
OUR STORY
On 23rd March 1985 Ian opened the practice only a few doors up at 19 Gymea Bay Rd. With no receptionist, a fully operational lens fitting laboratory in the back of the practice and state of the art testing equipment for the time he was ready to begin practicing. Ian quickly made his mark in Gymea with his caring and selfless approach to Optometry which continues to this day.
Since then fashions have changed, new designers have come and gone and technology has come leaps and bounds. When you enter the practice today you will notice some things have remained from the early days of practice like the handmade frog and dog kids frame displays made by Ian’s sister in law and the cabinet of old spectacles and equipment. You will also notice the new state of the art OCT machine and Rodenstock Impressionist tool which allows us to provide you with the most comprehensive eye exams and use the most state of the art lens designs available through Rodenstock completely tailored to your individual needs.

IAN CLEAVER- OPTOMETRIST
The man, the myth, the legend
With over 30 years experience Ian has seen generations of patients come through the practice. He has built an outstanding reputation within the community for his exceptional patient care and service. Within a very competitive optical market Ian has remained busy due to his integrity, honesty and level of patient care. This is the foundation of independent practice.
Following on with the same ethos Ian's son Brenton has stepped in to manage the practice to continue serving the local community for years to come.

LEILEI ZHOU
Optometrist extrodinaire
Leilei graduated from the University of Auckland – New Zealand with a Bachelor of Optometry (Honours) degree. She has received academic awards at University in Optics and Research and is therapeutically endorsed to prescribe scheduled medicines. She has practiced in the beautiful South Island of New Zealand and in the quirky suburb of Newtown in Sydney. Leilei is passionate about eyecare, especially remote Optometry and has volunteered on an Outreach to Vanuatu and enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of that amazing country. Leilei is easy going, positive and always willing to help.

BRENTON CLEAVER
Practice manager, lens guru and Ian Junior
Brenton is a Qualified Optical dispenser who has been working in the optical industry since 2003. With five of those years spent working in Sydney’s high fashion CBD in both private and corporate practice giving him a well rounded understanding of the industry.
In this time he has researched and had experience with many different frame and lens designers. This experience has given him an excellent understanding of the workings of these lenses to provide you with the best possible result for your new spectacles or sunglasses. He always has his eye out (pardon the pun) for new and exciting designs to add to the selection in the practice.
Being unmistakably and unashamedly Ians son Brenton follows in Ians footsteps doing all he can for his clients to make sure they always look and see their best. Unfortunately Ian’s sense of humour has also been passed down and will continue in the practice for many years to come.

STEPHANIE MICO
Optical Dispenser on the road to greatness
Stephanie is our second Qualified Optical dispenser who finished her studies in 2018. Stephanie has previously been working in Sydneys trendy Bondi area and has experience with some of the worlds highest quality optical designers. With a passion for design Stephanie’s eye for detail will help make sure you get the perfect fitting and most stylish new pair of glasses or sunglasses.

JAN BALMFORTH
Receptionist, mediator and survivor
Jan has worked at Ian Cleaver Optometrist for over 10 years applying her skills to a variety of tasks. She prides herself on exceptional customer service and provides invaluable experience in helping you select the perfect frame for your face. If she can manage both Ian and Brenton at the same time there is nothing our Jan can't do.