From holding a torch during cataract surgery to leading eyecare teams across three Australian states, MELISSA DOWNING has packed plenty into her 20 years with EssilorLuxottica. Along the way, she’s mentored future leaders, embraced change, and remained focused on the life behind the eyes in her chair.
Ms Melissa Downing still remembers the eye examination that first revealed she was myopic, a moment that altered the course of her life. More surprising to her mother was the discovery that her younger sister and much younger brother were also short-sighted.
“That day marked a turning point for all of us as we began our journey with clearer vision,” she recalls.
The experience left a lasting impression. Not only did corrected vision improve her life academically, but socially too, giving her the confidence to participate in sport thanks to contact lenses.
“The genuine care shown by the optometrists during that time inspired me to pursue a career in optometry,” she says. “From then on, the path I wanted to follow was clear.”
This year, Downing is celebrating her 20th year within the EssilorLuxottica business. She marvels at the technological changes that have enhanced the optometrist’s work over that time, along with the way leaders within the OPSM network have shaped the national eyecare landscape.
Downing’s journey as an optometrist with OPSM began after completing her graduate years and seeking the next phase in her career. She had already experienced optometry through various care models and settings across Melbourne, regional Victoria and Tasmania before joining OPSM.
At the time, Luxottica (now EssilorLuxottica) had only just acquired OPSM. She started as the principal optometrist at Malvern, then progressed to managing optometrist at Southland, before joining the eyecare leadership team in multiple roles where at one point she was responsible for eyecare across three states.
“I really appreciated the flexibility and opportunity to work part-time while my boys were young, and then transition back into a full-time senior leadership role when the time was right for my family,” she says.
Over the years, she continued to take on new challenges.
Putting her hand up and saying “yes” to the chance to be a managing optometrist, area eyecare manager and professional services manager provided the opportunity to influence and support a diverse team.
It also helped her shape patient care beyond her consulting room.
Coaching and mentoring others has remained a highlight of her work. “Helping others grow their confidence, clinical skills, knowledge and professional development continues to be an incredibly rewarding part of my role every day.”
Bigger than herself
Downing values the chance to contribute beyond clinical care – something made possible by the breadth and scale of the EssilorLuxottica business.
During the past 20 years, she’s taken part in a various projects and collaborations, as well as contributing externally to the profession.
Clinical teaching at The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) was a highlight, along with serving as a board member and then-president of Optometry Australia Victoria Division, joining the board of the Australian College of Optometry, and currently being a member of UniMelb’s Department of Vision Sciences Course Advisory Committee.
“I am passionate about inspiring growth in my team through connection and relationships to deliver excellence – always putting ourselves in our customers’ shoes,” Downing says.
“As optometrists, we need to take a holistic approach when it comes to our customers’ needs and wants to really connect with and care for the life behind the eyes in our chairs.”
She adds that no two OPSM practices are the same. This diversity is a strength.
“Our unique team culture and individual connection with our patients is what keeps customers coming back to OPSM over 90+ years of heritage, and what keeps us strong and growing into the future.”
Innovation, Mentorship and Impact
Reflecting on the evolution of the profession, Downing points to technology and innovation as some of the biggest changes in eyecare.
Over the years, investments have been made to expand the footprint of ultra-widefield digital retinal imaging, OCT with biometry, as well as the Clarifye digital eye exam experience to help provide a better standard of care to patients.
She feels privileged to have been part of what she describes as a progressive and forward-thinking eyecare leadership team.
Downing is also proud of the many students and early career optometrists she has mentored and supported on placements and as graduates – many of whom have gone on to become leaders themselves.
“Their passion and hunger to inspire growth and success through striving for more keeps me motivated on our purpose to positively impact lives through excellent care every day,” she says.
The lives Downing has impacted goes beyond Australian shores too.
The One Sight EssilorLuxottica Foundation “is such an important part of our cultural fabric” at EssilorLuxottica, and she’s been privileged to contribute to many different clinics.
One of the most memorable was in a remote clinic in Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean (about midway between Hawaii and Australia) with no permanent eyecare services.
“As a team we provided sunglasses, eye examinations, and disease screening for hundreds of patients over the course of a week,” she recalls. “We triaged, assisted with surgery, and provided post-op care.”
Within that there was one powerful moment.
“The Funafuti hospital generator failed, and I stood in the dark holding up a torch so the surgeon could complete cataract surgery and close up the patient’s eye,” she recalls.
“The smile on that patient’s face the next day when I took off their eye patch and they could see 6/9 unaided – it was life-changing, for both them and for me.”
As she reflects on 20 years with EssilorLuxottica, Downing feels lucky to be part of a team that keeps customer care at its heart.
“It’s rewarding to have such a clear purpose. Every day we strive to help our customers see more and be more through high quality eyecare, premium tailored solutions and genuine care and connection,” Downing says.
“I feel privileged to have had 20 years of my career with EssilorLuxottica, with connection and support from a team continually striving to do their best every day for the benefit of our customers and I am so excited for what the years ahead hold.”
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