Meet John Sweeney
From a half-page in the VTAC guide to independent optometry in Reservoir.
John Sweeney is the owner and an optometrist at Reservoir Spectacles. In this interview, he talks about finding optometry almost by accident, taking over a long-standing local practice and why good eye care feels more like a partnership than a transaction.
In John’s words
“I want patients to feel they have a partner they can return to. For me, it’s not transactional; it’s a partnership.”
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.
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.
Independent optometry in Reservoir
Meet the team or book your next eye examination.
Reservoir Spectacles is an independent optometry practice serving Reservoir and Melbourne’s north.