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THE ownership of Specsavers Kadina is changing for the first time in 26 years.

Peter Oswald is stepping back from the optometry practice and handing over the reins to optometrist Brooke Daws and store manager Rebecca Rich on Friday, September 1.

Peter will continue to work a couple of days a week but said he is looking forward to the freedom.

“Jan and I have quite a few friends who have caravans and they’re always telling me where I should go,” he said.

“Coral Bay gets quite a few mentions, so we’re excited to explore Australia.

“But we know how lucky we are here on Yorke Peninsula, we’re not moving away, we’re very connected to the community and it’s been a wonderful place to bring up our children.

“I’m grateful for all the lovely patients we have had over the years, I’ve had a lot of fun with quite a lot of them.

“We’ve been very blessed with some wonderful staff members too, many of whom have been here for years — including Rozanne Naylor, who has been here for 20 years.”

Peter said he was disappointed Specsavers had made the decision to close the Minlaton practice.

“They’ve had a lot of trouble securing an optometrist but I don’t imagine it will be closed for long,” he said.

“Since Flinders started offering an optometry course, we’ve hosted plenty of students and I’ve been passionate about giving them the opportunities to learn here.”

Peter said he was excited for Rebecca and Brooke, and looked forward to working with them in the future.

“I am very confident they’re going to take the store to the next level and ensure optimal eyecare and value for money,” he said.

“Jan retired last year, so she’s been compiling a list of jobs around the house for me to do, so I need to start them before it gets any longer.”

As well as continuing the quality service and treatment, Rebecca and Brooke are keen to continue the same community engagement Peter has demonstrated.

“Brooke plays netball for Kadina and my kids are part of the Harvest Christian College community, the Paskeville Sporting group and Cunliffe Tennis Club. I have also recently become apart of the

Kadina Women’s and Children’s Auxiliary and the Kadina Show Society,” Rebecca said.

Rebecca joined the Specsavers team 15 years ago and Brooke has been part of the team for three and a half years.

“Although we have very big shoes to fill I’m excited to continue the high level of patient care and continue to support our local community I have got to know so well over my years here at Specsavers Kadina,” Rebecca said.

Brooke said she was drawn to country practice as she grew up in Port Pirie and appreciates the good work-life balance Kadina has to offer. 

“Working in the country exposes you to a more diverse range of cases, which makes the most of your clinical skills and its nice to have familiarity with returning patients over the years,” she said.