2025 ASO Skills Expo Presenter Bios
Conjoint Professor Ashish Agar | Vice President, Australian Society of Ophthalmologists
Ashish is a glaucoma consultant and surgeon at the Prince of Wales and Sydney Eye Hospitals, and is a Partner with Marsden Eye Specialists in Sydney. He is also a Conjoint Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of New South Wales (NSW) Medicine, and was Fellowship trained in Oxford.
Hailing from regional NSW, Ashish is committed to ensuring medical eye care is not limited by geography. Ashish plays a pivotal role with the Outback Eye Service and is the Director of the Ophthalmology Service at Broken Hill Hospital. Ashish is Co-Chair and New South Wales lead of the IRIS Program and is Chair of the RANZCO Indigenous Committee.
Find Ashish on social media:
LinkedIn: A/Prof Ashish Agar
Dr Tim Beckman | Ophthalmologist
Tim is a Queensland-based Ophthalmologist specialising in Cataract, Oculoplastics, Ocular Oncology, and Ophthalmic Surgery. After completing Science and Medical degrees in Queensland, he gained diverse experience in both rural and tertiary hospitals across Queensland. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO) and has advanced fellowship training in Australia and overseas.
Tim has expertise in ocular surface, intraocular, adnexal, and orbital tumours. His international training includes Ocular Oncology and Orbital Surgery with the Scottish Ocular Oncology Service at The Tennent Institute of Ophthalmology (Scotland, UK). He attended Edward S Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia University in New York for Oculoplastic, Eyelid, Orbital and Lacrimal Disease.
Tim consults at Terrace Eye Centre in Brisbane as well as Redlands Eye Specialists, and is a member of the Queensland Ocular Oncology Service at Mater Hospital. As a Visiting Medical Officer at Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, he also trains ophthalmology registrars and contributes to research and global conferences.
Jarrod Bramble | Managing Partner, Cutcher & Neale
With a continued niche focus of working with medical practitioners, Jarrod’s expertise has enabled him to guide many of his clients from the initial stages of wealth creation as Doctors in Training, right through to wealth protection, planning and retirement strategies.
His passion for helping practitioners to improve their performance through sound financial management has led to the development of WealthStart and Australian Medical Benchmarks, which are all aimed to assist medical professionals and practices reach their financial, business and investment goals sooner.
Find Jarrod on social media:
LinkedIn: Jarrod Bramble
Nicole Brown | Partner, Cutcher & Neale
Nicole is passionate about working with clients to assist in wealth creation and wealth accumulation strategies.
Nicole takes the time to understand their goals and motivations to provide them with tailored advice.
Working closely with clients to better understand their needs, she draws on years of experience to help clients achieve their goals.
Nicole focusses on a holistic approach, which allows her to manage compliance needs for clients as well as personal risk, wealth management, superannuation, and finance needs.
Dr Jamie Chew | Co-Founder, i-Scribe • Ophthalmologist
Jamie is an ophthalmologist and digital health entrepreneur with over 15 years' of experience working in specialist private practices in both rural and urban areas.
He has a deep-rooted connection to rural healthcare, originating from his upbringing in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, a tight-knit community of 4,000 people.
His passion for enhancing rural and remote eye health has been evident through his work with Lions Outback Vision for over five years, providing in-person specialist outreach ophthalmology care.
Highly experienced in telemedicine, he uses technology to improve clinician-patient communication, aiming to enhance health outcomes significantly. As a staunch patient advocate, he is enthusiastic about the potential of digital innovations in healthcare.
Dr Diana Conrad | Vice President, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists
Diana graduated from the University of Queensland Medical School with first class honours and University Medal.
She completed her Ophthalmology training in Queensland, then undertook a Uveitis Fellowship at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, and a Cornea and Uveitis Fellowship at the Proctor Foundation at the University of California in San Francisco.
She is the Director of the Uveitis Service at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, and in private practice at the Wesley Hospital.
Diana is currently the Vice President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmology.
Dr Matthew Cranstoun | Ophthalmologist
Matthew is an ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon with a special interest in cataract surgery, orbital disease, and reconstructive eyelid surgery. He operates a busy clinical and surgical practice, offering expertise in complex oculoplastic conditions as well as premium cataract management.
