Welcome to People on the move – April 2025, 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.
Amy Pillay – EssilorLuxottica
Ms Amy Pillay has held multiple leadership roles, including professional services manager and engagement manager at EssilorLuxottica, where she focused on building relationships with optometrists, driving clinical education, and supporting talent engagement through networking events. Now, as a professional affairs manager for Essilor, she is responsible for driving clinical education, supporting eyecare professionals with training, and advancing the company’s professional engagement strategy. In her role, she collaborates with industry partners and develops and delivers educational programs.
Astha Rai – EssilorLuxottica
EssilorLuxottica has appointed Ms Astha Rai’s as eyecare innovations manager. Having played a key role in leading OPSM’s optometry network as the professional services manager for NSW/ACT, she was instrumental in driving eyecare excellence across the region. She will now oversee eyecare projects for Australia and New Zealand, leading the charge in advancing eyecare innovation, focusing on emerging technologies, integrating cutting-edge solutions into practice and enhancing patient outcomes. “This role is not just a milestone – it’s an opportunity to redefine how we deliver eyecare and I’m very excited to explore the latest breakthroughs in eyecare and support our optometry community in delivering the best possible vision solutions. Innovation is at the heart of what we do, and I look forward to driving impactful change in our industry.”
Bonnie Lee – 1001 Optometry
Ms Bonnie Lee has joined 1001 Optometry Hurstville in New South Wales. With more than 30 years of experience in optometry, she brings a deep understanding of eye health, a passion for patient care, and a dedication to delivering exceptional vision solutions. “Her expertise spans across children’s vision, dry eye management, and preventative eye care, allowing us to further strengthen our commitment to providing comprehensive and personalised eyecare for our community,” the company said. “At 1001 Optometry, we believe that great vision starts with expert guidance, and Bonnie’s wealth of knowledge will ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care.”
Professor Stephanie Watson – University of Sydney
Professor Stephanie Watson was appointed head of ophthalmology at The University of Sydney, a role she assumed in February 2025. She is grateful to be taking on the role after Professor John Grigg’s “outstanding contributions in the position” and thanked him for all his efforts. “Since starting in the role I have been working with Sydney Medical School academics and professional staff to review the educational programs across the current three streams; medical student education, post-graduate degrees and Sydney Health Executive Education short courses,” she said. “I am also looking forward to working with Professor Peter McCluskey AM at the Save Sight Institute to support innovative research and community engagement.”
Ross Piper – The Fred Hollows Foundation
Mr Ross Piper has joined The Fred Hollows Foundation as CEO. Before the Foundation, Piper was chief executive, superannuation, at Australian Ethical Investment, where he managed $13 billion in funds and over 120,000 members, as well as ethical and impact investing. Previously, he was the chief executive of Christian Super, a $2 billion superannuation fund with over 30,000 members across Australia. He previously worked at World Vision Australia and World Vision International for over 10 years in several roles, including COO and senior director of operations for the Middle East and Eastern Europe region. His key achievements include establishing and growing new country programs in Syria, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq, as well as growing the organisation’s grants portfolio to approximately $150 million.
