Meet Our Team

Ian Donald had a vision.

He was going to become a dentist. It seemed like a good plan, until his careers adviser gave him a brochure on optometry. It opened up a whole new world. The eye intrigued him. It fascinated him. Optometry captivated him. And so his whole focus changed.

Ian went on to do work experience in the very office he owns today. While studying Optometry at the prestigious UNSW, he spent hours working in that same office, doing all the things no one else wanted to do. Filing. Filing. Filing.

Learning, learning, learning. It’s part of who he is.

Even today he is constantly training and retraining, studying and staying up to date with the latest technology in eye health.

So what else energises Ian?

‘Riding my bike, being part of the community, and helping people see. It gives me the best feeling possible. We take it for granted, because we do it all day, every day. It’s such a gift to be able to give people peace of mind.’

His focus is as much on the child who is short sighted, and with eye-tracking problems, as the 90 year-old who needs their glasses adjusted so they can continue driving and maintain their independence.

It’s about quality care. And excellence in eye health.

Understanding the social and emotional needs of children’s eye health is also a speciality.

Ian Donald feels passionately about preventative eye health. About staying on top of current trends and about ensuring every single person who walks through the doors of Ian Donald Optometrist feels that same peace of mind when they leave.

Satisfaction is a driving force behind Ian Donald. He gets that from providing clinical excellence, family focused, reliable and positive outcomes for all patients.

Would he have made a good dentist? Probably. But he makes an even better optometrist, and that’s the main thing.

Eyes 1. Teeth 0.*

*We are in no way endorsing the importance of eyes over teeth.

Michael Kotow became fascinated with contact lenses after completing his Masters Degree in 1981. He had the privilege of working alongside Brian Holden, who became one of the leading researchers in contact lenses.

For a talented young optometrist with a passion for something new and exciting, this was an incredible environment to be in.

Fast-forward 31 years. Having recently left the corporate sector, Michael sat down with his old friend Ian Donald. Theirs was a long friendship built on trust, respect and mutual admiration. A tale of two strengths.

A proposal was made. ‘Work with me for two weeks,’ Ian said.

But Michael famously told Ian, ‘You don’t need me. I’ll ruin your business.’

Somehow he was talked into staying, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Helping people is what drives Michael Kotow.

Sometimes the simplest fix gives the most pleasure. It could be removing an eyelash that has turned in, or treating someone in the early stages of retinal detachment and being able to make a big difference. It’s so rewarding to help people.

Identifying issues, finding solutions, giving the right treatment, and saving vision. Actually, those are the key words. Saving vision. And giving patients the very best care possible. That’s what Michael does best.

And does he still have that passion for contact lenses?

Embarrassingly so. Have you seen the new multi-focal contact lenses? Come in and let him show you.

Contact us to learn more about how Ian Donald Optometrist can help your vision.

After completing his undergraduate degree in immunology at Sydney University, Dave Olver had no hesitation when deciding what his area of postgraduate study would be.

‘Because I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 10 I’ve always been intrigued by optometry, so I chose it as my postgraduate area of study. As soon as I commenced my optometry degree at Melbourne University I realised just how passionate I was about optometry.

‘I love that every day and every patient is unique, and I love the long term relationship we form as optometrists with our patients…our patients come back to see us year after year.

‘I’m just so happy I chose this path of study…optometry really is my natural fit.’

And it seems like the northern beaches is also a natural fit for Dave, even after many years of living, studying and working all around Australia.

‘I was born in South Africa but my family emigrated here when I was 7 and I grew up in Belrose.

Since then, I’ve lived in many different parts of Australia, studying optometry in Melbourne, followed by work in the north-west of Tasmania, Port Headland in WA, and Forster, in the mid north Coast region of NSW, before finally returning to Sydney last year.

‘I just love living in Sydney, especially the northern beaches, and that’s what drew me back.’

Dave brings a unique skill set to Ian Donald, as well as a special interest in Ortho K.

‘I’m qualified to prescribe therapeutic endorsements, such as antibiotics, steroids, glaucoma medication and anti inflammatories to treat conditions such as red or painful eyes, conjunctivitis, etc, which means our patients no longer need to go to a doctor to obtain these scripts. And I also have a special interest in Ortho K because I wear Ortho K myself.’

Dave believes Ian Donald Optometrist is a very special practice, quite unlike any place he’s ever worked at before.

‘There’s a continuity of care here that’s unique and was already apparent after just a few weeks of working here. Some of our patients have even been coming here for over 50 years. I’m enjoying getting to know all of our patients, the wide variety of work, and just love how efficient and welcoming the entire team is, really helping me fit in.’

When Dave’s not at work he’s a keen beach person who enjoys ocean swimming and surfing, watching the Sydney Swans and the occasional round of golf.

So even though he’s only recently returned to the northern beaches, you really could call Dave a local!

Sean Castleman can still remember what he was wearing on his first day at Ian Donald Optometrist, 35 years ago.

It says a lot about the kind of man he is, and the way he feels about his job.

‘I love what I do. Helping people choose frames and feeling good when they leave. I get enormous satisfaction from it.’

When people are prescribed glasses or lenses, particularly for the first time, many aren’t sure what suits them. They need guidance, and that’s what Sean provides. Guidance and expertise.

Because besides the experience gained from 35 years in the business, Sean is a fully qualified, licensed Optical Dispenser, a title he is proud of.

