ABOUT US
A HISTORY OF CLINICAL EXCELLENCE.
Providing expert clinical care and advice, Mortimer Hirst continues the tradition of being a leading independent practice in New Zealand specialising in clinical Eyecare, contact lenses and handpicked Eyewear collections.
Mortimer Hirst Optometrist, over the decades of service has significantly impacted both the local and global optometry clinical landscape. As New Zealand's first registered optometry practice, it set a precedent for professional standards and advanced eye care in the region. Mortimer Hirst has continued to remain on the leading edge with state-of-the-art technology and the highest calibre expertise.
The practice quickly became renowned for its commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and patient-centered care. Established in 1951, Mortimer Hirst is still located in the same premises as when it first opened, the fashionable 9 High St, Auckland CBD. The late Douglas Mortimer and Eugene Hirst formed the partnership and with their individual expertise they proved to be very unique in the world of optometry. Beyond the original founder the Mortimer Hirst brand has maintained world-class excellence, while expanding to four Auckland locations.
Mortimer Hirst has been instrumental in the development, manufacturing and fitting of contact lenses in New Zealand, fitting them since the 1950’s and manufacturing both hard and soft contact lenses onsite. The onsite contact lens manufacturing laboratory occupied three floors of the 9 High Street building until 1978.
Locally, Mortimer Hirst introduced several pioneering services and technologies, including the first contact lens fitting service in New Zealand. This innovation provided a new avenue for vision correction, broadening the scope of optometric care available to patients. The practice's emphasis on continuing education and clinical research has influenced numerous optometrists, setting high standards within the profession.
Globally, Mortimer Hirst has contributed to the optometry field through its involvement in international conferences, publications, and collaborations with leading optometric institutions.
The practice's dedication to clinical research has yielded insights into contact lens technology, ocular diseases, and vision therapy, which have been shared worldwide.
Its practitioners have often been at the forefront of adopting and refining new diagnostic tools and treatments, contributing to global advancements in optometry.
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Grant Watters is still actively involved with the Auckland University of Optometry conducting research, continuing education and examining Optometry students. Mortimer Hirst was chosen as the first practice for external training and education for Optometry students outside of Auckland University.
To this day Mortimer Hirst maintains an onsite contact lens laboratory, eyewear laboratory for repairs or replacement prescription glasses or sunglasses and an extensive in house stock of disposable contact lenses to provide a fast, efficient and convenient service.
Mortimer Hirst’s highly experienced and qualified buying team are constantly sourcing the most innovative and exciting new ranges to work with, often from obscure and little known fashion houses as well as established international brands, some of which are exclusive to Mortimer Hirst in New Zealand.
Mortimer Hirst continues to successfully blend world class Eyecare with the very latest fashion Eyewear. Through its unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence, Mortimer Hirst Optometrist has left an indelible mark on the optometry profession, both in New Zealand and internationally.