History

An acknowledgement of our founders, David and Dawn Sercombe.

 
Sercombe and Matheson Opticians owes its existence to dispensing optician David Sercombe and his wife Dawn.  David began his optical dispensing business in 1970 at what was then the NAC building at 70 The Terrace. The business grew and Dawn soon became involved in administration and frame buying. The Sercombe's son Roger (now a director of the company) came to work for them in the late 1980's and qualified as a dispensing optician in 1991.

David employed his first optometrist in 1989 and the business began its transition from spectacle dispensing to full-scope optometry. The move to  29 The Terrace in 2001 completed that transition.  A partnership (Sercombe and Matheson Opticians) including son Roger and optometrist Anne Matheson was formed in 1998 and it became a limited liability company in 2005. The company opened a branch practice in Molesworth Street in 2018 and The Terrace practice moved to 108 Featherston Street in 2019.

During his time at work David made great contributions to the optical profession  - he was a member of the Opticians Board for nine years (deputy chair for two) and he was an examiner for dispensing opticians' qualifying exams. Always an early adopter, he ensured the business was one of the first in New Zealand to use the optometry practice management software Vision, and he reserved the opticians.co.nz web address. He retired in 2001 and now applies his considerable talents and energy to the Karori Golf Club, the Karori Rotary Club and his grandchildren.

In collaboration with our architect, Dawn was the brains and inspiration behind the Terrace practice's design. Her love of colour and good design was the basis of Sercombe and Matheson's emphasis on quality European glasses frames. Dawn was always a very caring employer and we aim to continue her good work. Dawn retired from her role as practice manager in  April 2011 and is now concentrating on tango and some good books.

David and Dawn built their business on good service and personal attention to their customer's visual needs. We aim to continue their good work.