Allyson Caffell
Optical Dispensers Australia has announced a new Chairperson following the retirement of Paul Clarke OAM. Additionally, ODA announced an Advisory Board refreshment following the departures of James Gibbins (New South Wales), Jessica Kingsley (South Australia), and Todd Spencer (Victoria), all of whom had reached their tenure limit.
The new Chairperson of the ODA Advisory Board is Allyson Caffell, Optical Dispenser and owner of Northam Optical in Western Australia.
The six new appointments are:
- Jennifer Blackwell, Practice Manager at Vivid Optical George and Matilda, Tasmania,
- Belinda Musitano, Director at Eyes @ Optometry, Western Australia,
- Patricia Rogers, National Sales Manager at ZEISS, South Australia,
- Alison Middleton, Senior Optical Dispenser at Holdfastbay Optometry in Glenelg, South Australia,
- Mahafrin Palsetia, Dispensing Optician at Gary Filer Optometrist Auckland, New Zealand, and
- Jess Thompson, Dispensing Optician at Matthews Eyewear Motueka, New Zealand.
In an interview, April Petrusma, Chief Executive Officer of ODA expressed gratitude “and a touch of sadness” surrounding Mr Clarke’s departure.
“This year marks Paul’s 50th year in optics, the perfect time for him to put down his dispensing tools and embrace the open road.”
She said Mr Clarke had been integral to ODA’s success from day one.
“Many know him as the charismatic MC at our conferences and galas, the expert teacher of repairs workshops, and the friendly face at our trade show stands. His knowledge, skill, and passion for optics know no bounds, and we will be forever grateful for the time, energy, and enthusiasm he has dedicated to our organisation. We wish Paul well on his travels and hope the road ahead brings adventure, joy, and well-earned rest.”
Welcoming ODA’s new Chair to the role, Ms Petrusma said, “Allyson brings a deep understanding of our organisation, a strong commitment to the dispensing profession, and a clear vision for the future of ODA. Her dedication, leadership, and passion make her the ideal person to build on Paul’s remarkable legacy, and we are confident she will guide the organisation into an exciting next chapter.”
Ms Petrusma said she was “genuinely excited about the year ahead.
“With an incredibly dedicated Advisory Board and a wealth of new ideas already taking shape, the year ahead promises to be a significant one”.
She said a key focus will be to deliver more hands-on educational opportunities across Australia and New Zealand.
“We will be providing our dispensing community with high-quality, in-demand CPD and training that addresses a long-standing need for accessible, practical professional development,” she said.