A second-generation ophthalmologist, he is the Director of Pine Rivers Eye Centre in Brisbane’s northern suburbs and has previously been a Visiting Medical Officer at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
Matthew is committed to evidence-based practice and innovation in ophthalmology and strives to provide patient-centred care, ensuring that both functional and aesthetic aspects of surgery are carefully considered.
Beyond his clinical work, Matthew is actively involved in medical education, sharing insights with colleagues and ophthalmology trainees and is a husband and father to three beautiful children.
Adele Creighton | Head of Healthcare, Macquarie Bank
Adele is a financial specialist, with over 15 years of experience working in the banking and financial services industry. Adele is the national head of healthcare for Macquarie Business Banking, leading a successful team nationally. She is passionate about sharing invaluable insights with clients to help them grow, change, capture opportunities, and realise their value, aligned with owners’ objectives.
Adele regularly presents at industry seminars and is a regular contributor to sharing Macquarie’s Healthcare Perspective, featured on Healthtech podcasts and recently hosted an international panel at the Macquarie Australia conference presenting to ASX200 and large ASX investors around the future of Healthcare. She has been at the forefront of parental leave initiatives, and with two kids of her own, has a goal to assist and facilitate parents in her team to successfully return to work, whilst being able to balance both family life and their careers.
Adele holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Sydney University, with a double major in accounting and finance, and has completed her financial planning qualification, RG146.
Find Adele on social media:
LinkedIn: Adele Creighton
Dr Tricia Drew | ASO Board Director (VIC)
Dr Tricia Drew is a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Chair of the Eye Section, Senior Medical Staff at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH).
Passionate about helping establish the next generation of Australian eye surgeons for success, until recently, Tricia was the RANZCO Younger Fellows Advisory Group State Representative for Victoria and had been for several years.
Before attaining fellowship from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists in 2016, Tricia completed a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Sydney and undertook ophthalmology training at the Prince of Wales Hospital. She would go on to complete a medical retina fellowship at the RVEEH.
When it comes to treating patients, Tricia has an interest in cataract surgery, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal vascular occlusions, and diseases of the retina. She has an extensive background in public hospital appointments, not only at the RVEEH, but also at the Austin Hospital and Broken Hill Base Hospital.
Tricia was appointed to the ASO Board of Directors in 2025.
David du Plessis | Managing Director & Healthcare Advisory, Aller Consulting
David is a respected healthcare strategist and advisor, with extensive experience in Australia’s private health sector.
As the Managing Director of Aller Consulting, he works closely with health insurers, private hospitals, private equity, and medical stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions for industry challenges.
With over a decade of executive leadership in private health insurance, David has a deep understanding of healthcare funding, policy, and system dynamics. His expertise spans strategy, negotiations, and reform, making him a key voice in shaping the future of private healthcare in Australia.
David is passionate about fostering a healthcare environment that balances patient access, provider sustainability, and industry innovation.
Peggy Ekeledo-Smith | Head of Practice, Moreton Eye Group
Peggy has been the Head of Practice at Moreton Eye Group, based in Brisbane, Queensland since 2013.
She works alongside a dedicated and experienced administrative team who make her role both rewarding and enjoyable. Peggy credits much of the practice’s success to this exceptional group of people — their professionalism, reliability, and shared sense of humour make even the busiest days easier to navigate.
Before moving to Australia, Peggy spent a decade practising law in London, where she became one of six partners in a legal firm. She later transitioned to the Bar and practised as a Barrister from 2007 until she moved to Australia.
With a strong understanding of business operations and a genuine appreciation of the human side of workplace dynamics, Peggy is passionate about building a supportive and evolving culture that allows both staff and the practice to thrive.
Outside of work, Peggy enjoys time with her family and is an enthusiastic — if not particularly skilled — tennis and netball player. She’s also an avid reader, music lover, and keen traveller whenever the opportunity arises.
