PH: 07 5514 8220

Introducing the other
Michael Jackson

American born Dr Michael Jackson first came to Australia in 1992 as he was required to undertake a year of study overseas to complete his Science degree, and he chose the University of Queensland in Brisbane because he wanted to be somewhere warm! Later, Michael returned to Australia to undertake a Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology where he studied STD’s in koalas.

Optometry studies were his next calling, and he achieved a Bachelor of Optometry from the Queensland University of Technology. After graduating, Michael worked in Perth for several years before returning to the east coast to create his own brand of signature independent optical practices, leading to the establishment of Sanctuary Cove Optical in 2014.

Michael has multiple qualifications which allow him perform more unusual optical services such as prescribe ophthalmic medicines and assess pilot vision under the CASA program.

Importantly, Michael enjoys strong relationships with local practicing ophthalmologists for ongoing referral when needed.

He is supported by a team of experienced optical assistants who are skilled in all facets of optometry and offer a comprehensive fitting service.

Fun Fact: Michael turned down an opportunity to work in medical research at Harvard and instead did a stint with NASA.

Introducing 
Jan Coetzee

Dr Jan Coetzee has over 30 years’ experience in the optometry field both in Australia and abroad.

Jan first qualified in South Africa. He worked in private practice for seven years before qualifying for his MBCO (Member of the British College of Optometrists) from the University of Manchester.

Jan then moved to the US to study full-time, achieving his Doctor of Optometry in Boston, USA. Jan, his wife and two daughters moved to Brisbane 27 years ago where he established Insight Optometrists. Jan is therapeutically qualified and endorsed to prescribe medicine to treat a range of eye infections and conditions.

Jan is passionate about personal service and sees comprehensive eye care as an important part of achieving overall good health.

Jan has a special interest in binocular vision, early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. He also specialises in child vision, general family eye care, binocular vision and contact lenses.

He recently sold his very successful practices in Brisbane and moved to Hope Island to enjoy the quality of life provided by the Gold Coast and pursue his passion in golf.

Optical Assistant Maralyn McMahon

With nearly ten years of optical experience, and a keen eye for fashion and styling, Maralyn McMahon is a natural in her role at Sanctuary Cove Optical.

She loves the blend of administration, retail and health that working in an optical practice provides, and a strong sense of community that embodies Sanctuary Cove.

Maralyn really comes into her own when working with people to help them choose the perfect pair of frames.

“It’s great fun fitting frames to faces. Through talking to people, we get an idea of their taste, as well as their eye health needs and lifestyle, and this can be the starting point to selecting frames to try on. Skin tone, hair colour and overall fit are all important considerations in choosing frames, and we sometimes need to help people step outside their comfort zone to choose a frame that best accentuates their facial features.”

Fun fact: Maralyn was a roadie for her son’s rock band.