Tiana Williamson
BOPTOM (HONS) | TPA ENDORSED
Tiana graduated with a Bachelor of Optometry from the University of Auckland in 2022. She graduated with First Class Honours and a TPA (therapeutic pharmaceutical agents) endorsement. Tiana received a MAPAS (Māori & Pacific Admission Scheme) Top Achievers Award upon graduating.
In the final year of her degree, Tiana completed 3 weeks of her Externship programme at Judd Opticians and has since returned. Tiana enjoys working with a wide range of patients and is passionate about improving her patient’s vision and standard of health. She has a special interest in myopia control and ocular disease management, including dry eye disease.
Tiana is a volunteer lifeguard at her local beach and enjoys the outdoor pursuits that Taranaki has to offer.
Dr Samantha Simkin
PhD (Childhood Visual Impairment) | BOPTOM (FIRST CLASS HONS) | TPA ENDORSED |
Samantha graduated with a Bachelor of Optometry from the University of Auckland in 2013. She graduated with First Class Honours and a TPA (therapeutic pharmaceutical agents) endorsement.
Samantha continued her study at the University of Auckland completing her PhD on childhood visual impairment in Aotearoa on a full scholarship in 2017. Whilst completing her research she worked in specialty children’s clinics including with the Blind and Low Vision Education Network of New Zealand (BLENNZ). Samantha has lectured both nationally and internationally and has multiple research publications in international journals.
Samantha is also a council member of the Cornea and Contact Lens Society of New Zealand and remains the BLENNZ National Research Optometrist.
Samantha has a special interest in working with children and teenagers, and those with reduced vision. She has worked extensively in the emerging field of myopia control. Samantha loves to find the right ophthalmic solution whether spectacles, contact lenses or eye drops for all of her patients.
Andrew Judd
Dispensing Optician (RDONZ)
Andrew graduated and registered as a Dispensing Optician in 2005.
Andrew has been in the Optical industry for over 21 years and created Judd Opticians in 2007.
Andrew has a wealth of knowledge and a huge passion for helping others which makes dispensing glasses a perfect vocation. He loves a good repair challenge and equally loves to help you create the new you.
Melissa Byers
Dispensing Optician (RDONZ) | Bachelor of Tourism Management (BTM)
Melissa graduated and registered as a Dispensing Optician in 2012 after studying through TAFT. Melissa also Graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Tourism Management before entering the Optical Industry.
Melissa has been in the Optical Industry for over 13 years with 12 of those spent at Judd Opticians.
Melissa loves to help people transform their look and equally loves a good optical challenge, all whilst making sure the practice runs smoothly behind the scenes.