Daniel Thomson reaches the finals of RVAW Victorian Rural Health Awards

We congratulate Optometry Victoria South Australia member Daniel Thomson on his nomination as a finalist in the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV) Victorian Rural Health Awards. The winners will be announced on 19 June 2025. 

About the awards 

RWAV aims to improve access to quality primary care and other health services for rural, regional and First Nations communities across Victoria. Since 2005, RWAV, with the support of the Victorian Department of Health, has proudly hosted the annual Victorian Rural Health Awards. These awards recognise the outstanding contributions made by health professionals working in rural communities, honouring exceptional medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, Aboriginal health workers and practice managers across rural Victoria. 

Daniel was nominated in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to rural and regional eye health. His career is a testament to clinical excellence, leadership and a forward-thinking vision for equitable, accessible and advanced eye care in regional communities. 

Reacting to reaching the finals, Daniel said, ‘I am incredibly honoured to be named a finalist. Regional eye care isn’t just about prescribing glasses – it’s about managing chronic eye disease, supporting health literacy and building trust over time. I’m proud to be part of a profession that plays such a vital role in rural health.’ 

A career dedicated to eye health in rural Victoria 

Since graduating from Deakin University in 2017, Daniel has committed his career to delivering care in rural and regional Victoria, including Swan Hill, Echuca and, for the past five years, Bendigo. His decision to remain in these communities reflects a deep sense of responsibility to address rural health inequities and provide continuity of care where workforce shortages often impede access. 

Currently practising at Ross Chiappazzo & Associates Optometrists in Bendigo, Daniel offers highly specialised services in glaucoma management, dry eye disease (including intense pulsed light therapy), keratoconus, rigid gas permeable lens fitting, orthokeratology and emergency eye care. This brings advanced clinical care directly to patients who might otherwise need to travel hundreds of kilometres to metropolitan centres. 

Daniel’s professional leadership is widely recognised. He co-chairs Optometry Australia’s Glaucoma Communities of Practice and Education (COPE) group and participates in the Glaucoma Community Collaborative Care Program (G3CP) at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Both initiatives foster shared care, upskilling and earlier intervention in glaucoma. He serves on the Strategic Advisory Committee for Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania (SACVSAT), contributes to the Deakin Optometry Alumni Committee and has published clinical case reports in Optometry Connection. 

Daniel was selected to participate in Optometry Australia’s Advanced Practice Recognition (APR) pilot program, positioning him as a nationally recognised leader in glaucoma care. His inclusion in this initiative affirms both his advanced clinical capabilities and his contribution to the evolving scope of the profession. 

Expanding scope of practice and mentoring 

Daniel’s broader vision is grounded in sustainable change. He sees scope expansion not only as an opportunity to improve care for rural patients but as a necessity to ensure optometry’s continued relevance and value in Australia’s evolving health system. His work directly supports this by closing service gaps, reducing system pressure and advocating for policy reform. 

Daniel brings others along with him. Whether mentoring final-year optometry students, contributing to advisory bodies, or facilitating peer learning groups, he shares his knowledge generously and with purpose, fostering a culture of excellence and community-minded practice. 

As a finalist of the RWAV Awards, Daniel has been duly recognised for significantly improving access to advanced eyecare services in regional Victoria, championing professional development and clinical innovation, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the health and well-being of his community. Through his work, he is not only serving the needs of today but helping shape a stronger, more capable and more equitable future for regional eye care.