Meet John Sweeney
Meet John Sweeney, optometrist in Reservoir.
John is the owner and an optometrist at Reservoir Spectacles. Here, he shares his path into optometry and what independent, local care means to him.
From an unexpected career choice to taking over a long-standing practice, this interview introduces the person behind your eye care.
“I want patients to feel they have a partner they can return to. For me, it’s not transactional; it’s a partnership.”
In John’s words
The story behind the practice.
The questions and answers below are from John’s interview, first published on 17 August 2026.
Finding optometry
Did you always know you wanted to be an optometrist?
Not at all. In Year 12, I actually thought I might become a lawyer. I loved reading John Grisham novels, so that definitely played a part. But all my subjects were sciences. That’s what I enjoyed and was good at.
Then one day in class, another student mentioned they wanted to do optometry. That night, I looked it up in the VTAC guide, read half a page and thought, “Yep, that’s it.” It was applied science with real people. That was the click.
The work
After all these years, what do you still enjoy?
I love that optometry brings so many things together: science, evolving technology and the business side. Plus, you get to sit with someone and talk about making their daily life better.
I like taking time to explain options people might not have heard about before. I want patients to feel they have a partner they can return to. For me, it’s not transactional; it’s a partnership.
Before Reservoir
What did you do before owning a practice?
I worked in a fantastic Williamstown practice, taught at the Australian College of Optometry and did overseas aid work in Sri Lanka. I learned a lot, but owning a practice wasn’t some grand plan; it just happened serendipitously.
A wrong number and a train to the footy
How did you end up owning a practice in Reservoir?
My father-in-law was scouting veterinary practices for my wife and called saying he’d found a great one—but it was optometry. It was close to home.
I dialled the wrong number first and gave my whole pitch to a stranger who finally said, “Wrong number.” Then I reached the actual owner, who was on a train to the footy, and he said, “Come in Monday.” It just flowed from there.
Learning the practice
What made it feel right?
It had one owner for 30 years, Michael, who was ready to retire. He stayed for six months after I took over and taught me dispensing and the mechanical side. I still use that every day.
Stewardship
Does it feel like yours now?
Yes. It also feels like being passed a torch. Michael had 30 years, I’ve had six, and over time I’ve given it my own feel while valuing what he built.
It’s stewardship—evolving something for the next generation.
Glasses for Kids
John and the Glasses for Kids program
John is involved in the Glasses for Kids program. Families can find our program information and next steps on the Glasses for Kids page.
The local community
What’s your hope for Reservoir’s future?
As Reservoir Traders Association president, I’d love the village to keep thriving: more diversity in shops, maybe a destination restaurant and a stronger after-dark scene.
I want locals to feel they can do most things right here and feel safe, welcome and proud. We’re part of the community, not just a business in it.
Planning a visit?
Get to know us before your appointment.
Your questions are welcome
Want to know what John wears? Explore John’s personal lens setups for everyday wear, night driving and computer work.
Tell us about your vision concerns, the tasks you need your eyes for and anything you would like explained. Read what happens at a comprehensive eye test or learn about our team and approach to care.
Prefer to speak German? John also speaks German. Choose John when booking and let us know your language preference. Read our German, Cantonese and Arabic welcome messages.
Find the practice
Visit Reservoir Spectacles at 2C Edwardes Street, Reservoir VIC 3073. See our opening hours, location and contact details and selected Saturday testing dates.
Independent optometry in Reservoir
Book your next eye examination.
Use our online booking page for routine appointments, or call (03) 9460 8017 during opening hours for help choosing an appointment.
Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain or a serious eye injury needs urgent care. Do not wait for a routine appointment. See our urgent eye care guidance; if the practice is closed or timely care is unavailable, seek an emergency service.
Interview first published 17 August 2026. Profile and arrival information reviewed 12 October 2026; John’s interview answers are unchanged. Clinical urgent-care guidance remains as reviewed 28 September 2026. Urgent-care guidance checked against Healthdirect and Queensland Health.