1:30min
Optometry Australia has confirmed its Board Office Bearers and the terms of office for its elected Directors after transitioning to a national organisation.
Following the inaugural Board elections, the Board has voted the following Directors to hold office until the November 2027 Annual General Meeting:
- President: Theo Charalambous
- Vice President: Kristin Guppy
- Treasurer: Ramy Aziz
The Office Bearers will work alongside their fellow Directors to oversee Optometry Australia’s strategic direction and governance as the national organisation moves into its next chapter.
With strong representation from across the profession, the Board brings together a breadth of experience, perspectives and commitment to supporting the future of optometry.
Members can feel confident in the leadership guiding this next chapter and the opportunity ahead to build on the profession’s strong foundations.
Elected Directors and terms of office
Under the Constitution, members elected six Directors, with one Director from each regional grouping: VIC, SA/NT, TAS, WA, QLD and NSW/ACT.
The elected Directors will serve staggered terms to support continuity and effective governance across future Boards.
Nellie Deen and Kristin Guppy will each serve a three-year term, ending at the 2029 Annual General Meeting.
Lisa Kingshott and Alex Craig will each serve a two-year term, ending at the completion of the 2028 AGM, while Fiona Moore and Shaun Chang will each serve a one-year term, ending at the completion of the 2027 AGM.
Under the Constitution, from November 2027 the Board will comprise six member-elected Directors and up to three appointed Directors.
Transitional Board
The transitional Board will continue to govern and oversee Optometry Australia, with all transitional Board members’ terms ending at the November 2027 AGM.
The transitional Board comprises:
- Theo Charalambous
- Shuvagata Bose
- Ramy Aziz
- Elise Pocknee-Clem
- Jenny Mikakos
- Tim Grant
The six Directors provide continuity and will support the elected Directors as they lead Optometry Australia into its next chapter.
Optometry Australia thanks the Directors and Office Bearers for their commitment to the profession and looks forward to working together to build a strong, unified national organisation for Australian optometry.
This is an exciting new chapter for the profession, strengthened by the leadership, collaboration and shared purpose of those helping to build Optometry Australia’s future.