Not sure if the traditional optometry path is for you long term?
Feel like you’re stagnating, career-wise?
Keen to explore the broader range of career options open to you as an optometry graduate?
Join us for this live, on-line (Zoom) event, hosted by Early Career Optometrists Optometry NSW/ACT (ECONA) where you will hear from a panel of optometrists who have leveraged their optometry degree to travel a variety of unique and inspiring career paths.
CPD Hours: 1.5 non clinical
OA Member only event – FREE – online (Zoom)
Registration open!
Chaired by Elizabeth Chen
Presenters
Daisy Shu is a Scientia Senior Lecturer at SOVS UNSW and former scientist at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Shu’s research explores the molecular mechanisms driving age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Daisy completed her optometry training at UNSW and PhD at USyd. She is the Vice-President of the International Society for Eye Research (ISER) and serves on ARVO Women in Eye and Vision Research (WEAVR) leadership committee. She is a recipient of the AAOPT Ezell Fellowship and the American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP) Young Scientist Leadership Award. She is an Associate Editor for CXO and co-hosts the “Behind our Science” podcast.
Hirdesh Nair currently serves as Professional Development Manager at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Australia & New Zealand. His extensive career spans roles such as Professional Services Manager, Contact Lens Buyer, and Optometry Learning & Development Consultant. Hirdesh’s interest in contact lenses began in Wellington, New Zealand, where he fitted both soft and hard lenses to meet a wide range of patient needs. From addressing lifestyle requirements to managing complex anterior segment issues, such as keratoconus and post-corneal graft cases, he is committed to delivering exceptional patient care. Hirdesh holds a Bachelor of Optometry from the University of Auckland, with a therapeutic endorsement, and a Master of Optometry from the University of New South Wales.
Janet Lee is currently a part-time clinical optometrist at Eye Concepts in Narellan. She has previously worked for OPSM and Oscar Wylee across south-west and western Sydney over the last 10 years. During COVID-19, Janet pursued her passions in art, including participating and winning art contests, selling her artwork through private commissions and her own online Esty store. She was also one of the optometrists who participated in the inaugural 2017 Annapurna Trek for Eyes4Everst who provided much needed eyecare to over 350 Nepalese residents.
Rebecca Tobias graduated from the Bachelor of Optometry degree at UNSW Australia with first class honours. She subsequently completed her graduate certificate of ocular therapeutics and Master of Optometry at UNSW. Following graduation, Rebecca worked in full scope optometry in several private practices across Sydney. Between 2011 and 2021, Rebecca worked as a senior staff optometrist at the Centre for Eye Health. Her work primarily involved assessment of glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease. Her role also included supervision and teaching of final year optometry students, research and also development of continuing education materials for optometrists in practice. Rebecca applies a combination of empathy and critical thinking to patient care in order to optimise clinical outcomes. She loves being able to give patients the best possible vision through early detection of any eye problem and calculating the perfect glasses prescription for them. Since 2022 Rebecca has worked for a private ophthalmology practice where she is responsible for the pre and post-operative care of patients undergoing cataract surgery. She also engages with local referring optometrists and organises CPD events for the practice. Since 2024 she has been part of the Optometry NSW/ACT team.
Shaun Chang is currently Principal Optometrist and Director of Eyes2Learn Optometrists in Charlestown, having moved to the Lake Macquarie region at the start of 2018. Originally from New Zealand, he graduated from UNSW School of Optometry in 2008 and completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics and Master of Optometry Behavioural Optometry courses in 2012. He is passionate about providing vision therapy to help his patients with visual function or processing skills required to learn at school or play sports. Shaun is also the President and Founder of Eyes4Everest, Director of Product Development at MakeMind and Air Force Reservist.
Sahar Tavakoli graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Vision Science) / Master of Optometry from the University of New South Wales in 2019. Since graduating, Sahar has worked across many different sectors, including independent and corporate practices as well as aged care and school settings. She is passionate about eye care and educating her patients and the wider community on how to better look after their eyes. She is currently an Eye Health Educator for the not-for-profit organisation Sight For All, as well as working as an optometrist for Dry Eye Solutions and locuming across Sydney.