Local Eyes Optometrists is proudly owned and operated by Mackay locals Kelly Menzies and Rebecca Vella.

Experienced team of local eye care professionals

Our vision is to provide full-scope professional optometry services to the local community.

A woman with dark hair in a half-up style, wearing black glasses, a dark short-sleeved blouse with a keyhole neckline, and light blue pants with a brown belt, standing in front of a display of eyeglasses.

Kelly Menzies

Owner and Optometrist

  • Bachelor of Optometry, Honours (QUT)
    Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision
    Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics
    Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Credentialed Optometrist

  • Kelly has been working in the optical industry since 2005, starting out as an optical dispenser while studying at university. In 2008, Kelly graduated her Optometry degree at QUT with honours. Since that time she has worked as a fully qualified optometrist in Townsville, Swan Hill, and for the last 8 years, in her hometown of Mackay. Kelly has built a reputation for being professional, caring, and competent, and is well respected by both her colleagues and patients.

    Outside of the practice, Kelly loves cooking and spending time with her husband, two young (and active) boys.

  • Email | kelly@localeyesoptom.com.au

A woman with shoulder-length wavy hair, wearing a blue dress and a gold chain necklace, standing inside an eyewear store with shelves of glasses in the background.

Kylie Freiberg

Optometrist

  • Bachelor Of Optometry, Honours (QUT)

    Advanced Certificate in Children’s Vision

    Advanced Certificate in Contact Lens Fitting

    Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics

    Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Credentialed Optometrist

  • Kylie is an experienced optometrist who thoroughly enjoys practising full-scope optometry.  Having graduated from QUT with first-class honours in 2002, Kylie has completed post-graduate studies in ocular therapeutics, paediatric eyecare, and advanced contact lens fittings.  She is also a CASA credentialed optometrist.  Kylie is passionate about providing excellent eyecare and achieving the optimal outcome for her patients.

    Outside of work, Kylie loves to spend time with her husband and three sons, and is actively involved in her sons' soccer and futsal teams.  She also enjoys running, reading and baking.

  • Email | kylie@localeyesoptom.com.au

A woman with wavy red hair wearing glasses, a navy blue shirt with a logo that says 'local eyes optometrists,' a name tag, a watch, and a bracelet, standing inside an eyewear store with multiple pairs of glasses displayed in the background.

Soraya

Optical Dispenser

  • Soraya started at Local Eyes Optometrists as a dispenser in 2025. With a passion for colour theory and anatomy she has a natural eye for pairing the perfect frames with individual features, skin tones, and personal style. She is dedicated to building strong relationships with patients and finding the perfect frame to match their style, needs, and lifestyle. Soraya understands from personal experience that medical settings can be challenging for some and aims to make patients feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

  • Email | reception@localeyesoptom.com.au

A smiling woman with blonde hair and glasses standing in an eyewear shop, wearing a dark blue dress with a badge that reads 'Practice Manager' and the logo 'Localeyes Optometrists' on it, with a display of sunglasses in the background.

Rebecca Vella

Owner and Practice Manager

  • A Mackay local, working as an optical dispenser since 2001, Rebecca has over 20 years experience in the optical industry. With that, comes invaluable knowledge regarding optical and sunglass frames, lens materials and designs. Rebecca has a special interest in dispensing complex prescriptions, adjustments, frame repairs, and assisting patients with contact lens insertion, removal and care. With a genuine interest in advances within the optical industry, Rebecca is always looking for opportunities to further her knowledge and skills. Her professionalism and outstanding customer service builds strong relationships with both patients and suppliers.

    On the weekends Rebecca spends time with her husband Mick, and two teenage daughters on their cane farm 30km west of Mackay.

  • Email | admin@localeyesoptom.com.au

A woman with glasses and shoulder-length brown hair smiling in an optometry store. She is wearing a navy blue uniform with a name tag that reads 'Optical Assistant' and a logo that says 'localeyes Optometrists.' In the background, there is a display of many eyeglasses on a white wall.

Ros

Optical Dispenser

  • With 17 years of experience, Ros is passionate about helping patients find the perfect eyewear to suit their prescription, lifestyle, and personal style. Ros loves being part of the Local Eyes team and supporting our optometrists to make every visit a smooth and enjoyable one.

    Outside of work, Ros enjoys spending quality time with her family, sharing good food and good wine with friends, and making the most of simple moments with the people she loves.

  • Email | reception@localeyesoptom.com.au

A young woman with wavy light brown hair, smiling, standing in an eyewear store with a blurred background of eyeglasses on display.

Natasha Westcott

Optometrist

  • Bachelor of Vision Science with Distinction (QUT)

    Master of Optometry with Distinction (QUT)

  • Natasha (Tash) was born and raised in Mackay on her family’s sugar cane farm. She started working in the optical industry as an optical dispenser while studying. After graduating from the Bachelor of Vision Science and Master of Optometry with distinction at QUT in 2021, she returned to Mackay. She enjoys all aspects of optometric care, especially building strong relationships with her patients and providing them with the highest quality care.

     

    Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and two beautiful blue cattle dogs.

  • Email | natasha@localeyesoptom.com.au

A smiling woman with dark hair wearing a navy blue uniform with a name tag and the logo 'Local Eyes Optometrists' stands inside an eyewear store with displays of eyeglasses behind her.

Tara

Optical Dispenser

  • Tara joined the Local Eyes team in 2025 bringing with her valuable experience from her time in the optical industry. She is drawn to independent optometry because of the focus on long-term patient care and clinical excellence. Tara takes pride in getting to know each patient and providing service that goes above and beyond expectations.

  • Email | reception@localeyesoptom.com.au

Experience for yourself our beautiful practice, amazing customer service, and highly qualified eye care advice.

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More about our practice on our blog Insight

Insight Blog
VisuReal Master
OUR SERVICES
VisuReal Master
OUR SERVICES

We’re excited to now offer the HOYA VisuReal digital eyewear measurement system in our practice — a cutting-edge tool that captures precise, personalised fitting data for your lenses using advanced camera technology. By tailoring every measurement to your individual frame position and visual needs, VisuReal helps deliver sharper, more comfortable vision and a smoother adaptation to new glasses. It’s all part of our commitment to combining expert care with innovative technology to give you the best possible visual experience.

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Myopia Control
OUR SERVICES
Myopia Control
OUR SERVICES

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common childhood vision problem. Often progressing as children grow, myopia increases the risk of serious eye conditions later in life. Learn about the causes of myopia, key risk factors, why early myopia control is crucial, and the latest treatment options including MiSight® contact lenses, Miyosmart glasses, Ortho-K, and atropine eye drops. Discover how axial length measurements help track eye growth - and what parents can do today to protect their child’s future vision. Book your Myopia Control Assessment today!

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Prescription safety glasses don’t need to be boring!
OUR RANGE
Prescription safety glasses don’t need to be boring!
OUR RANGE

Whether you are an individual or a large company, Local Eyes Optometrists can cater for all your prescription safety glasses needs. With a huge range of frames in different shapes, sizes and colours from brands such as Bolle, Safestyle, and Ugly Fish, your workplace has never been clearer (or more stylish)!

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OUR RANGE