Germaine has been an esteemed member of the Nicholls team for over 15 years, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. Her journey in optometry began in Sydney, Australia, where she graduated with honours from the University of New South Wales in 1999. In addition to her work in private practice in Australia, Germaine also served as a teaching supervisor at the School of Optometry at UNSW, imparting her knowledge and expertise to the next generation of optometrists.
A strong commitment to serving the community has been a defining aspect of Germaine’s career. She has participated in numerous volunteer vision aid projects in countries such as Fiji, Nepal, Tanzania, Mongolia, and Samoa, demonstrating her passion for making a positive impact beyond the confines of her practice. Germaine’s dedication to service underscores her compassionate nature and unwavering commitment to improving eye care access and outcomes for individuals in need, both locally and globally.
In 2023, the World Council of Optometry recognized her passion for advocacy by selecting Germaine for their Optometry Programme in Advocacy and Leadership. Germaine strives to keep her knowledge up to date by attending every conference and educational opportunity she can. In 2018, Germaine furthered her expertise in the emerging field of myopia control, by completing a Certificate in Myopia Control from the Brien Holden Vision Institute.
More recently, Germaine has embarked on a part-time role as a professional teaching fellow at The University of Auckland. In this capacity, she plays a pivotal role in the newly established Vision Bus initiative, which aims to provide eye examinations to children in need at low-decile schools. Germaine’s involvement in this outreach program underscores her commitment to ensuring that every child has access to essential eye care services, regardless of their socioeconomic background.
Through her dedication and expertise, Germaine is making a significant impact on the lives of young learners, helping to address vision issues that may otherwise go undetected. Her contribution to this important cause reflects her passion for optometry and her commitment to serving the community.