Fiordland Eyecare’s former owners Daryl Parkes and Pirjo Saastamoinen-Parkes

Matthews Eyewear Eyecare has acquired Fiordland Eyecare, with Fiordland’s Te Anau and Invercargill clinics continuing to trade as Southland Eyecare.

The acquisition is part of Matthews’ strategy to preserve integrity in the optical industry by growing its community of independent practices providing excellence in eyecare and eyewear, wrote CEO Michael Cochrane, announcing the news. Staff employed by Fiordland Eyecare will transfer to Matthews Eyecare, he said. “We are also pleased to say that Daryl Parkes and Pirjo Saastamoinen-Parkes, owners of Fiordland Eyecare, will remain with the business beyond the transition.”

This latest purchase takes Matthews to a total of 21 practices in New Zealand, including joint ventures, 11 of which are South Island-based.