Glenn Fawcett | Vice President, Asia & General Manager, Australia at Glaukos Corporation
Glenn has been with Glaukos since September 2015, based in Melbourne, Australia. Currently, he holds the positions of Vice President, Asia & General Manager, Australia.
Prior to joining Glaukos, he was Marketing Manager at Abbott for their Medical Optics Division.
Glenn has held various positions in Sales Management within the eyecare industry, and has over 28 years’ experience in this field, launching many new and innovative technologies that have changed the surgical landscape for surgeons and their patients.
Glenn graduated from the University of Liverpool in the UK with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Marine Biology. He also has a Master of Marketing from Monash University in Melbourne and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dr Bill Glasson | 2025 ASO Skills Expo Co-Convenor
Bill has been active in ophthalmological practice and training in urban, rural, Indigenous, and international settings for many years, as well as taking a keen interest in medical representation and advocacy since the late 1990s.
His practice extends from Brisbane to Western Queensland and East Timor, where he is responsible for overseeing the St John Eye Services and education in Oecussi.
Bill served as AMA Queensland President (2001–2002), Federal AMA President (2003–2005), Chair of the Rural Telecommunications Review Committee (2007–2009), and Deputy Chair, Medical Services Advisory Committee (2007–2008). He is Past-President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, and served on the Northern Territory Emergency Response Taskforce in 2006–2007 as Medical Advisor. He currently holds the position of Lieutenant Colonel and Consultant Ophthalmologist to the Australian Armed Forces and is a Knight Hospitalier St John.
He was raised in remote rural Queensland on a family sheep and cattle enterprise, and was responsible for day-to-day property and financial management as well as undertaking stock work and staff oversight. He currently owns and works a small cattle holding outside Blackall in Western Queensland and is a member of Telstra’s Rural Advisory Committee.
In 2008, Bill was awarded an Order of Australia for his services to medicine in rural and remote Australia, to the eye health of indigenous people, and to professional medical organisations.
He has been a non-Executive Director on multiple health and financial boards for many years. From 1996 to 2008, he served as a Director of Superannuation Company MAP Pty Ltd, with oversight of funds in excess of half a billion dollars. He is a non-Executive Director of Avant Mutual Group Limited, with investments in excess of a billion dollars, as well as the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health, providing broader health services for Indigenous Australians.
He is a member of the Advisory Council (and previously inaugural Chair) of Cancer Australia, and is an Adjunct Associate Professor with the University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine.
Donna Glenn | Business Manager, Gordon Eye Surgery & Lane Cove Eye Surgery
Donna's current role has seen her manage a large multi-site ophthalmic private practice for more than 16 years after a career as an orthoptist and also co-owning her own accreditation and quality improvement consulting company.
Throughout her career, she has worked with industry peak bodies, is currently a NSW State representative for the Australian Association of Practice Managers, and is also the Chair of the RANZCO Professional Standards Committee.
Find Donna on social media:
LinkedIn: Donna Glenn
Dr Darryl Gregor | Ophthalmologist
Darryl is a visionary ophthalmologist and was instrumental in the establishment of the Bond University Medical School. As a leader, he was a pioneer in intraocular lens implantation and among the first to perform both Excimer and LASIK laser surgery in Australia.
He has operated a successful private practice in Southport and opened the first Gold Coast Day Theatre, Brockway House, and subsequently, the Short Street Day Surgery, which transformed the way patients were able to be treated in South-East Queensland.
Currently, Darryl shares his time consulting patients at the Eye Specialist Institute and serves the community sitting on various boards to bring about change. He also is a talk-back host for the 4CRB programme, Medical Matters, which brings medical discussion to the community at large.
Dr Bradley Horsburgh | Ophthalmologist
Brad is a proud Queenslander, practising as an ophthalmologist in Brisbane since 1995. He has more than 20 years’ experience as a comprehensive ophthalmologist.
During this time, he has held public hospital VMO positions at the Mater and Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospitals, treating public patients, teaching medical students, and guiding ophthalmic registrars.
After more than 20 years, he still finds it a joy and privilege to be involved in improving and protecting peoples’ eyesight, our most treasured sense.
Brad attends annual interstate and overseas conferences, ensuring maintenance of his professional standing. His subspecialty interests include cataract, glaucoma, and adult squint surgery.
