Recently, Jas Kamboj took the reigns at Parker & Co in a joint venture with Matthews Eyecare. So we thought we'd get to know him and his fascinating journey.
Throughout my high school years, I discovered that my interests were in the healthcare sector. I wanted to make a difference, a positive impact, on people's lives for the better. At first, I initially thought becoming a doctor or dentist would be the right path. So I ventured down to Dunedin after finishing high school. After my first year, through studies, I found my interests changed. Due to this and being unsure of where I saw myself in a long term career, I ended up completing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. Towards the end of my third year in Dunedin, I started gaining a fascination with the visual system through my studies. Through this interest and hearing others' experiences, I decided that Optometry would be a great long term career.
So, I moved back to Auckland to pursue Optometry at Auckland University. I have been working as an Optometrist for 7 years and one of the long term goals I had for myself was practice ownership. Being the new co-owner of Parker & Co has allowed me to fulfil that goal and I am absolutely honoured to be taking over and carrying on the amazing practice that Geoff, Lynee and the team have built up!
I’ve always been intrigued by how vision impacts so many aspects of our daily lives, from the way we connect with the world to how we experience it. The idea that optometrists can play such an integral role in improving a person’s quality of life—whether through prescribing glasses, managing eye health, or diagnosing conditions that affect overall well-being—was incredibly compelling to me.
What drew me specifically to optometry was the ability to combine technical skills with patient care. The detail required to understand and diagnose vision issues, in conjunction with the opportunity to form meaningful relationships with patients, made it a perfect fit for my interests. The constant advancements in optometric technology also excited me, as it means the field is always evolving and provides the opportunity to continue learning and growing professionally.
What excites me most about being at Parker & Co is the opportunity to work in an environment that truly values both quality patient care and a personalised approach. The chance to be part of a team that prioritises individualised attention, builds lasting relationships with customers, and stays on with the latest trends in fashion eyewear is something that really energises me.
As for myself putting a stamp on the store, I would love to offer more on the Optometry side by being able to manage and treat therapeutic cases. Being therapeutically endorsed means that I can prescribe treatments for inflammatory and infective conditions of the eyes. This is where I feel I can grow the practice and continue on making a positive impact for patients.
My approach to customer service is centred around creating a positive, personalized experience for every patient. I believe in listening actively to fully understand each patient's needs, and make it a priority to ask thoughtful questions. I focus on clear communication, attention to detail, and follow-through. I make sure to explain options thoroughly, whether it’s discussing lens types, or eye health concerns, so that patients feel confident and informed in their decisions. I also strive to create a welcoming, friendly environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions or voicing concerns. Ultimately, service, to me, is about more than just meeting expectations; it’s about exceeding them and fostering long-term relationships.
Regular Eye Exams: It's important to get your eyes checked regularly, even if you’re not experiencing any noticeable problems. Eye exams can help catch early signs of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy, which have a much better prognosis if detected early
Protect Your Eyes from UV Light: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by prolonged exposure to UV rays. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays can help protect your eyes from sun damage and reduce the risk of cataracts or other eye diseases.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can cause dry eyes, so it's important to drink enough water throughout the day. This helps maintain tear production and ensures that your eyes stay lubricated and comfortable. This is really helpful now in our work with ever increasing screen times.
One of my hobbies is working out. I like to stay in shape and given that most of my working day involves being seated, I make it a priority to get a gym session on days off, even if it is only for 30 minutes! My wife and I enjoy dining out. Having moved back to Auckland recently, we have been trying the plethora of restaurants that Auckland has to offer.
We also enjoy travelling, we just visit USA a few months ago and are already starting to plan where our next overseas trip will be!
I'm a big fan of cricket, tennis and rugby. I avidly support the Black Caps and All Blacks! For tennis, it is great that we have the ASB Classic tournament in Auckland! Attending the tournament is going to be one of my summer highlights in years to come!
Newmarket is a vibrant area, with so much to explore! I am a big coffee drinker and my favourite cafes are The Candy Shop and Bambina!
My go to style is perfectly embodied by the Moscot Lemtosh glasses. They are a perfect blend of old-world sophistication and modern simplicity. They have a cool, intellectual vibe—think of the glasses worn by artists, filmmakers, and creatives—while still feeling fresh and wearable today.
Another good aspect of Moscot glasses in general are the availability of clip ons for most models, which easily convert them to sunglasses.
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Jas and the team at Parker & Co can not wait to welcome you into the store.
You can book your next examination with us via our website.
9 Teed Street,
Newmarket,
Auckland,
1023
Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Sunday: Closed
