Centre for Eye Health has appointed Ms Sarah Holland as general manager to lead the organisation’s new operating model, following on from her “outstanding achievements” as executive manager over the last two years.
A subsidiary of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, in partnership with University of NSW (UNSW), the Centre for Eye Health (CFEH) was established in 2009 to ensure the provision of a high quality, evidence based clinical service, aimed at reducing preventable blindness and vision loss through the early detection of eye disease.
The CFEH’s inaugural director Professor Michael Kalloniatis left the organisation in March this year, after 13 years, amid a strategic review of the centre’s operations.
Holland’s appointment comes as part of a new operating model that will see Guide Dogs NSW/ACT overseeing responsibility for clinical services, with research and education managed by UNSW, although both entities will continue to work in partnership.
“I have always been incredibly inspired by the work undertaken at CFEH and the passion of the staff who are delivering care,” Holland said.
“The ongoing partnership with UNSW will allow for continued facilitation of both undergraduate education and clinical research which are both integral to the CFEH model.”
The newly created senior leadership position is responsible for leading CFEH, contributing to the new strategic direction, further developing community collaborations and managing clinical operations with a focus on the unmet need of servicing vulnerable population groups through early detection.
Prior to joining CFEH, Holland has worked at a senior leadership level with BUPA Australia and across a group of private medical practices leading strategy and change.
Originally from England, her role prior to moving to Australia was to head up the private care division at the Royal Marsden Hospital. During this time, she also worked directly with the UK Department of Health, leading the development of the NHS eligibility policy.
The new general manager position will work closely with the head of clinical operations role to ensure CFEH remains an industry leader, collaborating with key stakeholders and industry experts and facilitating cutting edge clinical services influenced by research with UNSW.
“[There] is already a significant amount of work undertaken within the sector across a number of stakeholders including Glaucoma Australia and the Macular Disease Foundation Australia; it is my hope that we will continue to work in a collaborative manner ensuring maximum impact,” Holland said.
“Ultimately, the aim for us at CFEH is to provide early detection services for those most vulnerable (clinically and financially) and to reduce the incidence of preventable blindness.”
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