1:30min
(L-R) Derek Fails, Peta Frampton, Ian Bluntish, John Davis, Garry Fitzpatrick, Lawson Lobb, Colin Waldron and Adrienne Farago
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The Optometry Board of Australia has met in Western Australia for the first time. Its meeting on 24 April was preceded by a special networking event for members of Optometry Western Australia (formerly OAA WA Division) to meet with members of the OBA in Perth on 23 April.
OBA chairman Colin Waldron and board members Garry Fitzpatrick, Ian Bluntish, Adrienne Farago, Lawson Lobb, Jane Duffy, Derek Fails, John Davis and Peta Frampton made the trip west.
Optometry Western Australia CEO Tony Martella said a modest number of members capitalised on the opportunity to meet with and talk to the OBA on its inaugural visit.
‘This networking opportunity was intended to not only support the OBA’s regulatory role but to help build and encourage accessible lines of communication between the OBA and registrants,’ Mr Martella said.
He had encouraged members to meet members of the OBA and personally ask questions of and seek assistance from them. Mr Martella encouraged other states to invite the OBA to visit their state and meet their members.
‘The OBA stressed its intent to get out and meet with as many state bodies and their members as possible; they need only be invited,’ Mr Martella said. ‘The OBA is keen to hear from members on any issues they may have.’
Mr Martella said Garry Fitzpatrick, a member of Optometry Western Australia and the OBA, was integral to organising the meeting in Perth.