Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) has appointed six new industry figures to its advisory board, creating a diverse cross-section of representation from across the nation’s optical dispensing profession. Additionally, Paul Clarke has been promoted from his existing Advisory Board position to Chairperson.
The 2025/26 appointees include a balanced mix of independent and corporate optical professionals, alongside representation from the lens supply sector. They replace several 2023/24 advisory board members who recently completed their two-year tenure.
The new appointees are evenly distributed across three states – Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.
Optical Dispensers Australia (ODA) has appointed six new industry figures to its advisory board, creating a diverse cross-section of representation
New Board Members
The new appointees are:
Faioa Wolterman – A senior optical dispenser and staff trainer across two practices within a unique sensory and optometry clinic group in Western Australia. With 24 years of experience specialising in complex visual needs, particularly for patients with neurological conditions, Ms Wolterman is passionate about paediatric dispensing for children with sensory and processing challenges.
Todd Spencer – Senior commercial officer at CR Labs in Melbourne, Victoria. Mr Spencer’s three-decade career began in 1989 as an apprentice optical mechanic in Adelaide. His journey included roles in optical dispensing, retail practice ownership, and various positions with SOLA Optical (later part of Carl Zeiss Vision). Mr Spencer completed his MBA from the University of South Australia in 2009.
Jacobus Boshoff – An optical dispenser and practice owner in Forster, Mid North Coast region of New South Wales. Mr Boshoff completed his Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing in 2018, though his personal experience with optical appliances dates back to 1983. He advocates for continued education and attention to detail among optical dispensers.
Pete Lock – Store manager and optical dispenser for both Warrnambool and Portland Eyecare in south west Victoria. Mr Lock’s 36-year career began at age 17 with OPSM in Warrnambool, including experience across corporate and private practices throughout Victoria.
Allyson Caffell – Independent practice owner based in Northam, Western Australia. Ms Caffell has worked in the optometry industry since 1998 and earned her Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing in 2013 – the same year she established her practice. In 2024, she participated in the ODA Fiji Outreach Program.
Rhian Evans – Dispensing advancement manager for Specsavers Australia and New Zealand, based in New South Wales. A qualified Association of British Dispensing Opticians member, Mr Evans has over 20 years of experience as a dispensing and contact lens optician across independent and corporate practices in both the UK and Australia.
Strategic Appointments
ODA CEO April Petrusma explained that geographic diversity was a major consideration when appointing the advisory board.
“We also prioritise job role diversity on the board. Our advisory board members represent a wide range of roles within the industry, including those from both independent and corporate practices, as well as individuals from the supply and manufacturing sectors,” she said.
Regarding the departing board members, Ms Petrusma acknowledged, “it’s tough to see them go”.
“They’ve played a key role in our growth and evolution over the past two years, we remain dedicated to continuous innovation by seeking new and diverse perspectives from across the industry,” she added.
The advisory board positions are voluntary, with members contributing their expertise, industry insights and guidance to support ODA’s objectives as the organisation continues to grow.