Brad has served as President of the Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), and as President of the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists. He has also represented ophthalmology on the Australian AMA Federal Council for eight years.
Paula Llavallol | Head of Foundation, Australian and New Zealand Eye Foundation
Paula leads RANZCO’s philanthropic arm, the Australian and New Zealand Eye Foundation (ANZEF), driving equity-focussed eye health initiatives across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific.
With over 20 years in global health, humanitarian aid, and philanthropy, she has held senior roles with the International Committee of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), and the OECD. Paula has also directed social impact initiatives at the Sydney Community Foundation and The University of New South Wales.
Since launching its philanthropic strategy under Paula’s leadership in 2022, ANZEF has secured major gifts and partnerships to significantly advance ophthalmic education in the Pacific and established impactful scholarships for aspiring First Nations ophthalmologists. ANZEF has also implemented an annual grant round to fund innovations in eye health equity and access, enhancing services for First Nations, Maori, and Pacific communities, and improving ophthalmic training for healthcare professionals in the Pacific.
Find Paula on:
LinkedIn: Paula Llavallol
A/Prof Anthony Lynham | Chair, Day Hospitals Australia • Maxillofacial Surgeon
Anthony is a well-respected Maxillofacial Surgeon. He was a long-term Head Examiner and served diligently on the Board of Studies.
Having worked for many years as a Senior Consultant at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, he constantly witnessed the senseless effects of trauma and violence in our society. In 2014, he stepped up to engineer change. As a Senior Government Minister, he was responsible for a raft of measures that are still in effect and making a significant difference in primary prevention of injury.
Anthony is now Chair of Day Hospitals Australia, Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Director of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Energy, Advisory Board Member of Queensland Audit of Surgical Mortality, Advisory Board Member of the ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies, Chair of Heritage Rail Queensland, and Patron of Life Education Queensland.
He maintains a busy clinical practice at the Queensland Maxillofacial Group and holds the academic appointments of Associate Professor at the University of Queensland School of Medicine and Adjunct Professor of the Queensland University of Technology.
Matt Maunz | Head of Sales, Australian Surgical Franchise, Alcon ANZ
Matt is the Head of Sales for the Australian Surgical Franchise at Alcon ANZ, bringing over a decade of experience in the ophthalmic industry.
During his time at Alcon, Matt has held a range of commercial and leadership roles, building strong partnerships across the sector.
He is passionate about delivering innovative solutions that support better outcomes for patients and surgeons alike.
Outside of work, he enjoys surfing with his three teenage sons and spending quality time with his family.
Dr Danielle McMullen | President, Australian Medical Association
Danielle is an experienced healthcare leader and is the President of the Australian Medical Association.
She is skilled in systems design, medicines regulation, advocacy, and leadership.
She has a passion for connected healthcare systems and is a member of the Australian Digital Health Agency Board.
Danielle is also a GP by day, who strives to provide comprehensive, patient-centred care to her patients.
Find Danielle on social media:
LinkedIn: Danielle McMullen | X (formerly Twitter): @amapresident | Facebook: Dr Danielle McMullen
Matthew Montgomery | Case Manager (Solicitor), MDA National
Matthew joined MDA National’s Medico-Legal team in 2024, and currently, has the role of Case Manager (Dental).
As a Case manager, Matthew provides advice and guidance to practitioners with respect to regulatory notifications, disciplinary issues, complaints resolution, employment disputes, privacy issues, investigations and claims.
Matthew completed his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2022 and is admitted to practice as a solicitor. He also holds a Bachelor of Science (Physiotherapy) from Curtin University and a Master of Sports and Exercise Physiotherapy from La Trobe University.
Prior to joining MDA National, Matthew worked extensively in the areas of Occupational Health, Workers Compensation, Personal Injury, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Injury Prevention and Management.
Julian Muldoon | Director and Co-Founder, 1Group
As Director and Co-founder of 1Group, Julian Muldoon thrives in the dynamic and ever-changing environment of the property industry and takes great pride in leading a team of experts who support clients with some of life’s most important decisions.
