Caring Professionals.
The Eyesite optometric practice is led by passionate professionals who are dedicated to helping people of all ages reach their visual potential.
We offer vision assessments for infants, children and adults with the primary focus being to identify any unmet visual needs a person may have and offer the appropriate treatment.
Our optometrists, Melissa Allen and Amy Pham understand that vision develops and is a whole body action system. They are committed to keeping up to date with the latest clinical research and education in vision care.
Melissa Allen
Behavioural Optometrist
Melissa is the founder and practice owner of The Eyesite Caringbah, bringing over 35 years of experience as an Optometrist practising in behavioural vision care. Melissa’s extensive expertise allows her to provide exceptional, personalised care to every patient who walks through the door.
She has a deep understanding of the importance of early detection and intervention for visual dysfunctions, recognising the profound impact that timely care can have on a person’s learning, development, and quality of life.
Melissa has a genuine passion for working with children and adults with additional needs. She values the opportunity to collaborate closely with allied and medical health professionals, ensuring her patients receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible.
Amy Pham
Optometrist
Amy is a graduate from the University of New South Wales and is therapeutically qualified to prescribe medicines.
Amy is passionate about taking the time to listen and understand her patient's individual needs in order to help them in the best way possible.
She is dedicated to enriching her own personal education for the benefit of her patients. Her areas of special interest include behavioural vision care, dry eye disease, orthokeratology and paediatrics as she enjoys working with children.
Zeinab Fakih
Optometrist
Zeinab graduated from the University of New South Wales and is therapeutically endorsed. Having worked across a variety of clinical settings, she brings a hands-on, practical approach to care, always aiming to make patients feel supported and understood.
Zeinab is passionate about the role vision plays in daily life, and takes pride in tailoring solutions to meet each patient’s unique needs.
Zeinab has a keen interest in ocular pathology, dry eye management, and children’s vision. Translating the latest research into practical strategies that make a real difference for her patients.
Jodie Bennett
Optical Dispenser
Jodie is a highly experienced Optical Dispenser with over 35 years in the industry. As Practice Manager, Jodie ensures the smooth day-to-day running of the clinic and overseeing all eyewear selection for the practice, curating frame styles, brands, and designs to combine style, quality, and patient appeal.
Her strong knowledge of lenses and frames enables her to provide tailored advice to suit each patient’s vision needs and lifestyle, with a focus on effective, up-to-date solutions.
With a keen eye for fashion, Jodie enjoys helping patients choose eyewear that enhances both their vision and personal style, delivering options that are practical and visually appealing.
Rachael Chambers
Vision Therapist
Rachael joined The Eyesite Caringbah in 2016 after seeing firsthand the positive impact vision therapy had on her own daughter. This personal experience inspired her passion for helping others benefit from the same life-changing support.
She has since completed a Certificate in Vision Therapy, along with further study in Neuro Developmental Theory through the Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology, strengthening her knowledge and clinical approach.
With a background in teaching, Rachael has a strong commitment to helping children reach their full potential, making vision therapy a natural extension of her work. She also has a special interest in supporting individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injury.
Melissa Connolly
Vision Therapist
Melissa developed a passion for supporting children and adults with social, emotional, physical, and developmental challenges through her work as a rehabilitation counsellor.
Her journey into vision therapy began when one of her own children was recommended treatment. Inspired by the results, she joined the Eyesite Caringbah team and became an accredited Vision Therapist in 2017. She further enhanced her expertise in 2020, earning certification in the Focus System and becoming a qualified practitioner of the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP).
Combining her professional experience with her calm, engaging approach, Melissa helps patients achieve positive, meaningful outcomes through vision therapy.
Sara Lahay
Vision Therapist
Sara Lahay is a Senior Vision Therapist at The Eyesite Caringbah. She earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, in 2014 and began her career in vision therapy soon after. In 2016, she completed her certification through the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, becoming a Certified Optometric Vision Therapist (COVT).
In 2019, Sara relocated to Australia and joined The Eyesite team, bringing her expertise and passion for vision therapy to her patients.
Sara continued to expand her skills, completing a certificate with the Institute for Neuro Physiological Psychology (INPP) in 2020, further enhancing her ability to support patients with a range of visual and developmental needs.
Kat Pritchard
Vision Therapist
Lauren Hoggett
Optical Dispenser
Lauren has been a part of the Eyesite team since 2018, serving as the welcoming face of our front-of-house experience. As both our receptionist and Optical Dispenser, she is often your first point of contact, ensuring every patient feels comfortable, informed, and cared for from the moment they connect with us.
With a wealth of experience and a keen eye for detail, Lauren is dedicated to guiding patients through every step of their journey. From appointments and handling enquiries to assisting with frame selection, she brings a thoughtful, personalised approach to each interaction, making the process seamless and enjoyable.