Welcome to People on the move, a new concept we’re trialling for Insight’s e-newsletter and website to keep the ophthalmic industry updated on new appointments and personnel changes.
If you’d like to tell the market about a new person in your company, practice, or clinic, please send the person’s name, position, image and a short description about their role to editor Myles Hume for his consideration at myles.hume@primecreative.com.au.
People on the move – April/May
Judith Abbott – Vision 2020 Australia
Judith is leaving her position as Vision 2020 Australia CEO, and will be assuming the role of CEO at Carers Victoria from September this year. She was appointed Vision 2020 Australia CEO in June 2018, and came to the role with an extensive career in government, prior to which she worked as an optometrist in Victoria and held clinical and management roles in the eyecare sector. The Vision 2020 Australia board has commenced a recruitment process to identify the next CEO and engaged the firm Searchlight Group to conduct the process.
Emma Solanki – National Optical Care
Emma recently started at National Optical Care as its practice development manager. She has over 20 years’ experience in the optometry industry. Having held dispenser and practice manager roles, state management roles for optical suppliers and a business management role for a privately owned optometry group, Emma understands well the unique challenges facing independent optometrists.
Ranilo Sta Ana – Safilo
Ranilo joins Safilo as the Victorian area manager with a depth of experience within the optical industry. Originally qualified as an optometrist, Ranilo transitioned into the wholesale arena in customer service and held positions of increasing responsibility to the customer service manager of a lens lab in Sydney. After relocating to Melbourne, he moved to a field sales role representing Essilor/Osa lenses and has been servicing the Victoria territory. As such Ranilo brings a different perspective to Safilo and a strong knowledge of the optical industry. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to supporting his journey into the world of fashion.
Sarah Murray – Safilo
We welcome Sarah to Safilo from her most recent position managing an optical practice. Sarah also has a long history in optics having worked in numerous practices and also in wholesale frame distribution. Having covered a number of brands previously, across different price points and styling, Sarah has a strong knowledge of the industry and what it takes to support customers. We are thankful that Sarah has joined Safilo and supporting her as she grows our business as area manager for Victoria/Tasmania.
Jeena Tan – Specsavers ANZ
A qualified optometrist, Jeena has been with Specsavers both in store and as part of the optometry support team for more than 10 years. She has recently been appointed to the new role of Specsavers’ head of clinical systems, and will be responsible for leveraging technology to advance Specsavers’ clinical systems and equipment strategy, supporting optometrists in improving care and health outcomes for patients.
Amanda Vanstone – Vision 2020 Australia
Former Vision 2020 Australia chair Amanda Vanstone has taken on the role of patron of the organisation. Amanda served as board chair for six years, making a significant and lasting impact during her tenure. She joins Barry Jones as patron of Vision 2020 Australia, with their combined experience in public life providing the sector an invaluable resource to draw upon.
Amy Choi – George and Matilda Eyecare
Amy is heading up George and Matilda’s newly launched Onboarding Team. She has 10 years’ experience in the optical industry, as an optical dispenser, practice manager and in George and Matilda’s national operations team, where she has assisted in the onboarding process for 58 practices. “I really strive to partner with the team and build relationships with them whilst achieving our standards. As each onboard is tailored to the needs of an individual practice this means you need to be agile and find solutions to achieve meaningful results in a short period of time.”
Mel Deguara – George and Matilda Eyecare
Mel joined George and Matilda four years ago as a practice manager and is now supporting Amy Choi as part of the Onboarding Team. Attracted to the company due to it being an Australian brand with a high level of patient care, Mel has travelled to different locations, where she has met and worked with many of the George and Matilda team. “I enjoy being able to help and contribute to my community, and to me vision is a gift, so to be able to assist in providing customers with the best aided vision is a privilege.”
