At Blink, we're a small team with lots of focus. At the centre of our vision is you.

Your eye health is the reason we come to work each day and where we get our satisfaction.

Hi I’m Linde Augenstein, principal optometrist at Blink.

I am North Shore born and bred, attending Kristin School and later training in Optometry at Auckland University.

I remember getting my very first pair of glasses when I was 11 years old at North Cross Intermediate, and the huge difference they made to my childhood. When I got my first contact lenses at age 13, I thought they were the best invention ever!

Typical of many of my generation, I didn’t wait long after graduating as a Bachelor of Optometry to head off some ‘OE’. The sojourn grew a little more ‘permanent’ than I originally planned, accumulating 13 years’ experience in the United Kingdom. Those years gave me a base of experience in hospitals, small independent practices and some of the large chains that I now draw on daily. Some things taught me what not to do too! A growing tendency toward ‘production line’ optometry, where people were treated as numbers rather than unique individuals convinced me it was time to head home and do something better. I knew I could and I believe I have.

Blink was established by my sister and me in 2006. We wanted to offer an alternative to the large, anonymous and impersonal chains. At Blink every person is treated with individual care and respect. Our selection of premises reflects part of that ethos. It is an old villa adapted with a disabled ramp and good parking. A bus stop is just outside.

Sarah is now on extended maternity leave and comes back time to time when I take my holidays.

My passion is really not just optometry; it’s about using science and light to improve the quality of life through improved vision. Eye health is a vital component of leading life to the full.

I love working with kids but I get a real kick out of dealing with more senior patients too — everyone should get the most possible out of life. Each patient presents a challenge to me, not matter what their age or circumstances are.

Optometry is a caring profession; you need to spend time with people to get the best from their vision.

I love the great New Zealand outdoors — mountain biking, bush walking and body-boarding — I just can’t get enough of it!

Please take a minute to read about the rest of our team.

Gloria Faa'ee
Receptionist and Dispensing assistant.

Gloria grew up and went to school in Birkenhead.

She is presently studying for her Masters degree in Education and has a special interest in Irlen’s Syndrome and children who have learning difficulties.

Gloria is looking forward to extending her knowledge of visual perceptive disorders when she takes the Irlen’s Screener course later in the year.

Megan Robinson
Receptionist and Dispensing Assistant.

Megan has a varied Customer service background and finds the Optical industry so enjoyable she has enrolled for the Dispensing Opticians Diploma.

“It is exciting to be part of a progressive and patient-centered practice. My job is to make sure that you feel welcomed and are comfortable while you're here. I really enjoy the fashion part of my job and understand that it can be overwhelming with so many frame styles to choose from. I like to make it easier for clients to pick the frames that are best for them. I love helping people feel good about how they look!
I also enjoy helping clients learn how to wear contact lenses. It's fun to work one-to-one with patients and it's rewarding when they're successful.”