Prof Lauren Ayton AM Takes the Chair at Australian College of Optometry
The Australian College of Optometry has confirmed Professor Lauren Ayton AM as its new Board Chair, while welcoming two experienced directors to its governance team.
The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) has confirmed Professor Lauren Ayton AM as Board Chair following its Annual General Meeting held on 28 May, where the public health organisation also launched its 2025 Annual Report and announced two incoming Board Directors.
Prof Ayton's appointment as Chair was formally confirmed at the Board's subsequent meeting on 1 June, succeeding Sophie Koh, who concluded four years in the role. Prof Ayton has served as a Board Director since 2021 and brings a formidable governance pedigree to the position. She holds leadership roles across the University of Melbourne and the Centre for Eye Research Australia, and sits on committees and boards for UsherKids Australia, Optometry Australia, the Australian Centre for Advancing Diabetes Innovations, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
"ACO is unique, and holds a special space in the hearts and minds of optometrists throughout Australia," Prof Ayton said in her first comments as Chair. "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."
Prof Ayton also pointed to recent structural changes at the organisation, including a shift toward translational, public health research projects under Dr Tim Fricke, and a renewed focus on patient-centred clinical services. "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 strengthen the ACO for years to come," she said.
Two Experienced Directors Join the Board
The AGM also marked the appointment of Rod Baker and Lyn Brodie as incoming Board Directors, replacing outgoing directors Darrell Baker, Lien Trinh and Theodora Elia-Adams, all of whom were acknowledged for their contributions during their respective terms.
Rod Baker is no stranger to the ACO, returning to the Board after a 12-year absence. His history with the organisation stretches back to 1994, encompassing roles as Head of Paediatric Services, Manager of Continuing Education, and a previous stint as Board Director and Chair of the Clinical Services Committee. More recently, he has served on ACO's Research Committee. Baker's clinical background and deep institutional knowledge are expected to be valuable assets as the ACO continues its evolution.
Lyn Brodie joins the Board following an extensive career in health leadership, most notably as former CEO of Optometry Australia. Her governance experience spans senior executive and board roles across health, professional associations, philanthropy, advocacy, and the not-for-profit sector, a profile well-suited to guiding an organisation with the ACO's breadth of clinical, research and education functions.
Headquarters Relocation on the Horizon
The board changes come at a pivotal moment for the organisation. The ACO has confirmed it is in the early stages of planning a relocation of its Carlton headquarters to a "right-sized, fit-for-purpose" site closer to its patients and partners. The move, supported by advisors and industry stakeholders, is expected to be completed within the coming years.
Outgoing Chair Reflects on Transformation
Outgoing Chair Sophie Koh, who made history as the first female Chair in the ACO's history, spoke positively of the organisation's trajectory. "Together, we have laid the foundations for transformation and turned a significant corner as an organisation," she said. "I'm confident we have the right people to succeed and work towards that sustainable future."
Graduate Awards Announced
The AGM also served as the occasion for the announcement of the ACO Outstanding University Graduate Awards, recognising exceptional academic achievement across Australian optometry programs. This year's recipients were:
- 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, presented to the highest-scoring candidate across all assessments for their graduating year, was awarded to Kelly Waterworth.
The ACO's 2025 Annual Report is available at https://profession.aco.org.au/reports-and-policies.
The ACO Board now comprises: Prof Lauren Ayton AM (Chair), Rod Baker, Lyn Brodie, Sayuri Grady, Sophie Koh, Roman Serebrianik, Prof Bruce Thompson, and Dr Michelle Waugh.
