Professor Lauren Ayton AM is the new Australian College of Optometry (ACO) board chair, and the second female to hold the role after the end of Sophie Koh’s four years as chair.
The board also welcomed two new members – Rod Baker and Lyn Brodie – who the ACO said would bring their expertise and skills to support the governance of the organisation. They join the other board members – Sayuri Grady, Sophie Koh, Roman Serebrianik, Professor Bruce Thompson, and Dr Michelle Waugh.
The ACO and National Vision Research Institute (NVRI) had their annual general meeting on 28 May, welcoming members and stakeholders to launch the 2025 Annual Report, share organisational updates and announce the new board directors.
At the board’s meeting on 1 June 2026, Prof Ayton was confirmed as chair.
An integral member of ACO’s governance since 2021, she has a distinguished portfolio of leadership roles across The University of Melbourne and Centre for Eye Research Australia, as well as committee and board positions with UsherKids Australia, Optometry Australia, the Australian Centre for Advancing Diabetes Innovations (ACADI) and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Outgoing board directors, Darrell Baker (elected 2022), Lien Trinh (elected 2024) and Theodora Elia-Adams (appointed 2022), were acknowledged and thanked for their valuable contributions to the ACO during their terms.
Prof Ayton said: “ACO is unique and holds a special space in the hearts and minds of optometrists throughout Australia.
“It continues to play an important role in optometrist’s learning journey in the form of clinical placements, graduate programs and diverse CPD offerings.
“In terms of clinical service delivery, change has been gradual but monumental. For vulnerable communities throughout Victoria, the public health eye care provided through ACO’s clinic network, advanced services and unparalleled outreach services have grown significantly, acting as a lifeline to those who otherwise could not receive the care they need.”
She said that, more recently, ACO had undergone substantial change, “not least the overhaul of its research to translational, public health projects under the direction of Dr Tim Fricke, and a renewed focus to ensure clinical services are patient-centred at each step of their journey with us.”
“I am excited to support one of Australia’s longest serving optometry organisations as board chair and look forward to continuing the work already in motion to strength the ACO for years to come,” she said.
New board members
Baker, an experienced optometrist, returns to the board after 12 years, having maintained close working relationships with its clinic, research and education functions. His history with the ACO includes roles as head of paediatric services (1994-1998), manager of continuing education (1998-2000), board director and chair of clinical services committee (2011-2014), and a bember of ACO’s research committee (2025-present).
The ACO said his passion for patient care, deep clinical expertise and vast industry knowledge was in natural alignment with the ACO’s mission.
Former Optometry Australia CEO Lyn Brodie also brought with her extensive governance experience shaped through senior executive and board roles across health, professional associations, philanthropy, advocacy, and the not-for-profit sector, supporting organisations to remain financially sound, strategically focused, and true to their purpose, the ACO said.
“Lyn’s proven leadership, strategy and advocacy skills are underpinned by a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing modern optometry,” the ACO said in a statement.
The board changes come as ACO prepares to relocate its Carlton headquarters to a right-sized, fit-for-purpose site closer to its patients and partners. It said early work was underway to scout a new home with the support of advisors, industry partners and stakeholders. The move is expected to be completed in coming years.
Koh, the outgoing chair, said: “I’m excited to see ACO continue to grow in the years ahead, under Lauren’s leadership. Together, we have laid the foundations for transformation and turned a significant corner as an organisation.
“There is still much more to do. I’ve been very proud to have been the first female chair in ACO’s history. As I pass the baton, I’m confident we have the right people to succeed and work towards that sustainable future.”
Several outstanding graduate awards were announced at the annual meeting in partnership with universities. The awards recognise graduates who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement alongside a strong commitment to professional excellence.
The ACO outstanding university graduate awards were awarded to:
- Deakin University: Ali Abud
- Flinders University: Ellie Cheung
- University of Melbourne: Maggie Wang
- UNSW Sydney: Catherine Bui
- Queensland University of Technology: Olivia Almond
- University of Canberra: Diya Sabharwal
The outstanding graduate award for the ACO Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics was granted in recognition of the candidate who achieved the highest score across all assessments for their graduating year of the ACO Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics. It was awarded to Kelly Waterworth.
The ACO 2025’s annual report can be viewed online.
