Vision 2020 Australia board chair Mr Christopher Pyne is stepping down from the board in November after five years’ service.
A media release said he had made the decision to scale back his board commitments following heart bypass surgery in March.
“Since joining the Vision 2020 Australia board as chair, my professional responsibilities have steadily increased over the past five years – it’s the right time to strike a more manageable level of obligations,” he said.
“As sad as I am to step aside, I wouldn’t be making this decision if I wasn’t confident that the organisation was in a position of stability and strength to positively progress its agenda on behalf of members.”
Vision 2020 Australia CEO Ms Carly Iles praised Pyne’s leadership and commitment to the sector.
“We have been extremely thankful for his passion and work on behalf of our members to prevent avoidable vision loss and improve opportunities and outcomes for people living with blindness or low vision.
“During Christopher’s period as chair, the organisation has experienced a period of reformation and growth, including the implementation of a five-year strategic plan, the modernisation of our constitution, and an enhanced board composition that represents the skills, expertise and characteristics that is reflective of the eye health and vision care sector.
Pyne will be involved in the planning process over the coming months to select a new board chair.
“Vision 2020 Australia has a proud 25-year history of influential chairs who have been strong advocates for eye health and vision care, from Prof the Hon Barry Jones AC to the Hon Amanda Vanstone AO.
“My successor will continue this tradition, and I’ll always be a supporter of the sector,” he said.
More reading
Vision 2020 Australia meets with ministers to discuss eye health issues
2023 prediction: Carly Iles – Vision 2020 Australia
Optometry among top Medicare bulk billing health professions
