George & Matilda Eyecare (G&M) has expanded its professional services team substantially, with more optometrists taking on the responsibility to upskill and drive evidence-based best practice across the network.
During the past six months, G&M – whose practices now serve more than 100 communities – has gone from one professional services manager to five. Each appointment is strategically located to ensure clinical support is provided across the group.
The professional services managers are:
- Anthony Sargeant (G&M for Gerry & Johnson Optometrists) – Queensland and NSW Mid North Coast
- Michael Angelos (G&M for Karisma) – NSW North
- Shazaan Khambiye (G&M for Figtree Optometrists) – NSW South
- Alem Catic (G&M for Wood & Associates Optometrists) – Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia
- Tristan Gutteridge (Eyelines Optometrists) – Tasmania.
Each report to G&M chief operating officer Mr Matt Bradford while continuing to work as optometrists, with time allocated during the week for professional services support.
Bradford said providing education, support, and engagement for G&M’s optometrists was crucial.
“In our partnerships with independent optometry practices, we pride ourselves on community engagement at a practice level, and our professional services team play a crucial role in identifying and driving these opportunities,” he said.
“Our professional services team is comprised of experienced optometrists with a track-record of delivering quality clinical care and educational content to their peers. In addition to grassroots optometrist support, they deliver educational content ranging from myopia management strategies, to embracing the latest in eyecare technology, driving evidence-based best practice within our optometry team.”
Bradford said given the rapid growth of the network, G&M acknowledged support, continuous education, communication frequency and collegiality were important factors in building a sustainable optometry network.
“This isn’t only for the optometrists but for G&M in our partnerships with independent optometrists. The feedback from our optometry team has been very positive and they feel more supported than ever before,” he said.
More reading
Why this George & Matilda optometrist fell in love with Warwick
George & Matilda Eyecare: Smooth succession
George & Matilda’s optometry-audiology integration blueprint
