New Directors elected to help lead Optometry Australia’s next chapter

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Optometry Australia has welcomed six newly elected Directors who will join the Inaugural Optometry Australia Board following the conclusion of the 2026 Director elections. 

The election marks another important milestone in Optometry Australia’s transition to a unified national organisation, with members from across the country choosing representatives who will help shape the future direction of the profession and strengthen the voice of optometrists nationally. 

The newly elected Directors are: 

• NSW/ACT: Tzu-Hsuan (Shaun) Chang 
• Victoria: Nelofar (Nellie) Dean 
• Queensland: Fiona Moore 
• Western Australia: Michael (Alex) Craig 
• Tasmania: Lisa Kingshott 
• South Australia/Northern Territory: Kristin Guppy 

Together with the transitional Optometry Australia Directors, the newly elected Directors will play a key role in representing members, supporting strong governance and ensuring regional perspectives remain central to national decision making. 

Optometry Australia Acting President, Mr Theo Charalambous, congratulated the successful candidates and thanked all members who participated in the election. 

‘Optometry Australia is entering an exciting new era as one organisation, with one voice. Strong representation from every part of the country is essential to ensuring our peak body reflects the needs and priorities of optometrists working in all communities,’ Mr Charalambous said.

‘We congratulate our newly elected Directors and look forward to working with them to deliver meaningful outcomes for members, strengthen advocacy for the profession and improve eye health outcomes for all Australians.’

Optometry Australia CEO Mark Nevin said the newly elected Directors would be instrumental in building a more connected, contemporary and member-focused organisation. 

‘Our new governance structure gives members a stronger voice and creates greater opportunities to collaborate nationally while retaining the important local insights that come from regional representation,’ Mr Nevin said.

‘These leaders bring a wealth of experience, passion and commitment to the profession and we will work collaboratively alongside them as we continue delivering on the vision of a stronger, united Optometry Australia.’

The transition to a unified national structure follows a member vote in May 2026, with the proposal endorsed nationwide.  

The new model reduces duplication, strengthens advocacy, improves efficiency and ensures Optometry Australia is best positioned to support members and the communities they serve. 

The newly elected Directors will join the transitional Directors from the previous Optometry Australia Board: 

• Theo Charalambous 
• Shuva Bose 
• Elise Pocknee-Clem 
• Tim Grant 
• Jenny Mikakos, and 
• Ramy Aziz.

Together, they form the organisation’s inaugural Board, which will serve until November 2027, providing governance and strategic oversight as the organisation continues its transition to a unified national model and delivers on its priorities for members and the profession.