of knowledge and experience with him.


    He completed the Australian Competency in Optometry Examination, studied Behavioral Optometry 1&2 at the University of NSW and has a Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics from Queensland University of Technology (QUT).


Dr Mark Philp (Optometrist)

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    Mark is also Therapeutically endorsed and joined our team towards the end of 2022 after working locally for several years. Mark works part-time and is a great asset to our team. Please phone reception or book online if you would like to see Mark for your next eye test.

Liela Cotter (Optical Dispenser)

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    Liela is a fully qualified Optical Dispenser with a high attention to detail who joined the team in September 2022.


    She is able to provide quality customer service with attention to accurate measurements of spectacles, and adjustment of spectacles as well as highly skilled in helping patients who may experience adaptation issues with spectacles.


    Leila also achieved a 100% score in the regular Mystery Shop criteria.


    We are privileged to have Liela on our team as a kind nurturing personality and an approachable, mature, quiet, yet friendly person with excellent customer service.

Lynda Shiels (Receptionist)

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    Lynda joined our team in January 2019 and brings with her a wealth of retail and clinical experience. She also helps customers choose the right frames to suit their personal features and style. She's also responsible for selecting the latest fashions and styles in frames and brings a fresh new approach to the frames on display.

Special Offer!

When you purchase one pair of spectacles with us, you can purchase a second frame for half price! If you need a spare pair of glasses, come in-store and make the most of this deal today.

Why Choose Us?

Locally Owned & Operated

An Independent Optometrist Clinic

Urgent Care Available

Over 40 Years of Optometry Experience

Testimonials from Our Customers

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    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


    Nothing but praise for the team at Darling Downs Optometrist! Not only are all team members highly professional and efficient, but they're also a friendly mob with a great sense of humour. There's a great selection of frames (one could argue too many for someone as indecisive as I am), but they patiently assisted me in finding just the right frame within my price bracket. I'm over the moon with my new glasses!


    Hennette C.

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    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


    Beautiful people. Couldn't have ask for more understanding and friendly service. Highly recommend these guys.


    Catherine W.

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    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


    Definitely a 5 star rating for Darling Downs Optometrist. The Optometrist was so thorough with the eye examination. I recently broke a part of my prescription glasses and I received such wonderful service from the staff there. They were prompt and efficient and my glasses were fixed free of charge. Would highly recommend them.


    Karyn M.

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    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


    Very friendly and helpful staff and Dr Hendrik is a lovely Optometrist


    Rikina P.

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    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


    My family and I have had several frames and lenses made by Darling Downs Optometrist. We have always been very happy with the products and the staff there are just amazing!!! Couldn’t ask for better service. Well done!!!


    Marle M.

  • Slide title

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


    Nothing but praise for the team at Darling Downs Optometrist! Not only are all team members highly professional and efficient, but they're also a friendly mob with a great sense of humour. There's a great selection of frames (one could argue too many for someone as indecisive as I am), but they patiently assisted me in finding just the right frame within my price bracket. I'm over the moon with my new glasses!


    Hennette C.

  • Slide title

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


    Beautiful people. Couldn't have ask for more understanding and friendly service. Highly recommend these guys.


    Catherine W.

  • Slide title

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


    Definitely a 5 star rating for Darling Downs Optometrist. The Optometrist was so thorough with the eye examination. I recently broke a part of my prescription glasses and I received such wonderful service from the staff there. They were prompt and efficient and my glasses were fixed free of charge. Would highly recommend them.


    Karyn M.

  • Slide title

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


    Very friendly and helpful staff and Dr Hendrik is a lovely Optometrist


    Rikina P.

  • Slide title

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★


    My family and I have had several frames and lenses made by Darling Downs Optometrist. We have always been very happy with the products and the staff there are just amazing!!! Couldn’t ask for better service. Well done!!!


    Marle M.

Need to book an appointment with one of our optometrists? Call us today on (07) 4638 8828.