McClellan Grimmer Edgar is one of Wellington's longest-established optometry practices, providing skilled and experienced eye care from Customhouse Quay in the CBD since 1945. The team describes a genuine passion for their profession, pairing decades of experience with innovative, leading technology and dependable advice aimed at better patient outcomes.
Their services span the full breadth of modern optometry: comprehensive eye examinations in which over 70% of the appointment is devoted to eye health, contact lens prescribing including multifocal and specialty fittings, orthokeratology (Ortho-K), myopia management, sports vision, and treatment of red eye disease by therapeutically qualified optometrists who can prescribe medicines in the same way a medical doctor can. The practice also serves as a Civil Aviation Authority examiner, a Maritime New Zealand examiner and a Police Recruit Examiner, and provides Compass Health diabetic retinal screening.
The dispensary offers frames and sunglasses carefully selected by practice manager Yvanni, supported by experienced optical dispensers and reception staff. Contact lens wearers can reorder lenses online through the practice website, with orders confirmed by return email, and can add solutions such as AOSept Plus, Opti-Free PureMoist, Biotrue, Renu or Complete. Hours run Monday 8:30am-5:15pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8am-6pm and Friday 8am-5pm, closed weekends.
On Customhouse Quay in the heart of Wellington's CBD sits an optometry practice with a history few in the capital can match. McClellan Grimmer Edgar has been caring for Wellingtonians' eyes since 1945, and nearly eight decades on, the team still describes its work the same way: a genuine passion for the profession, skilled and experienced eye care, and dependable advice backed by innovative, leading technology.
Longevity in healthcare is earned, and this practice has earned it one examination at a time. From a child's first eye test to the demanding vision certification required of a commercial pilot, the team of optometrists, optical dispensers and reception staff work together to deliver what they call comprehensive, thorough, friendly and efficient service.
That thoroughness shows in how they examine. As primary eye care practitioners, the optometrists devote over 70% of every eye examination to ensuring your eyes are healthy — looking well beyond how clearly you see to how well your eyes actually are. The practice also shares its knowledge generously through an eye health blog covering topics such as glaucoma, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and contact lens wear.
While frames and lenses are a core part of the offering, the practice's scope goes well past eyewear. Three of its optometrists are therapeutically qualified, meaning they can prescribe medicines in the same way a medical doctor can — so a red or sore eye can be assessed and treated right there in the practice, without a separate trip elsewhere.
The specialist list is unusually deep. There is Compass Health diabetic retinal screening, sports vision assessment, and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) — overnight lenses worn while you sleep. Myopia management, aimed at slowing short-sightedness, is a particular strength of the clinical team.
Uniquely, the practice is also an appointed examiner for the Civil Aviation Authority, Maritime New Zealand, and Police Recruit examinations. For anyone whose career depends on meeting strict vision standards, having one practice that understands — and can certify — those requirements is a genuine convenience.
The dispensary is far from an afterthought. Practice manager Yvanni, who joined in 2022 after fifteen years managing stores for a large corporate optical company, has a keen eye for fashion and carefully selects the frames and sunglasses on display. Dispensers like Maddy enjoy the complexities of the dispensing process, while senior receptionist Lani especially enjoys helping patients choose their frames, and Jay helps repair and adjust customers' glasses.
Contact lens wearers are well served too. The practice prescribes and fits lenses, including multifocal and specialty fittings, and offers online ordering through its website. Orders are confirmed by return email with cost and payment method, and solutions such as AOSept Plus, Opti-Free PureMoist, Biotrue, Renu and Complete can be added to any order. One note from the practice itself: if you haven't had a full eye examination in the past two years, you'll need one before your prescription can be filled — a medico-legal standard of care they take seriously.
Partner Renee Edgar graduated from the University of Auckland in 2003 and joined the practice in 2010, becoming a partner in 2013. Her interests span sports vision, neuro-optometric rehabilitation after concussion, ocular pathology and multifocal contact lenses — and she has moonlighted in the glaucoma clinic at Wellington Public Hospital's Eye Department. (Ask her about Europe too; she once toured the continent as a Contiki tour manager.)
Nouzar Irani, a 2015 Auckland graduate with experience across New Zealand and Australia, brings a passion for ocular pathology, binocular vision, paediatrics and especially myopia control, orthokeratology and specialty contact lens fittings. Jaishree Patel, a recent graduate with a biomedical science degree from Otago, completes the clinical team with interests in paediatric optometry, binocular vision and ocular pathology — and a belief that long-term care is built on understanding and kindness.
The practice keeps generous weekday hours: Monday 8:30am to 5:15pm, Tuesday to Thursday 8am to 6pm, and Friday 8am to 5pm, closed on weekends. Appointments can be booked online, and the team can be reached on 04 473 6275 or at [email protected].
Whether you're due for a check-up, need a certification for work, want to rein in a child's short-sightedness, or are simply after a well-chosen new pair of frames, this is Wellington eye care with a legacy behind it — and a very modern toolkit in hand.