Helen completed her Masters of Optometry at the University of NSW with an emphasis on research into the refractive status of Aboriginal children, in remote Arnhem Land island communities (Elcho, Croker & Goulburn Islands.) This paper was presented recently at the Inaugural World Congress on Refractive Error in March in Durban, South Africa. The conference was organised by the World Health Organisation and ICEE (International Centre for Eyecare Education) to discuss eliminating avoidable blindness in the world.

In association with Sunnies for Sight Day in February, Helen Summers Optometrist organised a ‘design your own sunglass’ competition for Darwin school children, raising money for the ICEE and the Right to Sight program. he holds workshops for teachers and is an optical provider for Defence
Personnel as well as Director of Guide Dogs SA/NT.

In 1984 Helen was a Locum Optometrist in Nairobi, Africa gaining experience fitting artificial eyes in African Ethiopian refugees (where the local Witch Doctor had tried to repair the eye tissue first.)
A natural progression was to work in Darwin and continue to consult in remote areas of the NT. Helen commenced her own practice in Darwin in 1997 with visiting consultancies in Katherine and Nhulunbuy as well as servicing remote Aboriginal communities.

Helen's work takes her to Katherine, Nhulunbuy and remote communities every month.
Helen attributes the success of her practice to her loyal staff who enjoy their work, Practice Manager
Colleen Thomson and Business Manager, Husband Iain.

Click here to see a full profile as featured in the NT magazine 'Resident' (Issue 5)