Ash Nath is the owner of Nath Optometrists in Ponsonby Road...
In a few words tell us about your job?
“No, please just read the bottom line, not the whole chart!"
In all seriousness though, my job is primary eyecare where we examine eyes and make sure they are healthy. Whether you need new spectacles, contact lenses, have red eyes or dry eyes I am here to solve your eye problems.
What is new for frames in 2025?
Using more sustainable approaches and using metals and acetate that take the environment into consideration. This is to be achieved whilst maintaining the high quality standards that certain brands have kept up with over the years.
In terms of style we are seeing the return of retro styles, vibrant colours as well as minimalist understated luxury trends with the summer 2025 collections.
What do you like about Ponsonby?
It has to be the people. Everyone has been so lovely since we have moved here. We appreciate the trust many have in us to look after their eye care needs. Fellow business owners are also very supportive and we all want to see each other succeed. It's simply beautiful!
Your bucket list?
To see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis).
Most Kiwi thing about you?
I end up using the word ‘bro' a lot. Everyone is my bro.
Best day of your life to date?
The day I married my best friend – my wife. Hands (knees and shoulders) down asking her to marry me.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Honestly, I love what I do every day. I will consider myself fortunate to be in the same spot meeting people every day and looking after their eye care needs. Perhaps my dog will be better behaved by then so I can bring him into work!
What job would you do other than your own?
I would LOVE to be a film maker. I do love telling stories and the process of turning a written text to a live moving image is something that excites me. I look at it similarly when we engineer a prescription and make it come alive in a pair of spectacles, sunglasses or contact lenses.
If you were reincarnated, what would you be?
A standard poodle. I love to get my haircut every two weeks or else I get a headache. I can behave and I love formal wear. I will get sassy and be brutally honest with you if you try on frames that don't suit you and I think agility (eye) tests are a lot of fun.
Biggest disappointments?
Not going into independent practice ownership earlier in my career. I love what I have done in the past 14 years –OPSM franchise, working in Adelaide as an optometrist and as an eye care manager. But helping people with eye care and eye wear in my own independent business absolutely takes the cake.
What motivates you?
I compete with myself. I am my biggest critic and need to constantly improve in all aspects of my life. Except for the size of my nose. That can't be helped.
Ever seen a ghost?
Yes, all the time. It’s when I can't find things and, when my wife comes, suddenly the ghost seems to put things back and somehow my wife can find them. But I swear they weren't there before.
Most treasured possession?
My wedding photo albums.
Something very few people know about you?
I used to be in a squash team in high school and the only game we won was when the other team didn't show up.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Being able to play the piano really well.
What gizmo can you simply not live without?
My AirPods and my phone.
Your greatest weakness/indulgence?
Good coffee and banana bread.
Handshake or a hug kind of person?
A hug person.
Travel light or heavy?
Definitely heavy. You have to take a fifth shirt in case the lighting and sunlight hits differently at your destination and you have to change. And if you end up wearing the same shirt, at least your spare clothes get to go travelling too. Just like the book I intend on reading but never do because I'm too busy taking photos or watching a movie.
How did you survive the pandemic?
I did so many Wasjig puzzles and it taught me to be patient. (DAVID HARTNELL, MNZM)
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