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OUR SPECIALISTS
OUR SPECIALISTS
OUR SPECIALISTS: COVELLO
DR ALBIE COVELLO
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Dr Albie Covello (MB ChB 2009 Otago; FRANZCO 2019) is a New Zealand and internationally trained Ophthalmologist. Having grown up in Taranaki, Albie is proud to have returned home with his family to provide high quality care to the Taranaki region and beyond. After finishing his ophthalmology training through the University of Otago, Albie moved to Canada to complete a fellowship in corneal transplantation and complicated cataract surgery at the University of British Columbia. Alongside his general ophthalmology practice, Albie is trained in all forms of corneal transplantation including DMEK, DSAEK, DALK and PKP along with complicated cataract surgery and refractive surgery. Albie enjoys teaching and is involved in training future surgeons through the Microsurgical Skills Course run through the University of Sydney and the University of Otago. Albie is known for his professionalism, kind bedside manner and thorough approach to all consultations.
Simon
DR SIMON NICHOLAS
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Dr Simon Nicholas (MB ChB Otago 1998; FRANZCO 2010) is a New Zealand trained Ophthalmologist. He has provided eye care to his home province of Taranaki since 2010. As well as dedication to excellence in cataract surgery, Simon provides a wide range of general ophthalmology services, and has fellowship training and a special interest in trabeculectomy glaucoma surgery. He also has a passion for providing eye care services in the Pacific Islands.
DR OREN COHEN
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Dr Oren Cohen (B.Med.Sc.; M.Sc.; Ph.D.; M.D.) is a Consultant Ophthalmologist with specialised training in glaucoma. He completed his medical training at the esteemed Hadasaah University Medical Center in Jerusalem, consistently ranked among the world's top 100 hospitals and academic centres. Dr Cohen has dual degrees in Medicine and Neuroscience and has contributed to leading scientific journals. In 2024, Dr Cohen relocated to New Plymouth with his wife and two children to join our team of exceptional specialist ophthalmologists and to become a valuable part of the Taranaki community.
LIBBY KELLY
ORTHOPTIST
Libby Kelly DBO trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, is registered with the Australian Orthoptic Board, and is a professional member of both Orthoptics Australia and New Zealand Orthoptist Society Incorporated. Libby is an Allied Health Professional with more than 30 years experience providing high quality care to patients of all ages. Orthoptists specialise in the diagnosis and non-surgical management of strabismus (squint), amblyopia (lazy eye) and eye movement disorders. Libby’s extended role includes using specialised technology to detect and measure the progression of various eye conditions.
OUR SPECIALISTS: KELLY
OUR CLINICAL TEAM
Dr Joshua Erceg (Registrar)
Dr Tiwini Hemi (Registrar)
Dr Samantha Simkin (Optometrist)
Tania Butler (Nurse)
Nicola Johnston (Technician)
Kerry Nicholas (Technician)
Cathy Campbell-Smart (Clinical Assistant)
Chris Bolstad (Technician)
Bernadette Wallis (Technician)
Lee Williams (Medical Receptionist/Technician)
Janine Clow (Clinical Assistant/Technician)
Paula Colman (Clinical Assisant)
OUR ADMINISTRATION TEAM
Simone Petersen (Practice Manager)
Judy Fulcher (Financial Administrator)
Donna Burton (Medical Receptionist)
Vicki Whalen (Medical Receptionist)
Nicola Bishop (Medical Receptionist)
Wendy Baxter (Medical Receptionist)
Lee Williams (Medical Receptionist/Technician)
OUR TEAM
Oren
CLINIC LOCATIONS
TARANAKI EYE CENTRE - WEYMOUTH
17 Weymouth Street
New Plymouth 4310
(cnr Weymouth St & St Aubyn St)
TARANAKI EYE CENTRE - DEVON W
429 Devon St West Street
New Plymouth 4310
(mobility parking onsite, general parking at Lynmouth Park)
TARANAKI EYE CENTRE - HAWERA
47 Waihi Road
Hawera 4610
(inside South Taranaki Specialist Clinic)
CONTACT
Phone: (06) 758 3553
Taranaki Eye Centre - Weymouth is open
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5pm
Other clinics are by appointment only
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