Professor Lauren Ayton AM has been appointed Board Chair of The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) and National Vision Research Institute (NVRI) following the conclusion of Sophie Koh’s four-years as Chair.
An integral member of ACO’s governance since 2021, Prof Ayton adds ACO Board Chair to a distinguished portfolio of leadership roles across the University of Melbourne and Centre for Eye Research Australia, as well as committee and board positions with UsherKids Australia, Optometry Australia, the Australian Centre for Advancing Diabetes Innovations (ACADI) and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
At the ACO’s annual general meeting, outgoing Board Directors, Darrell Baker (elected 2022), Lien Trinh (elected 2024) and Theodora Elia-Adams (appointed 2022), were acknowledged and thanked for their valuable contributions to the ACO during their terms. The ACO welcomed newly appointed Board Directors Rod Baker and Lyn Brodie, who will bring their expertise and skills to support the governance of the organisation.
Mr Baker, an experienced optometrist, returns to the ACO Board after 12 years, having maintained close working relationships with our clinic, research and education functions. His history with the ACO includes roles as Head of Paediatric Services (1994-1998), Manager of Continuing Education (1998-2000), Board Director and Chair of Clinical Services Committee (2011-2014), as well as a Member of ACO’s Research Committee (2025-present).
I am excited to support one of Australia’s longest serving optometry organisations as Board Chair and look forward to continuing the work already in motion
Former Optometry Australia CEO Lyn Brodie also brings with her extensive governance experience shaped through senior executive and board roles across health, professional associations, philanthropy, advocacy, and the not-for-profit sector, supporting organisations to remain financially sound, strategically focused, and true to their purpose. Her proven leadership, strategy and advocacy skills are underpinned by a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing modern optometry.
The new Board now consists of: Prof Lauren Ayton AM (Chair), Rod Baker, Lyn Brodie, Sayuri Grady, Sophie Koh, Roman Serebrianik, Prof Bruce Thompson, and Dr Michelle Waugh.
Overseeing Change
ACO Chair, Prof Lauren Ayton, said: “ACO is unique, and holds a special space in the hearts and minds of optometrists throughout Australia. It continues to play an important role in optometrist’s learning journey in the form of clinical placements, graduate programs and diverse CPD offerings. In terms of clinical service delivery, change has been gradual but monumental. For vulnerable communities throughout Victoria, the public health eye care provided through ACO’s clinic network, advanced services and unparalleled outreach services have grown significantly, acting as a lifeline to those who otherwise could not receive the care they need.
“More recently, ACO has undergone substantial change, not least the overhaul of its research to translational, public health projects under the direction of Dr Tim Fricke, and a renewed focus to ensure clinical services are patient-centred at each step of their journey with us.”
“I am excited to support one of Australia’s longest serving optometry organisations as Board Chair and look forward to continuing the work already in motion to strength the ACO for years to come.”
The Board changes come as ACO prepares to relocate its HQ in Carlton to a right-sized, fit-for-purpose site closer to its patients and partners. Early work is underway to scout a new home for ACO’s headquarters with the support of advisors, industry partners and stakeholders. The move is expected to be completed in the coming years.
Outgoing Chair Sophie Koh said: “I’m excited to see ACO continue to grow in the years ahead, under Lauren’s leadership. Together, we have laid the foundations for transformation and turned a significant corner as an organisation. There is still much more to do. I’ve been very proud to have been the first female Chair in ACO’s history. As I pass the baton, I’m confident we have the right people, to succeed and work towards that sustainable future.”
ACO Outstanding University Graduate Awards
As part of the AGM, several Outstanding Graduate Awards were announced in partnership with a number of Australian Universities. These awards recognise graduates who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement alongside a strong commitment to professional excellence.
ACO Outstanding University Graduate Awards were presented to:
- Deakin University: Ali Abud
- Flinders University: Ellie Cheung
- University of Melbourne: Maggie Wang
- UNSW Sydney: Catherine Bui
- Queensland University of Technology: Olivia Almond
- University of Canberra: Diya Sabharwal
The Outstanding Graduate Award for ACO Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics was presented to Kelly Waterworth, who achieved the highest score across all assessments for the graduating year.
View the ACO’s 2025 Annual Report here.
