Sophie Woodburn
Setting sights near and far
There’s more than meets your eye when it comes to Taupō optometrist Sophie Woodburn. The enterprising visionary not only serves our local community, but is also gearing up to aid others across the globe.
“This October I’ll be joining a team of eight and venturing to Nepal where we’ll be helping local communities, schools and hospitals through the Eyes for Everest programme,” she explains.
Sophie and her team will spend a month providing optometry services to all ages in villages up and around Mount Everest. “I’m looking forward to experiencing a new culture and especially visiting the local schools. I just hope I can keep up with all the trekking!”
A passion for people extends to Sophie’s life beyond the lens. She helps manage The Taupō Young Professionals Group, which aims to connect young people moving into the Taupō region.
“We organise a monthly get-together and try to host a bigger event quarterly – such as a BYO dinner, and last year we had a group ski event,” she says.
“It’s a good way for people to network, form friendships and socialise. We’re in our sixth year and we’re steadily seeing new faces into the area – especially this year – so it’s nice to be able to reach out and provide opportunities to welcome them.”