‘Our industry has been deregulated, so we pride ourselves on having experienced, qualified dispensers to offer our patients quality service,’ Sean says.

Sean also manages stock control at the practice. Ian Donald Optometrist fits lenses at their on-site laboratory, where most places send them away. This allows them to deliver to their patients in a much shorter time.

When he’s not fitting glasses and lenses, Manly local Sean can often be found at the local soccer pitch. We’re sure he has no trouble seeing the ball!

‘Our service is our brand, our point of difference.’

Marianne Heller is a problem solver. And a qualified one at that.

A 3 ½ year apprenticeship in Germany followed by 16 years in the industry there didn’t dull her passion for helping customers find exactly the right pair of glasses.

For 25 years at Ian Donald Optometrist, she’s been solving issues and ensuring people choose exactly what they need, based on their lifestyle and other factors.

‘I love how a simple thing such as knowing how to properly adjust a patient’s frames can give an instant fix to a big problem – it’s instantly rewarding and very gratifying.’

Marianne also loves the community aspect of the practice.

‘When I’m out and about in Manly, I run into happy clients all the time, and we have a chat. Working Saturdays at the practice is a real social club – customers pop in for a chat and to say hi as they’re walking past.’

Building relationships and trust. It’s what she does best.

So Marianne’s expertise, experience and knowledge sets her apart. But what does she think is the key to a successful practice?

‘The level of service we provide is our brand, and our point of difference.’

Jennifer is a fully qualified optometrist with extensive experience in large optometry practices in her native Estonia. She migrated to Australia in 2017, wanting to step out of her comfort zone and challenge herself to experience more of the world and create adventures and lasting memories.

Luckily for Ian Donald Optometrist, Jennifer landed in Sydney and has become an integral part of the team. Her role as an optical dispenser/optician brings her into close contact with our customers. Her keen eye for style and keeping a close watch on the latest trends in eyewear make her the go-to person for customers seeking to enhance their look or try something new and daring.

Away from the practice, Jennifer is a keen traveller, an avid reader, and has a passion for trying and experimenting with new culinary ideas.

Regarding outstanding service levels and the best advice on what glasses suit you, Heidi ticks the boxes. She has been the anchor at Ian Donald Optometrist for over three decades.

Her sincere love for the people and her passion for the changing fashion in glasses keep our customers returning to Ian Donald Optometrist. Heidi delivers the highest quality of service and is an adept multitasker, handling everything from fashion advice, assisting the optometrists, supporting the optical dispensers, dealing with IT issues and answering phone inquiries. Her experience and positive nature make customers feel comfortable and confident in their choices.

Heidi’s role at Ian Donald Optometrist still energises her and she loves to feel part of the team. As a long-time Northern Beaches local, she has serviced multiple generations of customers. This connection to the local community keeps her motivated and enthusiastic each day.

There’s a loyalty among the staff at Ian Donald Optometry that doesn’t exist in most places. Part time Receptionist/Bookkeeper Tracy Ward is a great example of this. She started working there 43 years ago when she was 17. Of course she had a few years off to have children, but it’s been 30 years since she returned to work after having her daughter.

Tracy lives locally and loves being part of the team, and part of the wider community. Originally employed by Wallaby legend Rob Heming, she knows and has serviced generations of families in the Manly community. Tracy strives for a good work/life balance, and is grateful for a team who were flexible with her hours when she was the parent of a young child.

And when she’s not at work, she loves spending time with her grandson!

Meet Katarina, our versatile optical aficionado, expertly managing dispensary, reception and pretesting responsibilities. With an ACOD qualification and over a decade of industry experience, she delights in uncovering the stories behind people’s eyewear choices.

While she doesn’t mind technical tasks like cutting glasses, Katarina’s true passion is ensuring each patient selects the perfect frames.

Katarina loves working at Ian Donald because every day is different, which is exciting, and she appreciates being part of such a great team.

Outside of work, Katarina is a devoted mother of two who enjoys running, yoga and spending time in nature. Plus, she’s a big fan of the beach lifestyle.

Scott has spent over 30 years immersed in optics, beginning as a laboratory technician before advancing to dispensing. His diverse experience includes roles in both wholesale and retail, with stints at leading ophthalmic and contact lens manufacturers.

Having worked on both sides of the globe, from Australia to the UK, Scott brings a wealth of international insight to his craft.

Scott combines clinical precision with a sense of style, helping clients find eyewear that enhances vision and aesthetics. He enjoys the vibrant, professional atmosphere of Saturdays at Ian Donald and is dedicated to maintaining a world-class clinical and retail environment.

Outside of work, Scott is a creative spirit with a passion for filmmaking, painting and writing. Here’s a fun fact: Scott has proudly been an Ian Donald Optometrist team member in Manly for over a decade.

When Josh became a glasses-wearer, he wasn’t satisfied with his options. Eventually, he found a store with fashionable frames and finally had a pair he truly liked. This led him to consider the optical industry as a potential career path.

With a certificate in optical dispensing and nearly nine years of industry experience, including almost two years at Ian Donald, Josh finds immense satisfaction in his career. He enjoys every aspect of the role, from frame styling to troubleshooting various issues and vision adjustments.

Josh values working alongside colleagues with decades of experience, which aids in his growth and improvement. He also likes being part of an independent practice with a longstanding reputation and a wide selection of fashionable frames.

When he’s not at work, Josh loves exercise of all kinds, reading, video games and spending time on the beach.