2026 ASO Skills Expo Presenter Bios
Joel Pearson | Director of the Future Minds Lab, Deputy Director of Human Readiness at the UNSW AI Institute, and an ARC Future Fellow at the University of NSW
Are you ready to push the boundaries of what's possible for your organisation? Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey into the depths of human intuition, imagination, and the psychological impacts of artificial intelligence. Joel is a rare breed - a neuroscientist, psychologist, and author who can translate cutting-edge research into practical, actionable strategies that will transform the way you think, create, and make decisions – optimising your life and workplace. Before pursuing his Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Joel studied Art and Filmmaking, allowing him to blend creativity with scientific rigour.
With a captivating blend of expertise and entertainment, Joel takes audiences on a wild ride through the innermost workings of the brain. His dynamic presentations are equal parts enlightening and exhilarating, shattering preconceived notions and igniting a newfound appreciation for the limitless potential of the human mind.
As the world's foremost expert on harnessing human intuition and imagination in the age of AI, Joel is on a mission to improve as many lives as possible. He empowers audiences with invaluable tools to enhance creativity, optimize decision-making processes, and embrace the AI revolution with confidence and enthusiasm.
From mind-blowing insights into neuroscience to practical strategies for thriving in the uncertainty of an AI-driven world, Joel's keynotes and fireside chats will leave your team inspired, engaged, and equipped to conquer any challenge.
Don't just take our word for it – industry giants like Pixar, Google, KPMG, Macquarie Group, and Lexus have already experienced the transformative power of Joel's captivating presentations.
Joel hosted the popular ABC Sydney radio show "The Brain Box," blowing people's minds about their minds. He is the founder and director of the Future Minds Lab at the University of New South Wales and a Professor in the School of Psychology.
Joel's latest book, "The Intuition Toolkit: The New Science of Knowing What Without Knowing Why" has been hailed as a breakthrough, truly forging a new science and culture around intuition and its powerful applications. "Inspiring and deeply original" – Ed Catmull, Co-founder of Pixar and former president of Disney studios.
Ignite your organization's potential with Joel – the ultimate guide to unlocking the boundless capabilities of the human mind in the era of artificial intelligence.
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.
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.
A/Prof Thomas Campbell | QLD Board Director, Australian Society of Ophthalmologists
A/Prof Campbell is a consultant ophthalmologist at Coastal Eye Centre, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the Centre for Eye Research Australia, and the NQ Eye Foundation. He is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through the integration of research and clinical practice. His clinical expertise spans medical retina, ocular genetics, electrodiagnostics, ocular inflammation, and comprehensive ophthalmic care, including cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.
A/Prof Campbell completed an MSc and DPhil in neuroscience at the University of Oxford, followed by a research fellowship in medical genetics at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. After returning to Australia to study medicine at the University of Queensland, he undertook ophthalmology training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, with further subspecialty training across leading Australian centres.
A/Prof Campbell is actively involved in clinical research, with publications in high-impact journals and ongoing participation in major clinical trials for emerging retinal therapies.
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.
Professor Nitin Verma
Nitin is a consultant ophthalmologist at Hobart Eye Surgeons and a visiting Medical Specialist at the Royal Hobart hospital. He studied medicine at CMC Vellore, India; has postgraduate ophthalmology qualifications from India, Germany, and Australia and is Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, and the Save Sight Institute at the University of Sydney.
Nitin has a special interest in international health, macular disease and teleophthalmology and has contributed to the development of undergraduate and postgraduate education at University of Sydney, University of Timor Leste and University of Papua New Guinea. He has been a long-time member of the RANZCO Board and has served as President and Vice President.
He currently chairs the Vision 2030 and Beyond Committee and the Global Eye Health Committee of RANZCO; He is a director of Vision 2020 and a member of the International Engagement Committee of Royal Australian College of Surgeons. In 2000 he initiated the East Timor Eye Program. Coordinating work by doctors, optometrists, nurses, and various NGOs from all over the world to establish a self- sufficient, national, eye care program for the people of Timor Leste. Twenty-five years later the program is run by the Timorese government and, in the last decade, the prevalence of blindness in Timor Leste has come down from 7.7% to 2.9%.
