Mayor Richard Kempthorne officially opens the Poppet Pod in Richmond

Poppet Optics and Matthews Eyewear Eyecare have opened a third Poppet Pod in Richmond, Nelson following the success of the Epsom and Ponsonby pods. The duo said Richmond was the first port of call taking the pods outside of Auckland, with more to follow in Matthews practices throughout New Zealand.

The Nelson/Tasman region mayor cut the ribbon and officially launched the Poppet Pod in Richmond. Poppet Optics founder Steph Cawte, declared the opening a success: “It was wonderful to see the local paediatric ophthalmologist Dr Derek Sherwood, Matthews staff, local families and their children mingling and having conversations about the importance of great glasses for children.”

Cawte had always planned to take Poppet Optics throughout New Zealand, recognising the nationwide need for well-fitting children’s spectacles that look great and make them feel special. When the opportunity came up to partner with the Matthews Group, Cawte said it was the natural step forward for Poppet Optics: “It’s a great fusion of two brands which take pride in providing quality eyewear and eyecare.”

Paediatrics can be a demanding niche in optics explains Cawte, as the whole family needs to be considered. She describes how ongoing care, more frequent adjustments and numerous visits are often required and form a vital part of the Poppet experience, with the child selecting their first glasses only the start of the journey.

To help support Matthew’s optometrists in the Nelson region, Samantha Simkin, Matthews Group’s specialist paediatric optometrist, has been working alongside the team sharing her expertise in the art of dealing with children, particularly those with special needs.