Through his early investing years, Julian recognised the need for a different approach in the property industry due to its lack of transparency and buyer or tenant representation.
He brings a unique perspective to the table, built on his successful track record in residential and commercial property acquisitions and his extensive corporate experience.
He founded 1Group alongside Tal Eloss, with the vision of creating a best-in-class real estate advisory and research business specialising in healthcare.
Hon Tim Nicholls MP | Minister for Health and Ambulance Services and Member for Clayfield
Tim is the State MP for Clayfield, and following the State election in October 2024, was appointed as the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services in the Crisafulli Government.
Before his success in winning the Seat of Clayfield in the 2006 State election, Tim was the Councillor for the Hamilton Ward in Brisbane City Council. Before representative politics, Tim was a solicitor and senior associate at a large Queensland law firm specialising in commercial and property law.
Tim has had many roles, including Lord Mayor’s Finance spokesman in Council, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Liberal National Party, Treasurer and Minister for Trade from 2012–2015 and Leader of the LNP Opposition from May 2016 to December 2017. He chaired the Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee overseeing the work of the CCC and was the Deputy Chair of Parliament’s Ethics Committee 2018–2020. Tim was the Shadow Attorney-General, Shadow Minister for Justice, and Shadow Minister for CBD Activation from 2020–2024. He accepted the appointment in 2024 as Minister for Health and Ambulance Services with great enthusiasm and with a determination to deliver on the Easier Access to Health Services Plan to diagnose, treat and cure Queensland's health crisis.
Tim lives in the electorate and is married to Mary, an Occupational Therapist. They have three children.
Dr Sue Pillans | Graphic Recorder
Dr Sue Pillans is a marine scientist, artist and children’s author/illustrator who specialises in creative and visual communications to help “Picture your ideas”.
As a graphic recorder, Sue draws out discussions and presentations in real-time to visually capture and convey information, ideas and concepts. Sue has worked with over 65 organisations across Australia and the South East Asian region using visual storytelling to help make the complex simple and the simple compelling.
Sue also combines her love of marine science and art to bring creativity into classrooms as her alter ego Dr Suzie Starfish.
As a children’s ‘Authorstrator’ her children’s picture books engage, educate and excite children about the wonders of the ocean. Sue’s creative thinking style and colourful nature helps to make learning visual and fun. You can see more of Sue’s visual storytelling on her website.
Find Sue on social media:
LinkedIn: Dr Sue Pillans | X (formerly Twitter): @suepillans | Instagram: @suepillans | Facebook: @drsuziestarfish
Dr Jana Pittman | Keynote Speaker, Leaders Breakfast Forum (Sunday, 1 June 2025)
Two times world champion, four times Commonwealth champion — in the sport of athletics, Jana Pittman personifies resilience and determination. When continual injuries hampered her athletic career and could have signalled retirement, she swapped the track for the ice, joining the Australian women's bobsled team and becoming the first woman to represent Australia in both a Summer (2000, 2004) and Winter (2014) Olympic Games.
Off the track, Jana completed a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at Western Sydney University in 2019 (graduating with First Class Honours and the University Medal) and is now a junior doctor in Women's Health.
She completed a Masters of Reproductive Medicine at the University of New South Wales in 2020 and has initiated her PhD in Obstetrics (focussing on aspects of uterus transplantation).
This busy woman is proud mum to six children: Cornelis; little sisters Emily and Jemima; Charlie; and most recently, twins Quinlan and Willow.
Having experienced her own personal scare with cervical dysplasia, Jana became an ambassador for the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation.
In 2021, Jana was a participant in the gruelling television show SAS Australia on Channel 7. She made it to the last day of the course and was the final female standing among the 18 celebrity recruits, despite having given birth only five and a half months previously.
Associate Professor Julian Rait OAM | Vice President, Australian Medical Association
Julian is a specialist Ophthalmologist and Vice President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), having served as the President of AMA Victoria from 2018 to 2021, and as the Chair of the AMA Federal Council from 2020 to 2022.
He is also the Deputy Chairman of Vision Australia and has been an active fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors since 2008.
