A Clearer Vision with Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists
The Sunshine Coast lifestyle is all about sun, surf and time outdoors. But while we’re careful with sunscreen and hats, many of us forget one crucial thing: our eyes. Ida Fink Gundtoft brings the vision of eye care to life with Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists.
We all know (and love) the Sunshine Coast lifestyle. Sun-drenched beaches, backyard barbecues and afternoon drinks as we watch the sun go down. It’s the kind of place that keeps us outdoors and on the move. But while we’re busy soaking up the rays and living our best coastal life, there’s one thing many of us overlook: our eyes. Step inside Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists (SCO) in Noosa and you’ll quickly realise this isn’t just another medical clinic. There’s warmth in the air, smiles at the front desk and a sense that you’re not just a patient. You’re part of a community.
At the heart of it all are two people with a shared vision (no pun intended): Associate Professor Kristopher Rallah-Baker, Australia’s first and only Indigenous ophthalmologist; and operations manager Naomi Martin, a proud Sunshine Coast local who has nurtured the practice from day one. Together, they’re changing the way locals look at eye care.
When most of us picture an eye surgeon, we imagine crisp white coats, fluorescent lights and serious faces. But Associate Professor Kris Rallah-Baker breaks that mould. Yes, he’s a highly respected ophthalmologist, surgeon and director, but he’s also a proud Yuggera/Warangu/Wiradjuri man, a family man and a farmer.
“Working on the land keeps me grounded,” he laughed. “You can’t stress about work emails when you’re chasing cattle.”
That down-to-earth attitude shapes everything at SCO. Patients quickly discover that while Kris brings world-class expertise, he also brings humour, humility and an approachability that puts people at ease. Operations manager Naomi agrees.
“Kris sets the tone here,” she said.
“He leads with kindness and puts people first. That naturally flows into the culture of the practice.”
Naomi herself is woven into the very fabric of SCO. With over a decade in the medical industry, she’s helped build the clinic from the ground up.
“SCO really feels like my first baby,” she laughed.
For Naomi, the vision was clear from the start: to create a space that feels friendly and welcoming – not clinical or intimidating. SCO’s current campaign – ‘Let’s Make Eye Care a Priority’ – couldn’t be more timely. With Queenslanders spending so much of life outdoors, our eyes are constantly exposed to harmful UV rays.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that you only need to see an eye specialist if something is obviously wrong with your vision,“ Naomi said. “But once damage is done, it’s often irreversible.”
Protecting your eyes, Kris said, should be as natural as slipping on sunscreen. For him, that means making a habit of wearing wraparound sunglasses with proper UV protection.
And yes, this goes for kids too.
“A big misconception is that eye care is mainly a concern for older people when in fact, it’s important for everyone,” Naomi said. “If we can shift people’s mindset to prioritise their eye health the same way they do their general health, then we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”
That sense of community welfare extends beyond the clinic walls. SCO is a proud supporter of local sporting clubs and community groups, recognising the role that good eyesight plays in helping people enjoy the activities they love most. As a former soccer representative player for the region, Naomi knows firsthand how vital clear vision is on and off the field.
“Improving eye care across our region is something tangible I can do to give back, and it feels incredibly rewarding,” she said.
So whether you’re chasing waves, coaching junior sport, or driving your car to work on a sunny day, take a moment to think about your eyes. They’re your window to the world, and they deserve the same care and protection as the rest of you.
Because at Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists, the message is simple: good vision isn’t just about seeing clearly today, it’s about safeguarding your future days in paradise. And that’s a vision worth getting behind.
