MEET OUR TEAM.
It’s all about the people behind the lenses.
From Central Optical in Cromwell and Alexandra to Eyes on Main and Eyes on Deveron in Gore and Invercargill, our dedicated team of eye care specialists are here to look after your vision with care you can trust.
Hunter Hill
Optometrist and Practice Director
BOptom (Hons) TPA, Glaucoma Endorsed
Hunter graduated in 2003, took ownership of Central Otago Optical in 2006 and opened the Cromwell practice in 2009. His highly professional approach and his drive to innovate means that you can always be assured of the best and most up-to-date eye care. He prides himself on being an early adopter and continually works to stay at the forefront of technology.
Hunter has experience in all facets of optometry, but is particularly interested in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, tricky contact lens fitting, and dry eye treatment. He has led the charge on many fronts locally, including the introduction of specialised glaucoma detection equipment and being the first to offer Orthokeratology treatment in the region. Hunter completed further study at Dunedin Eye Hospital in 2017 to become endorsed to independently manage glaucoma locally. Hunter is easy-going and a tiny bit hilarious – so expect to leave his office with a grin on your face.
When not gazing into people’s eyes, Hunter enjoys rock climbing, skiing, playing the guitar and singing. He currently lives in Alexandra with his wife, Katie, their twins Chloe and Zac, and their newest addition to the family - Jake
Jessica Anderson
Practice Director
Jess has been working in optometry since 2003 and as such is highly experienced and knowledgable in optics. She joined the Central Otago Optical team in 2011, and is part owner of the practice alongside Hunter.
Jess has a passion for finding the perfect frame and lenses for every person she consults with to give them their own individual look. She personally does all the frame buying for Central Optical and only selects frames that are of the highest quality and have a point of difference.
But Jess isn’t interested in looks alone. She goes on training courses on a yearly basis to help her keep up-to-date with new lens options and technology in order to offer only the best to her patients. Jess is also a busy mum of two boys.
Kelly Lyons
Optometrist
B.Optom (Hons) TPA
Kelly Lyons graduated in 2009 from Auckland University with a Bachelor in Optometry Degree.
She started her optometry career with Central Otago Optical after doing her final year externship under the guidance of Laurence O'Connell in Alexandra. Later, she worked in Australia for 2 years before moving back South and settling in Invercargill where she has been polishing her optometry skills at Martin & Lobb.
Kelly has years of experience, is therapeutically qualified, and is the kind of optometrist who will go the extra mile for her patients.
When Kelly is not testing eyes, she is a busy mum to Olive and enjoys trips in caravan with her husband, Kirk.
Marnie Lankow
Optometrist
B.Optom Dip Sci
(Ocular Pathology)
Marnie Lankow graduated in 2003 from Auckland University with a Bachelor of Optometry and later completed a Post Graduate Dip Sci in ocular pathology to become therapeutically endorsed.
For over 20 years she has been providing optometric care to the people of Southland and has a loyal following due to her expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail. Marnie’s areas of interest include contact lens fitting, children’s eye examinations and overall eye health care.
Outside of work, Marnie enjoys family time with her husband and 2 teenage sons, sport, and keeping active outdoors.
