1:30min
Optometry Australia’s 2025 Student Leadership Program, which concluded last month, provided 16 optometry students from universities across the country with the opportunity to develop their key professional and leadership skills.
Sponsored by Alcon, and in collaboration with the Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE), the four-week program was designed to equip students with the tools to excel, not just in their studies but as future leaders in the profession.
Throughout the program, students engaged with sessions led by ASE’s Jahin Tanvir, who guided them through essential topics like public speaking, networking, diversity and inclusion, and adaptive leadership and ideation in practice. Students also had the opportunity to hear from industry professionals, including Megan Zabell (Alcon), Nadia Michaels (Alcon), Lachlan Hoy (Innovative Eye Care), Sophie Koh (OA Director Professional Services), Cassandra Haines (OA State Lead, South Australia) and Sarah Case (OA Member Engagement Advisor).
One of the program’s key highlights was the in-person session at the Brisbane Interactive conference on Saturday 22 February. This session allowed students to engage directly with industry leaders at networking drinks and a Special Interest Dinner, putting their leadership skills into practice while expanding their professional networks.
Through the program, participants had the opportunity to build their confidence, expand their professional networks and gain a deeper understanding of the industry. More than just personal growth, the program is an investment in the future of the profession. By equipping emerging leaders with the skills and connections they need, Optometry Australia is helping to shape a strong, adaptable and forward-thinking profession ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Feedback from 2025 participants
Participants shared overwhelming positive feedback about their experiences:
‘Best people, best mentor, best program!’
‘This was an absolutely surreal experience. Thanks to The ASE Group for facilitating some amazing workshops! The skills I learnt are invaluable. I also want to say thank you to the amazing optometry students I was able to work alongside. I am immensely grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to what’s next!’
‘Over this past month, this program has helped me to hone my leadership skills through a series of coaching sessions that explored public speaking and communication skills, innovation, networking, diversity and inclusion, and adaptive leadership. I gained invaluable insights from industry leaders and also enjoyed the chance to connect with other passionate optometry students across the country.’
‘Without a doubt, the highlight of the program was attending the Optometry Australia Interactive Conference in Brisbane. It was amazing to be able to engage with and listen to industry titans particularly the talks on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by Inez Hsing and management of anterior eye conditions with Jason Holland, Dr. John Hogden, and Dr. Andrew Apel. This experience has been truly inspiring, and I’m excited to keep engaging and contributing to the future of the optometry industry!’
‘Throughout this journey, I’ve developed valuable skills in leadership, innovation, networking, and diversity inclusion which have broadened my perspective on how I can contribute to the future of optometry, both in and out of the clinic.’
The 2025 participants
This year’s participants were:
- Buthainah Al-Dulimi
- Vayuni Aponsu
- Bethany Dean
- Jennifer Du
- Ally Forman
- Alyssa Ford
- Louis Huynh
- Rebecca Kitson
- Sophie Lee
- Farah Najeeb
- Jessica Nguyen
- Emma Olsen
- Muhammad Osama Alam
- Jayden Simpson
- Darshil Tadhani
- Jayden Vu