People on the move – April 2022

Welcome to People on the move – April 2022, Insight’s monthly bulletin to keep the Australian ophthalmic sector 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 consideration at myles.hume@primecreative.com.au.

Stephanie Watson – The University of Sydney Nano Institute

Save Sight Institute’s Professor Stephanie Watson is starting a new position as co-deputy director of industry, innovation and commercialisation at The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano). Watson is chair of the Ophthalmic Research Institute of Australia, editor for the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group, and regenerative medicine theme leader for Stem Cells Australia. She has appointments at the Sydney Eye Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. Watson is an ophthalmic surgeon specialising in cataract, corneal and laser surgery, and is known for her ground-breaking research in stem cell treatment for corneas.

Kuang-mon (Ashley) Tuan – Visioneering Technologies

ASX-listed medical device company Visioneering Technologies has named Dr Kuang-mon (Ashley) Tuan, OD, PhD, FAAO as its new Chief Medical Officer. In her new position, Tuan will be responsible for managing clinical research studies, such as the NaturalVue (etafilcon A) Multifocal randomized clinical trial for myopia progression control in children, helping identify and develop new products, and leading efforts to communicate findings in key journals and scientific meetings. She will also lead VTI’s Professional Services team as it communicates technical information on products and initiatives to eyecare professionals.

Joe Bankovich – American Glaucoma Society Foundation

Nova Eye Medical President Mr Joe Bankovich has been appointed as an industry representative to the American Glaucoma Society Foundation Advisory Board. Established in 2011 and comprising more than 1,500 members, the foundation runs programs to support glaucoma research and education. This includes programs designed to accelerate the advancement of glaucoma science and its translation into clinically important applications. The American Glaucoma Society Foundation also provides a platform for physicians, researchers and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to collaborate in the development of the regulatory science that guides the approval of new glaucoma diagnostic technologies and surgical devices. “The American Glaucoma Society Foundation is one of American ophthalmology’s premier subspecialty societies. I am excited by the opportunity to join the Advisory Board and to actively contribute to discussions around research and education in glaucoma. I am also humbled by the opportunity,” Bankovich said.

Kylee Hall – Cylite

Cylite’s vice president of sales and marketing, Ms Kylee Hall, has taken over as CEO from the company’s founder and director, Dr Steve Frisken. Previously manager of Zeiss Australasia’s medical division, Hall took time away from the profession to pursue an Executive MBA, before joining Cylite in February 2020. “The company is going through a huge expansion period with over 70 employees and a new facility recently leased in Melbourne that will provide 2,500m² of office, laboratory and production space,” Hall said. The company has confirmed the first public showing of its award-winning Australian-made HP-OCT with Focus software will take place at O-Show in Sydney in May this year, with a European launch scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.

Cassie Gersbach – George and Matilda

Ms Cassie Gersbach, a founding member of George and Matilda Eyecare (G&M) who has been with the company for six years, has been appointed general manager of partnerships. With 11 years’ experience in the optometry and eyewear sector, including in operations, sales, human resources, and now partnerships, Gersbach said she is well placed to share her experiences and open the door for more independents to connect and explore G&M as their next move. “I believe we have suitable solutions that can benefit practice owners both personally and professionally in a meaningful way. G&M have ambition to grow and offer more to the independent market,” she said.