Nitin is a founding member of the St John Ophthalmic Association, the global arm of St John Eye Hospital: training, teaching, and fundraising for the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem. He served as Hospitaller from 2014 to 2023 and was recently invested as Knight of the Order of St John.
In recognition of his service, Nitin has been awarded: The Order of Australia; The Order of Timor Leste; The RANZCO Distinguished Service Award and College Medal; The Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Distinguished Service Award and Meritorious Service Award for the Prevention of Blindness; Companion of the Royal College of Australian Surgeons and The Pride of Australia Role Model Award. He was Hobart Citizen of the Year in 2013.
Prof Peter McCluskey AO - RANZCO President
Peter McCluskey is currently a Professor of Ophthalmology at The University of Sydney and Director of the Uveitis unit at Sydney Eye Hospital. He was the Chair of Ophthalmology and director of the Save Sight Institute at The University of Sydney from Mar 2009 – Dec 2025.
He is an internationally recognised inflammatory eye disease specialist. He is an active clinician with a large uveitis clinic at Sydney Eye Hospital and clinics at St Vincent’s Clinic and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Peter McCluskey is an author of more than 370 peer reviewed papers, 27 book chapters, 2 apps and 4 books. His H-index is currently 69 (google scholar) and his work has been cited more than 15,000 times.
He is a dedicated teacher who has received distinguished service awards from APAO, RANZCO and AAO for his teaching contributions.
On Australia Day 2020 he was made an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to Ophthalmology and the community. In 2021, Peter McCluskey was awarded a Doctor of Science in Medicine by the University of NSW.
Peter McCluskey is currently the RANZCO President.
Dr John Kennedy | Chair ANZEF
Dr John Kennedy is the immediate past chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at St Vincents Private Hospital in Sydney. He has held several senior positions in RANZCO, including chairman of the NSW branch, two terms as federal councillor, and is a member of RANZCO’s Code of Conduct Committee. Since 2018, he has been the inaugural chairman of the Australian and New Zealand Eye Foundation (ANZEF).
He is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in the UK, and also a member of the American, European and Australasian societies of cataract and refractive surgery.
In 2022, he was appointed as a Board member of the Sarks Macular Degeneration Research Foundation.
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
Karen Fowler | Senior Director of Commercial Operations & Strategic Projects, Alcon ANZ
Karen Fowler is Head of Commercial Operations & Strategic Projects for Alcon’s Surgical franchise in Asia Pacific, with more than 25 years of experience in the ophthalmic medical device industry. In this role, she works across the region to strengthen commercial execution, support market development and accelerate the adoption of innovative surgical technologies.
Karen has held a variety of leadership roles at Alcon spanning sales, marketing, operations and general management across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia Pacific. She has been closely in volved in launching multiple advanced ophthalmic technologies, working with surgeons and healthcare partners to expand access to modern cataract, refractive and vitreoretinal surgical solutions.
She is passionate about building high performing teams, developing strong surgeon partnerships and ensuring that commercial strategic translate into meaningful improvements in patient outcomes. Her work has supported the introduction and growth of multiple advanced technology platforms surgical innovations across the region.
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.
Nigel Goldsworthy | Australia and New Zealand Sales Manager, Ellex by Lumibird Medical
Nigel Goldsworthy is the Australia and New Zealand Sales Manager for Ellex by Lumibird Medical, bringing over 25 years of experience across manufacturing, sales, and leadership within the medical device industry. Beginning his career as a qualified toolmaker, Nigel went on to complete a Bachelor of Human Resources and Marketing, building a strong foundation for his progression into senior commercial roles. He joined Ellex Medical in 2021 as Territory Manager for South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, before stepping into his current role leading Australia and New Zealand later that year. In his role, Nigel leads the national sales team and NZ distribution network, working closely with clinical and marketing teams to strengthen product positioning and customer engagement. He is committed to building strong stakeholder relationships and developing high-performing teams that deliver meaningful outcomes for clinicians and their patients.
