As Optometry Australia’s new State Lead of Queensland, Ann Webber’s primary goal is to support Queensland members and advocate for the future of the profession at a local level.
The role of State Lead provides a valuable opportunity to meet, listen to, and engage with optometrists from all across Queensland. These conversations create insight into the issues that matter the most to our diverse eye care community. I’m excited to work alongside the Optometry Australia team to advocate for Queensland optometrists’ needs, while ensuring that our profession remains strong and continues to thrive. I am particularly passionate about exploring new roles and modes of practice for early career optometrists and growing optometry’s footprint in public eye care delivery.
A Bit About Me
I began my optometry journey in Brisbane, where I graduated from Queensland University of Technology in 1984. Since then, I have worked across a variety of clinical and professional settings, including private practice, hospital eye clinics, clinical teaching, and research. From each of these roles, I have gained extensive knowledge of the optometry profession, as well as a deep appreciation for optometry as whole, and the critical role it plays in eye health and primary healthcare.
I have also had the privilege of serving as the practitioner member from Queensland on the Optometry Board of Australia for three terms, where I advocated for policies that support optometrists in delivering high-quality eye care.
I’m always up for a chat, so if you spot me at the conference, make sure to tap me on the shoulder and say hello!
Connecting on the Ground
One of the most rewarding parts of my role so far has been connecting with members directly on the ground at a grassroots level, and our Brisbane Interactive conference held just last month was a fantastic example of why maintaining in-person connection is so valuable.
Brisbane Interactive was the first stop in Optometry Australia’s 2025 Interactive Series, and it brought together a diverse range of industry professionals from across the country – there was great opportunity to engage and learn in a fun and relaxed environment. It highlighted the power of face-to-face interaction and meaningful discussion, and I hope all attendees were able to enjoy the comradery and quality clinical education that the conference had to offer.
Gold Coast Interactive
I’m looking forward to attending our next major event, Gold Coast Interactive, which will be held this year at Sofitel Broadbeach on Sunday 13 April and Monday 14 April. The theme of Gold Coast Interactive is macular disease, and the conference promises to deliver a range of high-quality interactive and therapeutic CPD sessions and networking opportunities.
Whether you’re wanting to expand your clinical knowledge, build your network or simply unwind and recharge, I encourage you to register early and join me at Gold Coast Interactive. Secure your spot by registering online at interactive.optometry.org.au.
I’m always up for a chat, so if you spot me at the conference, make sure to tap me on the shoulder and say hello!
Optometry Clinical Conference, August
Another forthcoming opportunity to engage with colleagues from across Australia is the Optometry Clinical Conference, jointly brought to members by Optometry Queensland Northern Territory (OQNT), Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA) and Optometry Tasmania (OTas).
This is a huge, must-attend event in August that will feature international speakers, interactive sessions, traditional lectures, new hands-on workshops, and an extensive trade show. The location of this joint divisions’ conference will rotate among major cities each year, with the first destination landing at Centrepiece in Melbourne. I look forward to connecting with many of you there.
Immediate Support For Members
Finally, I’d like to remind all Optometry Queensland Northern Territory members that you have access to Optometry Australia’s valuable, member-only service that offers one-to-one support.
Optometry Australia has optometrist advisors and human resources (HR) lawyers on hand who are available to answer any of your queries about HR workplace rights and obligations, patient management, Medicare, medico-legal or clinical queries, and to review employment contracts. No matter how big or small your query, they take pride in providing members with independent and unbiased advice, in complete confidentiality and without judgement.
The Optometrist Help Desk is staffed by experienced advisors Sophie Koh, Dom Willson, Lyn Hsieh, and Katherine Whittaker. I encourage all OQNT members to take advantage of this Monday to Friday service by emailing OAhelpdesk@optometry.org.au or calling (AUS) 03 9668 8500.
Ann Webber is the Queensland State Lead for Optometry Australia. A qualified optometrist, she has experience in private practice, hospital eye clinics, clinical teaching, and research.
