MEET YOUR OPTOMETRISTS
Stuart Holden
Originally from the Adelaide Hills, Stuart has been a practising optometrist for 23 years. His interest in science compelled him to begin his studies in botany and zoology at the University of Adelaide, where he completed a Bachelor of Science degree. Finding himself drawn to the field of optometry, he went to Brisbane to study at Queensland University of Technology, graduating in 2001. He has practised in both Australia and Canada. Outside of work, you can find Stuart spending time with his wife Rachel and their children, enjoying a run, playing tennis and honing his photography skills.
Rachel Holden
A Canadian by origin, Rachel began her optometry education at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, where she completed an Honours Science degree. She moved to Australia to continue her studies, attending the Victorian College of Optometry at the University of Melbourne. She graduated the optometry program in 2002, and has practised in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Rachel met her husband Stuart when they worked together at the same optometry practice in Adelaide. She moonlights as a stand-up comedian and comedy writer and has appeared in televised comedy events in both Australia and Canada and has won numerous awards for her comedic talents.
THE TEAM
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Louise has been an optical dispenser for 11 years and has been with Design Eyewear since the beginning of 2022. She loves colourful, unique frames and she's always adding to her own collection. Outside of work, Louise is passionate about rescue dogs and loves spending time with Ceilidh, her own beloved pup. She also loves reading and will happily accept book recommendations!
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With 6 years of optical experience, Carlene continuously seeks new challenges and learning opportunities. Originally from New Zealand, she made the move to Adelaide in September 2023 and has been enjoying the beautiful weather in South Australia ever since. On weekends, she enjoys exploring Adelaide’s dynamic food scene, always eager to try out new restaurants and discover local culinary delights.
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Sans has been with Design Eyewear for over 25 years (She's literally part of the furniture!). She started as the bookkeeper but moved to a dispensing role in 2019. Sans is a social butterfly and enjoys spending quality time with our customers to find the perfect frame. Sans relaxes by indulging her love of art, regularly working on both watercolour and oil creations.
The History of Design Eyewear
Design Eyewear has established itself as a premier boutique optometry practice in Adelaide, Australia since its founding. Beginning as a small specialty shop founded by a passionate optometrist who saw a gap in the market for design- focused eyewear with professional eye care, the practice quickly gained recognition for curating collections from international designers while providing comprehensive optometric services.
In 1998, Ken Chenery purchased Design Eyewear and relocated his Prospect Road practice to the Adelaide CBD, where he consulted until his retirement in 2024 after an impressive 50-year career in optometry. The practice's legacy continued when husband and wife team, Stuart and Rachel Holden, purchased Design Eyewear in 2017, further building upon its reputation for outstanding service and personalised eye care.
Over the years, the practice expanded its offerings while maintaining its boutique approach, introducing advanced diagnostic equipment and specialized services. Design Eyewear became known for its personalized attention, with staff taking time to understand each client's vision needs and style preferences.
The practice has built a loyal clientele through its winning combination of fashion- forward frame selection, clinical expertise, and exceptional customer service. Today, Design Eyewear continues to be at the forefront of optical fashion and technology in Adelaide, bringing the latest eyewear innovations and eye care advancements to its community.
WHY CHOOSE
DESIGN EYEWEAR
Design Eyewear is an independently owned boutique optometry practice in the Adelaide CBD specialising in distinctive frame lines. We don’t just want to sell people glasses, we want to find the frame that expresses their unique style and personality.
We bring an unparalleled eyewear experience to our patients through distinctive frame lines, the highest innovation of lenses and superb personal service that exceeds expectations.