Nigel is passionate about contributing beyond the commercial space through his involvement with South Australian charity Sight For All, supporting initiatives that improve access to eye care in developing countries.
In his spare time, you can find him enjoying a round of golf - more for the love of the game than the score!
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 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 Lily Vrtik, MHL FRACS(plast), MBBS, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, MDA National Underwriting Committee Clinical Advisor
Dr Lily Vrtik is a specialist plastic surgeon in Brisbane and current President of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), the representative body for Australian and New Zealand plastic surgeons performing cosmetic surgery. After graduating from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1999, she undertook surgical training in both Western Australia and Queensland.
She also completed a year overseas at the prestigious Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. She has been practising as a specialist plastic surgeon since 2009, balancing private practice with a public hospital position at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Queensland, performing both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
Lily is heavily involved in teaching, of both medical students, junior and senior doctors of all specialities.
Lily has a Masters degree in Health Law from the University of Sydney. Known for her skill, warmth and honesty, she is passionate about using her expertise and voice as a specialist plastic surgeon, an educator and an advocate to ensure Australians can access the best possible clinical care with patient safety as the utmost priority.
Alasdair Torrie | Manager Programs & Partnerships, Mater Education
Alasdair Torrie brings over 25 years of experience across Health and Education, spanning roles as an Organisational Development (OD) Consultant, director, facilitator, corporate coach, and HR/IR/ER professions. After beginning his career in London, he has spent the past two decades contributing to Australia’s public and private healthcare sectors. Alasdair holds a master’s degree with a specialisation in Human Resource Management from Napier University in Edinburgh.
Known for his Scottish fondness for conversation, Alasdair pairs his natural ease of connection with extensive training in corporate coaching and neuroscience and is astutely aware of the potential impact we can have in every conversation. Currently a senior faculty member with Mater Education, Alasdair is a proud “boomerang” to the health sector, having held several senior positions across the Department of Health, Clinical Excellence Queensland and Pathology Queensland. In this session, Alasdair invites participants on a reflective journey – challenging perspectives, encouraging a coaching mindset, shifting responsibility for improved outcomes, and challenging our thinking.
Prof Chris Pyke | Chief Medical Officer, Mater Health Services
Chris Pyke is Professor of Surgery at University of Queensland, Chief Medical Officer at Mater Health Services, a former Vice President of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, President of the ANZ Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and Chair of the Clinical Excellence and Standards Committee of BreastScreen Queensland. With Mater Health having >4000 Visiting Medical Officers over a number of sites, there is a keen interest in both Safety Culture and providing a "Respect @work" engaged, psychologically safe workplace.
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
Dr Erica Darian-Smith | Eagle Ey Surgeons Sydney
Dr Erica Darian-Smith is an ophthalmologist who specialises in refractive, cataract and corneal surgery and is the co-founder of Eagle Eye Surgeons, Sydney. Dr Erica completed her training in ophthalmology at Prince of Wales hospital in Sydney. Afterwards, she undertook an intensive, world renowned, two-year fellowship in corneal, refractive surgery and external eye diseases in Toronto, Canada, where she gained subspeciality expertise in laser eye surgery and treatment of all corneal diseases, including corneal transplants.
Dr Darian-Smith earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Tasmania in 2014, graduating with Clinical Distinction. She then pursued a Master of Medicine (Ophthalmic Sciences), as well as a Graduate Diploma in Cataract and Refractive Surgery at the University of Sydney. Dr Erica was a recipient of the 2022 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Foundation Resident Excellence Award. In 2019, she was awarded the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) Filipic Greer Medal for overall excellence in performance at the RANZCO Ophthalmic Pathology examination. Most recently, she was awarded the RANZCO Trevalyn-Smith Travelling Scholarship to subsidise overseas study.
