Kylie Harris
Kylie Harris has been appointed Director of Operations at the Australian College of Optometry. At the ACO, she will lead and support staff in the development and delivery of sustainable, progressive operating models which ensure the efficient running of the organisation. Her broad portfolio of responsibilities includes the ACO’s clinical networks, facilities, infrastructure, procurement, IT, and organisational risk.
Ms Harris has extensive, broad-based experience in eye health. Following 15 years as a clinical optometrist, she transitioned into senior and executive roles in business development, operations, and communications with Vision Group Holdings, Ortho Group Limited, Vision Eye Institute and, most recently, Nexus Hospitals.
Respected for her collegiality, acumen, sector knowledge… she is well known for her capacity to enhance positive workplace cultures
Respected for her collegiality, acumen, sector knowledge, project management skills, clinical experience and patient focus, she is well known for her capacity to enhance positive workplace cultures. According to the ACO, these attributes and skills, combined with a genuine commitment to transparency and excellence, show her to be an ideal match for this challenging, critical role.
Ms Harris’s experience includes several board positions, including as Sight for All Vice Chair (2022-present; Director since 2020). She has previously served on the Boards of Optometry Australia (2016-20, including Vice President 2018-20) and Optometry Victoria (2005-07 and 2011-18, including President 2013-15).
In a statement, the ACO said Ms Harris was the successful candidate following an extensive recruitment process which included an international field of exceptionally high-calibre candidates. Her appointment completes the recruitment of the reimagined ACO Executive Team, following the confirmation of Tim Fricke as the ACO’s new Director of Research and Education in June. Mr Fricke and Ms Harris will join existing staff members Renaldo Tomasiello (CFO) and Chelsey Seamer (General Manager of People and Culture) on the Executive Team, while Pete Haydon continues as CEO.