Julian has also been involved with the medical indemnity insurance industry, having been the President of the MDA National group from 2008 to 2014 and served on the national advocacy committee of Avant Mutual since 2018.
On Australia Day in 2018, Julian was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for "service to Ophthalmology and to the development of overseas aid".
Find Julian on social media:
LinkedIn: Julian Rait
A/Prof Kris Rallah-Baker | Australia's first Indigenous Ophthalmologist
Associate Professor Kris Rallah-Baker is Australia’s first, and currently only, Indigenous ophthalmologist. As a proud Yuggera/Warangu/Wiradjuri man, Dr Rallah-Baker is making a footprint not only on the Sunshine Coast, but also in the Northern Territory.
Kris is a highly respected ophthalmologist. He is the owner and principal of Sunshine Coast Ophthalmologists at Noosa and Nambour; visiting medical officer at Noosa, Nambour and Kawana Hospitals; Honorary Associate Professor at the University of Melbourne; Adjunct Associate Professor at the Queensland University of Technology; founding member and former President of the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association; current Zeiss Key Opinion Leader on Cataract and Comprehensive Ophthalmology; Director on the Board of the Nova Peris Foundation; Director on the Board of Vision 2020 Australia; Director on the Board of the First Nations Eye Health Alliance; Director on the Board of the Indigenous Eye Health Unit at the University of Melbourne; and is an immediate-past Director on the Federal Board of the Royal Flying Doctors Service. As a RANZCO Fellow, he sits on RANZCO’s Federal Indigenous Committee and is Co-Chair of RANZCO’s Reconciliation Action Plan Committee.
Kris provides comprehensive ophthalmic care delivered in a culturally safe, compassionate, and professional manner.
Dr Louise Robinson | 2025 ASO Skills Expo Co-Convenor • QLD Board Director, Australian Society of Ophthalmologists
Louise is an ophthalmologist, trained through the Sydney Eye Hospital training program after graduating in medicine with honours from the University of Sydney.
She was accepted as a fellow specialising in glaucoma at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Eye Care Centre, Canada.
Currently, Louise not only works privately at Coastal Eye Surgeons in Queensland, but also has a public appointment at the Gold Coast University Hospital, where she enjoys managing complex general and glaucoma patients, whilst teaching 'future ophthalmologists' in relevant medical and surgical techniques.
She has enjoyed providing ophthalmologic services to the Gladstone and Rockhampton Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, with the help of the Aboriginal 'Eye and Ear Surgical Support' and 'CheckUP' groups.
Louise is actively involved in the state ophthalmology college as the Queensland Young Fellows representative, which enables her to be involved in the ongoing support, education, and encouragement of new and young fellows.
Her surgical skills include cataract extraction, pterygium excisions, and medical retinal interventions. Her glaucoma sub-speciality interests are trabeculectomy, glaucoma drainage devices, minimally invasive glaucoma devices and goniotomies, whilst also providing a range of glaucoma laser procedures.
Louise is actively involved and committed to the ongoing glaucoma clinical research, having presented at international conferences, with papers that have been published in peer-reviewed journals.
Katrina Ronne | Chief Executive Officer, Australian Society of Ophthalmologists
Katrina has 15 years of experience in government advocacy and campaign development, specialising in medico-political policy formulation.
Her expertise spans industrial and membership organisations, state government, and political campaigning.
Katrina joined the ASO following the conclusion of the 'Grandma’s Not Happy' campaign in 2010 and has been a significant contributor to the organisation’s growth in the last decade.
In her previous role, as General Manager of Policy and Strategy, Katrina was responsible for developing policy and submissions, effectively communicating the Society’s position on critical issues affecting ophthalmologists and their patients.
She holds a Bachelor of Business with a major in Industrial Relations and a Master of Business Administration from Newcastle University.
In 2025, on International Women's Day, Katrina was announced as the first female Chief Executive Officer in the ASO's 43-year history.
Find Katrina on social media:
LinkedIn: Katrina Ronne
Dr Justin Sherwin | ASO Board Director (VIC)
Justin is a Melbourne-based and Australian and UK-trained ophthalmologist with interest in cataract and lens-based refractive surgery.
