In August 2025, East Timor President José Ramos-Horta awarded the Order of Timor Leste medal to Tasmanian optometrists Andrew Koch, Sib Payne, Andrew Maver, Colin McKenzie and the late Micheal Knipe, recognising their almost two-decade dedication to rebuilding eye care in Timor Leste from the ground up.
Early in his career, optometrist Simon Hanna saw that an optometry degree could open many different doors – from clinical care to roles in leadership, education and advocacy. That versatility has shaped his path, allowing him to blend clinical work with roles that influence the broader direction of optometry.
Optometry Australia has formally engaged with Queensland Health’s review of the Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS), providing input that draws directly on member feedback and ensuring that the experiences of Queensland optometrists are at the forefront of reform discussions.
Optometry Australia today announces that Chief Executive Officer, Skye Cappuccio, will step down from her role at the end of 2025 after more than a decade of service to the organisation, including the past three years as CEO.
Optometry Australia is seeking expressions of interest to join our Advisory Group on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Eye Health, helping shape a more equitable, culturally safe future in eye care.
Professor Michael Collins is the 19th recipient of the prestigious H Barry Collin Research Medal for his sustained and significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in optometric research, notably in the areas of contact lenses, visual optics, ocular imaging and myopia development and control.
Optometrist Dr Margaret O’Neill has been recognised for more than two decades of pioneering work in remote and Indigenous eye health, receiving an Honorary Doctorate from The University of Western Australia during its winter graduation ceremonies.
When a patient walked into Jason Dhana’s practice with a clear case of preseptal cellulitis, he knew exactly what was needed: prompt treatment with oral antibiotics. But as is the case for many optometrists in Australia, Jason’s next step wasn’t to treat – it was to refer.
When Roman Serebrianik graduated in 2003, he thought he had a clear idea of what his optometry career would look like. What he didn’t realise at the time was that his optometry training had set him up for more than clinical care. It also taught him how to think critically, work closely with other health professionals and understand how healthcare systems work – all skills that would serve him well far beyond the consulting room.
Optometry Australia is inviting all members involved in the Visiting Optometrists Scheme (VOS) to take part in a national survey to help shape the future of this vital program. The VOS plays a critical role in improving access to eye care for Australians living in rural and remote communities, as well as for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
In the spirit of reconciliation Optometry Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
