About Us

Matthews Sports Vision – See Better. Perform Better. Look Unreasonably Good Doing It.

About Matthews Sports Vision

In 1957, Optometrist Bill Matthews had a vision – quite literally – and founded Matthews Eyecare right here in Nelson. Three generations later, the family legacy continues with a sporty twist.

We’ve come full circle (or a full lap, if you’re more athletically inclined) — back to where it all began on Hardy Street. But this isn’t just a nostalgic pit stop. It’s the starting line for Matthews Sports Vision: a bold new concept space designed for those who take their sport seriously, their style effortlessly, and their sunglasses… very, very personally.

Whether you’re chasing finish lines, ski slopes, surf breaks, or just the perfect frame-to-face ratio, this is eyewear reimagined for performance. It’s where function meets flair, where lens tech meets trail tech, and where you’ll find people who understand the importance of seeing clearly – and looking sharp while doing it.

Introducing Matthews Sports Vision

  • A purpose-built space for prescription & non-prescription sports eyewear
  • Bespoke fittings engineered for peak performance, comfort, and aesthetic smugness
  • Premium brands including Serengeti, Oakley, Ray-Ban, Julbo, Out Of, Nike, Adidas – because your eyes deserve a brand endorsement too
  • Lenses for all terrains: snow, surf, asphalt, trails, gyms, and anything else you might heroically tackle
  • Advice from in-house dispensing opticians and brand experts (yes, they know their goggles)
  • A friendly team with decades of know-how – and no pushy sales pitch in sight

Your Official Eye on the Prize – The Spectacle HQ

Matthews Sports Vision isn’t just about eyewear – it’s also the official home base for The Spectacle, New Zealand’s newest (and possibly best-named) running festival. Equal parts high-performance and high-spirited, The Spectacle celebrates the joy of movement, community, and wearing shorts in public.

Think of us as your pit crew. Our Hardy Street space is where runners, spectators, and the eyewear-curious can swing by for:

  • Festival updates that aren’t buried in a newsletter
  • Route maps that won’t disintegrate in your pocket
  • Limited-edition merch worth sweating for
  • Local insights from people who know which way is up the hill
  • And of course – gear to keep your vision sharp and sun glare off your game face

Whether you’re chasing a PB or just here for the post-race espresso, we’ve got your back – and your eyes.

Find Us

210 Hardy Street
Nelson 7010
New Zealand