Photograph of the window display of the Melbourne optometry practice Andrew Gaddes in Melboune CBD

Historical Significance: This practice was extant from about 1930 to 1970. It was owned by Bill Owens FVOA, Lindsay Watson FVOA and Len McGibbony FVOA all of whom were among the first to be registered in 1936, having already qualified as Fellows of the Victorian Optical Association. They originally practised in the Myer Department store but later established themselves at street level on the SW corner of Elizabeth and Collins Streets practising under the name of Andrew Gaddes. All three were involved in the early years of the Australian College of Optometry. Bill Owens was the Clinic Director from 1941 to 1943 but was follower of Ernest Jabara and disengaged from the College when Jabara lost the confidence of the College Council of which he was founding Chairman. Lindsay Watson was Clinic Secretary also in the early 1940s. McGibbony was probably a clinical instructor but like his partners, Owens and Watson, left the College after the 'split'. See Cat No 799 and the profile of Bertram Nathan under the tab 'People who made history' for more information about the 'split'. The window display caused consternation in the profession because of its tasteless word play and because it was blantant advertisiing. At the time the profession placed great store on restraint in advertising so as to be accepted as professional. Owens and his partners breached the professional rules on advertising even though they were for a time members of the 'in group'. When they abandoned the College in 1943 to join with Ernest Jabara, becoming members of his Optometric Reform Society, their advertising also breached the ethical rules of this breakaway society. In a play on the name of the practice they were known as the 'Andrews Sisters'