MBL Eye Surgeons has been operating out of clinics in both Lismore and Ballina for the past 6 years in its current form. The practice was started in 1973 by Dr Bill Nardi, then Dr Lisa Cottee. Since 2015 our group has been owned and operated by ophthalmologists Dr Augustino Clark and Dr Roy van Eijden.
Living and working locally, Gus and Roy collaborate to provide high quality, affordable eye healthcare to the region, in both a private and public capacity. Supporting them, our skilled orthoptists, and ophthalmic and nurse technicians, work closely with Gus and Roy to ensure the best outcomes for patients at every stage.
Our doctors
Our staff
Clinical
Orthoptist
Experience and qualifications:
Matthew has been with MBL since 2015 and has over 20 years of clinical experience, many of which have been in paediatrics. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Orthoptics) and is an accredited Allied Health Provider.
Day-to-day at MBL:
Matthew acts in an assisting ophthalmic role in the clinic as well as conducting his own orthoptic clinic; encompassing vision therapy, amblyopia, ocular motility, diplopia and low vision. With his broad experience in paediatric clinics, and as a young father of two, his expertise and calm manner is well received by children and parents alike.
Matthew says:
I enjoy working amongst a strong and positive team at MBL. I enjoy the challenge of complex ophthalmic conditions that overlap with neurological and systemic disease. Most of all, I enjoy the difference I can make to children’s vision that can last for the rest of their lives.
Orthoptist
Experience and qualifications:
Malissa joined MBL in 2020 and has over 20 years of clinical experience. She specialises in cataracts and has a Bachelor of Applied Science (Orthoptics).
Day-to-day at MBL:
Malissa is involved with patient screening and minor operations. Here she ensures patient comfort and understanding, as well as organising the set-up for these procedures. Following cataract surgery Malissa will review patients’ vision, pressure and healing, and ensure their understanding of post-op drop regimen, and other important post-operative care.
Malissa says:
I enjoy meeting new people and following the progression of patients. I find my role very rewarding when a patient presents with an ocular problem that can be treated, especially following cataract surgery. I work with a great team and love the variety of my role.
Orthoptist
Experience and qualifications:
Kara joined MBL in 2020 and has over 12 years of clinical experience, working with ophthalmologists with a wide range of specialties. She has a Bachelor of Orthoptic and Ophthalmic Sciences (Honours).
Day-to-day at MBL:
Kara is involved with patient screening and assists with procedures, post-operative checks, answering queries and helping to educate patients on their condition. She assists on common conditions as well as paediatric ophthalmology, glaucoma, ocular oncology, cataract surgery and general ophthalmology.
Kara says:
I enjoy working with a great team of people at MBL. Everyone is here to ensure things run as smoothly as possible and get the best outcomes for patients. I love being part of the patient’s journey, helping them understand their eye condition, and hearing how clear their vision is, and how brilliant colours are, after cataract surgery.
Ophthalmic Technician
Experience and qualifications:
Heidi has been with MBL since 2017 and has over 10 years of clinical experience.
She has a Bachelor of Science (Nutritional Human Sciences).
Day-to-day at MBL:
Heidi is involved with patient screening and the preparing and setting up of intravitreal injections. She assists Dr Roy van Eijden with Oculoplastics surgery, including blepharoplasties and removal of skin cancers, and also assists with administrative tasks to ensure the smooth running of the business.
Heidi says:
I work with a great team of professionals. I enjoy that we work at a solid pace all day, and have the backing of a knowledgeable and friendly team. I love the dynamic nature of the work and building rapport with our patients; making their experience at the clinic a friendly and familiar one.
Nurse Technician
Experience and qualifications:
Dave has been with MBL since 2014 and has over 15 years of clinical experience, including 7 years in a multidisciplinary glaucoma clinic. He is a Registered Nurse and has a Postgraduate Certificate in Ophthalmology.
Day-to-day at MBL:
Dave is involved with screening patients, assessing vision, taking a history, performing diagnostics, and assisting with minor procedures. Dave helps to guide patients through the clinic so the doctors have all the information they need, and assists with treatment plans when required.
Dave says:
I enjoy assisting people with vision-threatening conditions and guiding them through the diagnostic process to a good outcome. Patients are, understandably, quite often anxious about losing their vision, and it is rewarding to support them through the process, especially when their vision is restored.
Clinical Assistant
Experience and Qualifications:
Melissa started working at MBL in 2021 and holds a Certificate III in Assistant Nursing. She has a background of working in palliative care and over 10 years experience working in disability, aged care and with other vulnerable people.
Day to Day at MBL:
Melissa assists with the setup and preparation of intravitreal injections. She works with patients to ensure their comfort throughout this procedure as well as answering or following up on patient concerns and questions during this time. Melissa is training to assist in other areas of the clinic.
Melissa says:
I enjoy meeting and working with people from all walks of life and as a recipient of intravitreal injections I understand some of the concerns and experiences that patients may have. It is a real pleasure to be a part of MBL Eye Surgeons and I look forward to learning from such a wonderful and skilled team.
Administration
Our Administration staff are here to provide quality customer-centric service to all of our patients and doctors. On arrival, our Medical Receptionists will be the first to speak with you – with their many years of experience they will do their utmost to ensure that your visit with us goes smoothly as possible.
Knowledgeable, skilled, professional and welcoming, we are committed to providing the best experience for all of our patients.
Janine Laws
Senior Admin
Carolyn Virtue
Senior Admin
Danielle Marsters
Medical Scribe
Elizabeth
Receptionist
Belinda McPherson
Receptionist
Maya Dawson
Receptionist
Sarah Dudgeon
Receptionist
Rebecca Smith
Receptionist
Affiliated Health Organisations
