Welcome to People on the move – April 2026, Insight’s monthly bulletin to keep the Australian ophthalmic sector updated on new appointments and personnel changes.
If you’d like to tell the industry 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 Rob Mitchell for consideration at rob.mitchell@primecreative.com.au.
Dominic Savill – Specsavers ANZ
Dominic Savill has been appointed trading director for Specsavers ANZ. After leading Specsavers’ retail team for more than a decade, Savill brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to the role as well as his renowned passion and enthusiasm for customers and partners. Savill’s trading remit has been expanded to include marketing, product, professional communications, growth opportunities and he will continue to oversee the business development and professional recruitment functions. Specsavers’ outgoing trading director Jane Joban has been promoted to managing director of optics for Specsavers Canada.
Mariah Nikolaidis – Mondottica
New Mondottica sales representative Mariah Nikolaidis brings 17 years of experience in the optical industry, spanning premium retail, dispensing and wholesale support. While at Eyes Optometrists in Richmond, she qualified as an Optical Dispenser through RMIT in 2012 and developed strong expertise in eyewear, patient care and sales performance. More recently, Nikolaidis worked with Rodenstock Australia, providing B2B support to independent optometrists. She is recognised for her relationship-driven approach, strong product knowledge, and genuine commitment to supporting her customers and industry partners.
Dr Mikhail Boukhny – BVI Medical
Dr Mikhail Boukhny has been promoted to chief technology officer at BVI Medical. He previously worked within the organisation shaping its global R&D function and product pipeline. In his new role, he will lead the company’s technology and surgical solutions development, bringing together regulatory, clinical, engineering and technology transfer teams across global operations. He will continue focusing on advancing innovation for ophthalmic surgical products and supporting surgeons and patients globally also.
Donald Crichton – Opticare
Opticare has appointed Donald Crichton to support the development of its operational capability. He brings than 30 years’ experience in the optical industry across laboratory operations, retail leadership, sales and professional education, including roles at EssilorLuxottica, Hoya and Shamir. He has held leadership roles as president of the Association of Dispensing Opticians NZ (2017–2019) and most recently as president of the International Opticians Association (2023–2025). He will work to strengthen operations and support independent practices across Australia.
Dr Paul Sia – Vision Eye Institute
Dr Paul Sia has joined Vision Eye Institute as a fellowship-trained glaucoma and cataract surgeon. He manages glaucoma across all stages using medication, laser, and surgical options, including trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, Preserflo MicroShunt, and MIGS (iStent, Hydrus, Miniject). Dr Sia also teaches at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and operates at Camberwell Day Surgery. He also speaks Mandarin and Malay.
Thomas Ford – Optometry NSW/ACT
Thomas Ford, an early career optometrist and partner at George & Matilda Eyecare, has been appointed President of Optometry NSW/ACT. Based in Griffith, NSW, he is a regional practitioner and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Ford has contributed to professional development through conference presentations and webinars, and has been involved with Optometry Australia. He succeeds Mark Koszek in the role.
Chris Beer – George & Matilda Eyecare
Founder Chris Beer has transitioned to executive chair of George & Matilda Eyecare, a newly created role focused on long-term strategy, partnerships, and industry engagement. He will continue to play a key role in shaping the organisation’s direction and supporting its growth. Matt Spencer, a board member, has been appointed interim CEO, bringing extensive experience including 12 years leading Baby Bunting as chief executive.
Dr Michele Ginocchietti – EssilorLuxottica
Dr Michele Ginocchietti has been appointed head of ANZ at EssilorLuxottica, bringing more than a decade of experience within the global eyewear and vision care group to the role. Based in Sydney, Dr Ginocchietti takes on leadership of the Australia and New Zealand business after 12 years with the company across a range of global and regional positions. He has replaced Matteo Accomero, who has moved to the United States, where he is now the general manager at Vision Source and SVP of US Doctor Alliances.
