Early career optometrists gather to shape the future of optometry

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Fifteen Early Career Optometrists (ECO) from around Australia recently came together to participate in the 2024 ECO Think Tank, driven by a shared determination to shape the future of optometry and discover ways to better support ECO optometrists.

Annual National Think Tanks are an opportunity and platform for ECO Committee representatives from their states to raise issues of concern amongst their cohort, and present a united voice to advocate for action, ensuring the perspectives of ECOs inform Optometry Australia’s projects and initiatives. This year, the event was hosted by the ECOV/SA Committee.

ECO representatives from each state included:

• Queensland/NT: Courtenay Lind, Suzanne Darling
• NSW/ACT: Ivy Kol, Lynn Qian
• WA: An Tran, Nick Lee
• Tasmania: Timothy Nguyen
• Victoria/SA: Madeline Baker, Grace Hand, Liam Hua, Kaavya Suresh, Esmerelda Stefanopoulos, Chelsea Lane, John De Francesco, Dominque Birbeck

Co-Chaired by Sophie Koh, OA Director of Professional Services (Engage), the Think Tank stimulated insightful commentary, shedding light on the challenges and rewards faced by optometrists in their first ten years of employment.

‘Being the future of our profession, the input we receive from Think Tanks are invaluable,’ Ms Koh said. ‘ECO Committees are engaged and passionate about the profession, and it’s important that Optometry Australia and the state divisions work with and support them to ensure they are being heard.’

CEO Skye Cappuccio, who was in attendance, provided an overview of OA initiatives, including clinical scope of practice, advanced practice and advocacy. OA Chief Financial Officer, Catherine Roubos, also provided professional development on interpreting financial statements from a leadership perspective.

Early career optometrist Madeline Baker delivered a thoughtful presentation on ‘Optometrists Mental Health and Burnout’, a project that is currently in collaboration with Optometry Australia. Her thought-provoking talk resonated with ECOs, as it covered the topics of burnout, career satisfaction, work-life balance, KPIs in the workplace, work readiness and managing expectations.

Ms Koh said each attendee provided important commentary on the common concerns, challenges and goals of early career optometrists nationwide. ‘This feedback we receive at Think Tanks are always useful, and will help propel our organisation forward,’ she said.

She further expressed her confidence in the leadership of ECOs, indicating a promising future for optometry.

‘If you’re not already part of your early career network in your state, please reach out to the Committees today to attend their events. It’s a great way to broaden your network, find support amongst your peers and be connected to opportunities such as taking part in the National Early Career Think Tank.’