AFTER 48 years of serving the West Wyalong and Forbes communities, Bland Shire Councillor and local optometrist, Tony Lord is hanging up his optometry instruments and stepping into retirement.
Along with his business partner, Phillip Wells, Tony is selling their optometry businesses in West Wyalong and Forbes to Graham Shipway of Western Australia, bringing a close to an era of dedication, care, and unwavering commitment to the region’s eye health.
Tony’s journey began in 1976, shortly after graduating from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 1974. Having married his wife and spent some time overseas, Tony returned to his hometown of West Wyalong with a fresh sense of purpose. It was there and Forbes that he and Phillip opened their first practices together, a partnership that would span decades, leading to the eventual ownership of businesses in Temora and Lake Cargelligo as well.
“I remember when Phillip and I started out in the mid-70s (1976). Optometry was very different back then,” Tony reflected.
“Technology has advanced, and there have been many changes in the profession, but the essence of what we do remains the same: helping people see better and improving their quality of life.”
A Career Built on Community and Care
Tony’s optometry journey has always been about more than just providing a service; it’s about making a difference in the lives of those he’s served. Whether it was fitting a pair of glasses for a young child or offering advice to a senior citizen about managing their eye health, Tony took pride in being a trusted figure in the community. His work, he says, was always about relationships, not just prescriptions.
“I’ve always loved being an optometrist,” he shared.
“It’s an interesting profession, and I’ve been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people over the years. Every day was different, and every person brought a new challenge. It’s what kept me excited about going to work each day.”
Tony’s commitment to his craft and his community extended far beyond his practice. He served on the NSW and Australian Optometry boards, was a life member of the NSW Optometry Association, and dedicated over 20 years to advocating for the profession. It’s clear that Tony’s passion for optometry wasn’t just about what he did in his practice, but also about shaping the future of the profession for others who would follow in his footsteps.
“I always tried to treat people equally, and I took a very individual approach to care,” Tony said.
“The field has changed so much with technology, and it’s been an exciting journey to see how optometry has evolved.”
A New Chapter: Retirement and the Road Ahead
Now, as Tony prepares to hand over the reins of his practices, he’s looking forward to what lies ahead in his personal life. While he plans to stay in West Wyalong, Tony is eager to spend more time traveling, exploring local history, and visiting his grandchildren. A self-proclaimed history enthusiast, he plans to dive deeper into researching the local area and its rich past.
“It’s been an incredible 48 years, but I’m looking forward to a change of pace,” Tony said. “I’ve always been involved in the community, and I plan to continue doing that in different ways, whether it’s through local history research, council or helping others in whatever way I can.”
Tony, who has also served as a Bland Shire Councillor, has been a long-time advocate for his community, and it’s clear that his commitment to West Wyalong hasn’t wavered. Even as he transitions out of optometry, Tony is committed to helping Graham Shipway settle into the practice, ensuring a smooth transition for his long-time patients and staff.
From Gubbata to West Wyalong
Born in Gubbata, just outside Rankins Springs, Tony’s roots run deep in the region. The family moved to town when Tony and his siblings were young, so they could access better schooling, and it wasn’t long before Tony’s father encouraged him to pursue a trade — a piece of advice that led him to optometry.
“I had two siblings, and my dad always said, ‘You need to learn a trade,’” Tony recalled with a smile.
“I’m not sure if he envisioned me becoming an optometrist, but I guess it worked out pretty well!”
Tony’s involvement in his community didn’t stop at optometry. He’s long been a fixture at local events, supporting various causes and always willing to lend a helping hand. His dedication to the town, his profession, and the people he serves is truly something to be admired.
A 50-Year Milestone
Last year, Tony had the opportunity to celebrate his 50th UNSW graduation reunion — a testament to his long and successful career. Looking back at his time in optometry, he reflects on the progress the industry has made, particularly in terms of technology, and the joy he’s found in his work.
“I still haven’t found a cure for the infamous ‘beer goggles,’ though,” Tony chuckled.
“But my advice to those experiencing them is always the same: drink less, or not at all!”
A Retirement Well Earned
Tony Lord’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in West Wyalong’s history. From his start in the mid-1970s to his numerous contributions to the field of optometry, Tony has left an indelible mark on the community he loves. Though his professional life is winding down, his commitment to helping others — whether through optometry or local history — will undoubtedly continue to shape the town for years to come.
“I’ve been so fortunate to have worked in a profession that I love, in a community that has supported me all these years,” Tony said.
“Now, it’s time to focus on some new adventures. I look forward to what comes next, but I’ll always be grateful for my time in optometry.”
Congratulations, Tony — a well-earned retirement, and a legacy of care and commitment that will be remembered for many years to come.
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