Welcome to People on the move – November 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 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 Myles Hume for consideration at rob.mitchell@primecreative.com.au.
Dr Ankita Kothari – Moreton Eye Group
Moreton Eye Group in Southeast Queensland welcomes Dr Ankita Kothari, who will provide comprehensive eyecare including cataract surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma procedures, pterygium management and medical retina treatment. Dr Kothari completed her ophthalmology residency at Lions Eye Hospital, India, in 2013. After moving to Australia in 2020, she undertook a paediatric ophthalmology fellowship at Perth Children’s Hospital and further subspecialty training at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, earning her RANZCO fellowship in 2024. She will consult across Moreton Eye Group’s Redcliffe, Caboolture and North Lakes clinics.
Dr Jim McAlister – Moreton Eye Group
Dr Jim McAlister has joined Southeast Queensland’s Moreton Eye Group, bringing expertise in cornea, refractive surgery, and ocular surface disease. He will continue consulting through EyesMatter Clinics across Queensland and see patients at Moreton Eye Group’s North Lakes clinic, operating from Moreton Day Hospital. Trained in corneal and refractive surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital, he also spent three years researching corneal gene therapy at University College London and Harvard, with early gene therapy trials informing his approach to corneal treatment. Specialising in keratoconus management, Dr McAlister uses corneal cross-linking and laser reshaping to restore vision.
Joanne Scott-Dostine – Optipro
Joanne Scott-Dostine has been appointed CEO of Optipro, a move announced in late September 2025. She has already been instrumental in shaping Optipro from supporting members and suppliers, creating new programs to strengthening industry connections. With over 35 years of optical expertise and proven leadership, she brings a clear vision for helping independent practices thrive. At the same time, Michael Nasser steps into the role of co-founder and chair. He will continue to guide Optipro’s strategic direction, keeping the organisation grounded in its mission to champion independent optometry across Australia.
Ronak Patel – Alcon
Alcon has announced Ms Ronak Patel has been appointed as country franchise head – Vision Care Australia and New Zealand. In her new role, Patel will apply her wealth of commercial and business development experience to deliver value to eyecare professionals and support sustainable growth across the optometry industry. Most recently, Patel held the role of area marketing director for APAC, where she led Alcon’s international marketing strategy and go-to-market plans across six highly diverse markets in APAC. Patel holds an MBA from Manchester Business School and a BSc in medicinal chemistry from the University of Manchester. She joined Ciba Vision/Alcon in 2008.
Jessica Kingsley – Opticare
Opticare has welcomed Ms Jessica Kingsley as its new professional services manager. Kingsley is an accomplished optometrist with a Master’s degree specialising in sports vision, and brings extensive experience in clinical practice, business development, key account management, and product education. Previously employed at Zeiss, her career provides her with a well-rounded understanding of the optical industry, combining both clinical and commercial expertise.
Dr Aaron Chidgey – Moreton Eye Group
Dr Aaron Chidgey has joined Moreton Eye Group as a vitreoretinal surgeon, bringing 23 years of experience across optometry and ophthalmology. Dr Chidgey graduated from optometry at Queensland University of Technology in 2002 and worked throughout Queensland before completing his medical degree at the University of Queensland in 2007. He completed his ophthalmology training at Sydney Eye Hospital in 2016, before relocating to Brisbane as a senior registrar and transitioning to a vitreoretinal fellow at Princess Alexandra Hospital for two years until 2022. He then spent two years at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, completing subspecialty training in medical retina and vitreoretinal surgery. Dr Chidgey then returned to Brisbane and works in both private practice and in public hospitals. His special interests include medical treatment of age-related macular degeneration, vein occlusions and diabetic retinopathy, along with surgical management of complex cataracts, retinal detachments, macular holes and epiretinal membranes. He maintains his public work as a visiting medical officer role at Princess Alexandra Hospital alongside his work at The Eye Health Centre and Moreton Eye Group.
Ellie Fink – ASO
Ms Ellie Fink is the media and communications coordinator at the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO), where she drives member communications, advocacy campaigns, and public engagement initiatives. With a background in journalism and media, Fink brings a storytelling lens to the society’s work, amplifying ophthalmologists’ voices and raising awareness of critical eye health issues. She said she is passionate about connecting practitioners, patients, and policymakers, ensuring the ASO’s advocacy and programs remain visible, impactful, and aligned with its mission.
