NICOLA MOUNTFORD
Optometrist
Nicola is a Brisbane- born optometrist with over 20 years clinical experience. She was inspired to enter optometry by her renowned uncle, retired Brisbane optometrist and contact lens expert, John Mountford, whom she worked alongside and learned from while completing her optometry studies at Queensland University of Technology. She’s since forged her own way through her diverse career to date (Read More), and is excited to bring her own practice, Onèj Optometry, to life. Her approach to patients is one of thoroughness, kindness, good communication, and clinical excellence.
Nicola has extensive experience in full scope optometry practice, pre- and post- operative eye care, retinal disease co- management, and childrens’ vision. She completed a Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics through UNSW in 2010, and is therefore qualified to prescribe ocular medications. This endorsement, together with the advanced instrumentation used at Onèj Optometry, means that Nicola can diagnose and treat red, sore or itchy eyes, sensitivity to light, ocular inflammation and infection, glaucoma, and other eye conditions.
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Nicola is passionate about the early detection and treatment of eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease, to ensure the best outcomes for every patient. Nicola is able to triage and manage most ocular emergencies, and has a close relationship with local ophthalmologists across all areas of specialties for when onward referral is needed.
Nicola was the recipient of the inaugural Optometry Australia LOOK Scholarship in 2020, and has acted as a director of the Optometry Australia Qld/ NT board. She has served as a panellist for Optometry for the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, and was an Senior Advisor to Optometry Australia regarding evolving scope of practice and digital health. Nicola has also contributed to the clinical education advisory committee for optometry, the Allied Health Professions Digital Health Working Group, and the Sparked collaborative. She implements advanced instrumentation and technology to assess your vision and ocular health, and has an interest in emerging technologies which implement biomarker from the eye to predict systemic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Nicola completed Eyewear Design studies at Woo Class Atelier and Polimoda in Florence in 2025, and from this gained skills in the design process, 3d modelling, material appraisal and selection, and trend forecasting. She loves drawing inspiration for eyewear designs from the world around her, and is passionate about contributing to the Australian Made movement.
Nicola hopes that Onèj will allow patients to feel welcome, become fascinated about eyes and vision, and embrace their own individual style. She wishes to implement design ingenuity to challenge the traditional notion of optometry, and contribute to the community around Onèj in the process.