MEET THE DE SOUZA'S.
Cedric De Souza
OPTOMETRIST
B.SC (Hons), F.B.O.A
2ND GENERATION
For Cedric, 2021 will mark his 50th year as an optometrist!
Growing up in Uganda, Cedric watched his father Eusebio De Souza practice optometry at East Africa Optical, in Kampala, Uganda. That early exposure and joy of helping people see clearly sparked Cedric’s career passion. He graduated from City, University of London in 1971 and shortly thereafter moved to WA.
He spent his early optometry years driving a caravan across wheatbelt towns of WA – testing the vision of every local interested in his services. He then set his sights on the community and established practices in Bicton, Kardinya, Southlands, Winthrop, Rockingham and Kwinana.
It is at Melville Optical, a practice Cedric opened over 40 years ago, that he has shared his passion and expertise with the community and cared for the vision of many generations in the same family. It is also here that, like his father before him, he inspired his children, Nikole and Neilsen to join the family profession.
When not at work, or socializing, Cedric is usually engrossed in a political or historical documentary and spends most weekends in Mandurah, listening to Curtin FM radio.
Cris De Souza
PRACTICE MANAGER
Cris has been making sure Melville Optical operates efficiently for decades. Humbly, she will say, “I do a little bit of everything.” Her impact on the practice is immeasurable, she makes everything in the background of an optical practice happen and is the friendly face that greets patients upon arrival.
For over 30 years, Cris has been curating Melville Optical’s unique range of frames – reviewing the latest trends, brands and considering elegant classics. Always sourcing the highest quality products from reputable suppliers.
Fashion aside, her passion lies with the patients. She can, and will, recall life events from the long list of patients who have been attending Melville Optical for generations – weddings, births, graduations. She is invested in Melville’s patients and genuinely excited to go into work to learn more about their story.
When she isn’t at the practice helping patients choose the best frame for them, she will be with her husband, Cedric and their many grandchildren or tending to her garden…and when she can sneak away, travelling the world.
Nikole De Souza
OPTOMETRIST
B.OPTOM (Hons)
3RD GENERATION
Nikole proudly belongs to the third-generation of De Souza optometrists. She obtained her qualifications in 2003 from UNSW (Honors) – alongside her brother, Neilsen and sister-in-law, Kay.
With over 17 years of experience, Nikole has a vast knowledge of optometry and clinical operations. She will be the first person to tell you that optometry is the best health field because it is the perfect balance of supporting patients’ health needs, science and socialising.
Working alongside her mother, father, brother and sister-in-law, Nikole loves the dynamic they have created – Work hard. Have fun.
As a self-described foodie, who doesn’t necessarily like to cook – Nikole, inspired by her travels to Positano, Italy typically seeks out places with quality produce and good wines. When she isn’t seeking out Perth’s next best restaurant, you will find her with her husband and their gorgeous children and an adorable little dog close by.
Neilsen De Souza
OPTOMETRIST
B.OPTOM (First Class Honours), Bachelor of Vision Science, Master of Public Health
3RD GENERATION
Neilsen, alongside Nikole, is a third-generation De Souza optometrist. He completed his Bachelor of Vision Science at UWA and Bachelor of Optometry UNSW (Honors Class 1) in 2003.
Outside of the family practice, Neilsen has dedicated a large part of his career to ensuring everyone has access to eye care. He has trained over 700 optometrists and 40 educators in 17 countries spanning almost every corner of the globe. These educators have subsequently taught 40,000 eye care professionals.
He has also helped develop and manage over 400 vision centres around the world and established research and education institutes in China and India – so thousands of people who once couldn’t access eye care, now can.
Neilsen has shared his knowledge by publishing research papers and presenting at major conferences around the world, including the recent WHO World Report on Vision 2019.
Neilsen is a consultant to the Fred Hollows Foundation, a Senior Business Associate at nthalmic, a Board Member and a Deputy Chair of Global Hand Charity, Program Partner Advisory Panel at Perth Eye Foundation and a Board Member at his children’s school.
When Neilsen isn’t at the practice or ensuring those in need have access to care, you will find him at home with his lovely wife Kay, their three adorable children and their dog Bailey…sneaking a glance at the score of any sport being broadcast.
Kay De Souza
OPTOMETRIST
B.OPTOM
Kay completed her optometry degree at UNSW in Sydney, her hometown. She has over 17 years of clinical experience, in NSW and WA practices.
Kay was drawn to optometry because like many people, she had been in the care of an optometrist since she was a young child. Her education, development and independence depended on having clear vision provided by the expertise of an optometrist. She wanted to be able to provide people with that same level of life changing service and support.
She is a self-described people person and the practice affords her every opportunity to chat with her patients, who range from retired professors to tiny children and almost everyone in between. As Kay will tell you, everyone has a story, and most of them are entertaining.
When not caring for her patients, or spending time with her husband Neilsen and their three children, Kay will be relaxing with her friends…somewhere quiet.
Rejeana Heatley-Green
OPTICAL DISPENSER
Cert IV in Optical Dispensing
While Rejeana is our resident non-De Souza, she is certainly part of our family.
She is a qualified optical dispenser who has worked at numerous optical practices across Perth. She brings with her a wealth of experience in retail and business operations.
Her passion and enthusiasm for ensuring everyone leaves the practice in the right spectacles, that makes them feel good – makes her a favourite among our patients.
When she isn’t assisting patients and offering solutions in store, Rejeana will be out on an adventure with her wonderful daughter.
