Dr Bruce Munro sets sights on retirement after 50 years
Dr Bruce Munro, 85, is retiring after five decades as an eye doctor in Geelong. The Ryrie Street practice will close by Christmas.
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After five decades of helping others see clearly, Dr Bruce Munro has set his sights on retirement.
The 85-year-old says it’s time to slow down: “I’ve been lucky, ophthalmology is a rewarding profession.”
During his career Dr Munro has helped tens of thousands of people, and by his side has been wife Judy.
“His medical career is very much a vocation. He’s always had a job he’s loved,” Mrs Munro said.
The father-of-three opened his practice on Ryrie Street in 1974, and was married the following year.
“We lived very close, so he could pop around to the office if he needed to,” Mrs Munro said.
During his career Dr Munro has seen huge leaps in technology.
“The cataract surgery now compared to what we were doing 50 years ago is chalk and cheese. Back then, we were taking the lens out and giving a thick pair of glasses … the changes to cataract surgery are fantastic.
“The standard in Geelong is amazing. It’s been great to watch it evolve,” Dr Munro said.
Mrs Munro added, “you’d get some people who would be weeping with gratitude because it was such a change.
“It is a hugely rewarding profession,” she said.
The grandfather went under the knife himself last year for cataract surgery joking, “I put it off until I really needed it.”
Twenty years ago Dr Munro stopped surgery, focusing more on consulting.
He paid special tribute to his receptionist of 45-years Maureen Matheson – “Where would I be without her?”
Dr Munro was born in England.
His family emigrated to Australia in 1950 where his father Dr Robert Munro – a GP – began working on the corner of Ryrie and Bellerine streets.
He attended Geelong Grammar before getting his medical degree at Melbourne University.
He spent some of his training in London and Melbourne before returning to his hometown.
When he opened his practice in Geelong, there were only three eye doctors in the area and all took holidays upon his arrival, meaning there was an instant demand for his services.
“I was launched very nicely by my senior colleagues,” Dr Munro said.
In later years he volunteered his services in Bangladesh doing cataract surgery on locals.
“They would tow a barge up the end of a river and then do a week of cataracts.
“People would have really, really bad vision,” Dr Munro recalled.
Dr Munro is passionate about giving back. Since 2018 he has worked with Deakin University Department of Optometry helping to educate and pave the way for the next generation.
When asked what he’s proudest of over his 50-year career, Dr Munro said: “A bit of philanthropy to education. I’ve supported some scholarships at Trinity College at the University of Melbourne, the Art Gallery in Geelong and Deakin University.”
Dr Munro will close his practice by Christmas, he says he’s trading his consultation rooms for the bridge club.
Originally published as Dr Bruce Munro sets sights on retirement after 50 years
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