A second optometrist has been appointed to Glaucoma Australia’s Council of Management in a move that recognises the importance of optometry in managing patients with glaucoma and improving the low glaucoma detection rates in Australia.
Dr. Ben Ashby will join optometrist Tony Gibson who has been a Glaucoma Australia Councillor for the past three and a half years.
Dr. Ashby is a nationally-known optometrist, having started his optometry career as a clinical optometrist before spending time in research and in teaching, including lecturer appointments at Deakin University and at University of New South Wales. He is currently the Optometry Development Manager at Specsavers.
In a statement, Glaucoma Australia said Dr. Ashby is well-qualified to assist Mr. Gibson and Glaucoma Australia “to harness the significant opportunity offered by the simultaneous development and rising adoption of technologies that aid detection, connect healthcare providers and create new avenues to help those with glaucoma and at risk of glaucoma”.
Dr. Ashby will also Chair the Glaucoma Australia Optometry Committee (one of several professional liaison committees), succeeding Mr. Gibson who has steered the Committee since June 2014. “Without Tony, who will continue to provide ongoing support and wisdom, this Committee would not be where it is today and have such strong representation across optometry”, said Dr. Ashby, in accepting the role.
