The integration of Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA) and Optometry Tasmania with Optometry Australia this month has led to significant personnel changes.
OV/SA no longer requires its own Chief Executive Officer and so Ilsa Hampton has stepped down from the role of CEO of OV/SA. As well, three new State Leads for Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania have been announced.
“I have greatly enjoyed my time at OV/SA, working with a wonderful team, getting to know optometry and our partners in eye health,” Ms Hampton said.
“Apart from the hundreds of individual conversations I have had with our members, from Mildura to the Fleurieu Peninsula and many places in between, in such a short time there have been many highlights.”
INSTRUMENTAL IN DRIVING CHANGE
Since joining OV/SA in February 2022, Ms Hampton’s leadership has been marked by numerous accomplishments for the OV/SA team, including strengthening relationships with optometrists, providing enhanced professional development opportunities for members, and advocating for the crucial role of optometry within the healthcare landscape. Z
She led the charge in addressing front-of-house workforce challenges, launched initiatives focussed on preventing occupational injury, and delivered the highly successful O=MEGA23/ World Congress of Optometry event in partnership with the Optical Distributors and Manufacturers Association.
STATE LEADS
OA CEO Skye Cappuccio, who remains at the helm of the integrated entity, will be joined by three new ‘State Leads’.
Lyn Hsieh and Cassandra Haines have been announced as the new State Leads for Victoria and SA respectively. Jonathan Jones, current CEO for Optometry Tasmania, assumed the State Lead position for Tasmania post integration on 1 November.
“These positions are crucial in ensuring a strong connection to members at the local level and in understanding the unique nuances and needs of the state environments,” Ms Cappucio said.
“Lyn and Cassandra will bring their extensive expertise and local knowledge to these roles. We are fortunate to have such well-connected optometrists who understand the challenges and opportunities within their respective states to take on these roles.
“Jonathan, likewise, has extensive expertise and local knowledge, having held the CEO position for Optometry Tasmania for the last seven years.”
Both Ms Hsieh and Ms Haines will be taking on their state lead roles on a part-time basis. Their work will be complemented by the work of Optometry Australia’s policy and advocacy, member support, events, and continuing professional development teams. The involvement of current OV/SA staff in these teams ensures continuity of service and a seamless transition for members, OA said.
