Committee members

ECO WA President

Chiau Ni (Charlene) Chiu

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Tel: Email: ECOWAPresident@optometrywa.org.au

My name is Charlene and I am the President of ECO WA. I completed my Master of Optometry at Queensland University of Technology in 2017. Following graduation, I moved to Perth as a graduate optometrist. My career in optometry has since evolved from working in corporate practices, to locuming across Perth, Sydney and Canberra, and stepping up into managerial role in corporate optometry.

Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Ophthalmology and Visual Science at The University of Western Australia while working part-time at Bailey Nelson. I hope to continue the legacy of ECO WA, building a supportive network for early career optometrists to connect, grow and find their true passion in optometry.

ECO Vice President

Stephanie Yap

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Stephanie Yap
My name is Stephanie and I am a committee member of ECO WA. I completed a Master of Clinical Optometry and Bachelor of Science with the University of New South Wales. I am currently a Locum optometrist and have worked in different states. I hope we can create a supportive and friendly community for new graduates and early career optometrists through ECO!

Treasurer - ECO

Jerry Mathias

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My name is Jerry and I graduated from the UWA OD program in 2024 and currently work at a Specsavers store in the Perth metro area. I aim to be a proactive voice within the industry to build upon our skillset and expand our scope of practice, whilst also fostering a work environment that is both rewarding and fulfilling. I am passionate about building upon existing initiatives that promote eye health awareness in the general public. Overall, I aim to strengthen and develop the support network for graduates and early-career optometrists in WA.

ECO Committee Member

Ben (Si Ye) Lee

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Ben Lee
I am passionate about advancing in optometry, hence joining early career optometrist can aid in fostering professional growth, networking and mentorship opportunities.

ECO Committee Member

Eric Chen

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Eric Chen
My name is Eric and I’m a committee member of ECO WA. I’ve completed a Master of Clinical Optometry and Bachelor of Vision Science with UNSW. I am currently a full time employee with Specsavers and plan to own my own store in the near future. I aim to provide a supportive environment for recent graduates, early career optometrists and to help wherever I can!

ECO Committee Member

Pricilla Ho

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Dr Pricilla Ho - B.Sc, O.D.
My name is Pricilla and I am a past ECO WA President and Board member since 2023 and OWA member since 2018.
I completed a Bachelor of Science (Microbiology and Immunology) at the University of Melbourne in 2013 and then continued post-graduate studies obtaining a Doctor of Optometry degree at the same university in 2017. I currently split my time in my own independent practice, Vision Care Eye Centre, and working at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Ophthalmology clinic.

I hope to help recent graduates build a supportive network as they transition into the workforce and through ECO, inspire others to find their area of interest and broaden their scope of practice.
Outside of optometry I’m an avid foodie and have taken up running to bring some balance. My goal is to run a half marathon this year

ECO Committee Member

Avanti Ambekar

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Avanti graduated from Flinders University with Master of Optometry four years ago. She now works at Vision West Optometrists in Karrinyup, an independent practice specialising in paediatrics, behavioural optometry and complex contact lens care, including Orthokeratology. She is committed to delivering excellent clinical care and prioritises evidence-based management in her practice.

Avanti is passionate about supporting new graduates as they transition into the profession and the importance of helping them build confidence and strong clinical foundations. She is excited to join the Early Career Optometrists (ECO) committee, where she hopes to support fellow optometrists, create networking opportunities, and foster a strong, connected professional community in Perth.
Outside of optometry, she enjoys cooking, reading, travelling, and choreographing.

ECO Committee Member

Ellie Schneider

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