He is the sole Director of Peninsula Eye Centre, Mornington and also practices at Bayside Eye Specialists and Vista Eyes Laser Clinic.
Following ophthalmology training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne, he completed a fellowship in cataract and glaucoma surgery at Oxford Eye Hospital, UK.
He holds several postgraduate degrees, including a Master of Surgery and PhD both from the University of Cambridge, UK. In addition, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery and now lectures on this Course.
Justin is also a Director of Cambridge Australia Scholarships.
George Sotiris | Founder & Director, HR in Health
George is the Founder and Director of HR in Health, a leading provider of proactive HR solutions and support to the health industry nationwide.
With a career spanning more than 15 years, George has established himself as a Workplace Relations Specialist dedicated to serving the unique needs of healthcare practices.
Driven by his genuine appreciation for the challenges inherent in healthcare HR management, George founded HR in Health in 2018. Since its inception, the organisation has been committed to empowering practices with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate complex employment issues and build robust systems for fostering better workplaces.
George firmly believes that the success of any practice hinges on strong employment foundations and accountability at every level. By simplifying intricate staffing disputes and offering comprehensive education on HR best practices, George and his team at HR in Health strive to make a tangible difference in the health industry.
Dr Peter Sumich | President, Australian Society of Ophthalmologists
Peter graduated with Honours from NSW University in 1990 and after residency he worked as an accredited emergency medicine registrar at Royal North Shore Hospital. He was awarded the Australian Medal in the Emergency Medicine Primary Exam. After four years of emergency medicine, he transferred to ophthalmic surgery and later graduated from Sydney Eye Hospital.
He was awarded the Sir Norman Rose travelling scholarship and in recognition of his high level of training to an international standard, the Royal British College of Ophthalmology granted him dual registration as a specialist eye surgeon in both Britain and Australia.
Peter is now a partner at Hunter Street Eye Specialists Parramatta.
Apart from his current Presidency of the ASO, Peter also sits on the Council of Procedural Specialists. He has served on the NSW State Ophthalmic Services Committee, the AMA Hospital Services Committee and currently the Medicare Advisory Committee at RANZCO.
Find Peter on social media:
X (formerly Twitter): @presidentaso
Blake Thomas | Country Manager for Surgical Vision Australia and New Zealand, Johnson & Johnson
Blake believes that improvements in healthcare come via product and workflow innovations enabled by hard working and passionate teams that deeply understand and partner across the healthcare system. This mindset drives his focus as Country Manager for Surgical Vision ANZ, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), a role held since September 2020.
During this time, J&J has introduced TECNIS PureSee, launched Healon Pro and the dual pump Vertias Phacoemulsification system, among other innovations. With each innovation, Blake has focussed the Surgical Vision team on ways to further optimise patient outcomes and surgical convenience, while training his team to fulfil these expectations and grow with their customers’ needs.
Following prior experience in public health and with national and global retailers, Blake considers himself fortunate to work in Ophthalmology, where he strives to continually advance the standard of care for ophthalmic patients, and the surgeons and teams who support them.
Blake has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and 21 years’ experience with Johnson & Johnson.
Find Blake on social media:
LinkedIn: Blake Thomas
Claire Thurwood | National Chief Executive Officer, Ramsay Surgical Centres, Ramsay Health Care
Claire is the National Chief Executive Officer of Ramsay Surgical Centres, overseeing the day and short-stay hospitals within Ramsay Health Care's network.
With a strong focus on national expansion, Claire is dedicated to innovating facility designs and models of care.
Ramsay is committed to partnering with surgeons to ensure a robust network of surgical centres that can accommodate the growing trend of shifting surgical cases to day and short-stay hospital settings.
Find Claire on social media:
LinkedIn: Claire Thurwood
David Walker | Marketing Manager of Surgical, Bausch + Lomb
David is a medical device business professional who has worked in the Australian market for over 20 years, spanning multiple therapy areas.
He has worked in the areas of sales, business development, general management, and marketing in both small and large organisations, and is currently the Surgical Marketing Manager for Bausch and Lomb Australia and New Zealand.
