Retired Optometrist Hands Business To New Set Of Eyes

Respected local optometrist Terry Duffy has retired after decades serving the Sandgate community in eye health.

Sandgate Optical has been in the Duffy family since 1948, but last year was taken on by a new family, Geoff and Sarah Grounds, marking the end of an era.

Terry’s father James “Jim” Duffy established the business, the first optometry practice outside the Brisbane CBD.

“This was just after WW2 when premises were difficult to obtain,” Terry said. “Sandgate and the surrounding suburbs were flourishing. In the fifties as the city expanded and cars and roads improved, this popular holiday destination changed to an honest, hard-working family area.”

Terry began work experience as a schoolboy in the sixties before training as an optometrist. He took over the practice in the seventies when his father retired, and continued working until his own retirement.

Terry met Geoff at an optometry conference a few years ago, in what would prove to be a fortuitous encounter. Nundah resident Geoff rang Terry looking for work last February, and bought the business in July.

“Terry tells me his father lived in Nundah when he set up the shop at Sandgate, so I feel like that’s a little bit of history repeating,” Geoff said.

Geoff graduated from optometry in 1999 and has worked in Warwick, greater Brisbane and Caboolture.

“Terry had a very loyal clientele that I am planning on winning over with my wit and charm,” he said.

“I enjoy optometry and the problem-solving aspect can sometimes be a bit like detective work, which keeps it interesting. Unlike Terry, I am unable to converse on the topic of sailboats, and this has been pointed out to me a few times already.”

Another new face is store manager Paul Smith, a Bracken Ridge local who brings more than 30 years of optical experience to the role. Terry’s existing team also remains on board.

“I wish to thank the local community for their kind support over the years,” Terry said. “It has been a rich and unforgettable experience and I wish the very best to all.”

Terry plans to spend his retirement enjoying nature, the sea and boats.