1:30min
Genevieve Quilty
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By Rhiannon Riches
Assistant Editor
Optometry Australia today announced it is searching for a new CEO following the resignation of Genevieve Quilty.
Ms Quilty will depart the organisation in mid-February 2017.
National President Kate Gifford says Ms Quilty has been an outstanding CEO for the organisation and the National Board was saddened to receive her resignation for personal reasons.
‘She has held the role of CEO of Optometry Australia since late 2011 and has generated significant change which has benefited the organisation’s overall performance and in particular, the way we deliver our membership services,’ Ms Gifford said.
Ms Quilty joined the then Optometrists Association Australia in 2008 as National Policy Manager, bringing to the organisation a solid career working in senior policy and political roles in the Australian Government.
As CEO, Ms Quilty led the organisation’s rebranding from Optometrists Association Australia to Optometry Australia in 2014.
‘Ms Quilty has focused on reinvigorating the federated organisation and implemented a major rebranding which has resulted in a new name and a strong, recalibrated business direction that has enhanced Optometry Australia’s reputation as the influential voice for optometry.
‘Under her leadership, Optometry Australia has launched major national campaigns to raise awareness of community eye health and the role of optometrists among consumers and GPs. She has worked tirelessly raising sector concerns in relation to optometric policy decisions and spearheaded our multi-layered fee cap removal campaign which resulted in several wins benefiting optometrists,’ Ms Gifford said.
Ms Quilty has also represented Optometry Australia either as chair or as a committee member on numerous optometric and health services committees.
Ms Gifford praised Ms Quilty’s efforts in transforming the organisation’s digital footprint through the introduction of new technology, websites and apps designed to keep members informed of sector news and information, to manage their continuing professional education and to make it easier for the public to find optometrists through advanced online search functionality.
‘Ms Quilty’s list of achievements is inspiring and we wish her every success in her future endeavours,’ Ms Gifford said.