As an accomplished researcher, Dr Darian-Smith’s work has been published widely in high quality medical journals, including the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the European Journal of Ophthalmology and Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. Dr Erica has also written a book chapter and has had the opportunity to present her research at various international and national conferences. Dr Erica is appointed as a Clinical Lecturer in the Discipline of Ophthalmology at the University of Sydney, Save Sight Institute and regularly contributes to ongoing teaching in her area of subspeciality.
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
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 Isabel McLean | Ophthalmologist, Director of Bundaberg Eye Clinic
Dr Isabel McLean Dr Isabel McLean is a highly regarded ophthalmologist and director of the Bundaberg Eye Clinic, where she provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care to patients across the Wide Bay region. With a strong commitment to clinical excellence and patient-centred care, Dr McLean has built a reputation for delivering thoughtful, evidence-based treatment tailored to individual needs.
Dr McLean was a busy General Practitioner before undertaking specialist training in ophthalmology through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO). She has broad expertise across general ophthalmology, with particular interest in cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and the diagnosis and treatment of retinal conditions. Passionate about improving access to eye care in regional communities, Dr McLean has been actively involved in outreach services and collaborative care with local health providers. Internationally, she has volunteered with the Myanmar Eye Care Project and taught phacoemulsification surgery in Nepal.
Dr McLean is also committed to ongoing professional development and regularly participates in national conferences and educational forums to remain up to date with advances in ophthalmology. Dr McLean strongly believes that Australian ophthalmologists should consider the personal and professional benefits of working in regional Australia.
Scott Bell | CEO, SMS Healthcare
Scott Bell is an innovative healthcare leader with a track record of establishing highly successful healthcare businesses in partnership with doctors and private investors.
With a broad career in private healthcare spanning three decades, Scott was a co-founder of Nexus Hospitals, Australia’s second-largest private day hospital group, as well as leading the establishment of large and highly successful specialist medical practices.
Scott commenced as CEO of Clearsight (formerly SMS Healthcare) in 2025 and is a director of UK ophthalmology group Sapphire Eye Care. He was a director of Day Hospitals Australia from 2018-2025, and has advised the Government as part of working groups and task forces on private health care and hospitals.
Dr Rahul Chakrabarti | Ophthalmologist
Dr Rahul Chakrabarti is an Australian trained, cataract and refractive surgeon, and comprehensive ophthalmologist based in Melbourne. He completed training at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear and Alfred Hospitals; and before obtaining his Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. He is passionate about surgical education, is a father of 3, a medical officer for the AFL (Australian Football League), and enjoys marathon running.
Having completed his undergraduate medical training at Monash University in 2008, Dr Chakrabarti completed his internship and residency at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. He undertook further post-graduate research in diabetic retinopathy management in low-resource settings, and a Masters of Surgical Education at the University of Melbourne. Rahul held the prestigious position of Chief Ophthalmology Registrar of the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital. Was one of the first trainers in virtual reality cataract surgery simulation in Australia. He is a clinical lecturer in ophthalmology at Monash University and The University of Melbourne; and was Director of Ophthalmology Training in Victoria 2021-2025.
Dr Matthew McCartney | Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon
Dr Matt McCartney is a Hobart-based General Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon.
Matt completed his ophthalmology training through the Sydney Eye Hospital Network; being awarded the Phillipic-Greer medal in Ophthalmic Pathology. He then undertook fellowships as an Orbital, Oculoplastic and Lacrimal Fellow at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and subsequently the Royal Brisbane & Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Matt maintains a passion for teaching and medical education, having held positions as a Conjoint Associate Lecturer at the University of Sydney and the University of Notre Dame. He regular national teaching for training specialists in the field of Oculoplastic Surgery.
Dr Anoushka Kothari | Ophthalmology Registrar
Anoushka is an unaccredited ophthalmology registrar, currently working at Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Services in Queensland. She is also undertaking a Master of Philosophy through The University of Queensland, investigating outcomes of glaucoma surgery. She is conducting several other research projects and has presented at national and international conferences.
Anoushka is a passionate advocate for the teaching and wellbeing of medical students, and has been actively involved in junior doctor advocacy through the Junior Doctor Medical Officer Forum Queensland, prevocational medical education committees and the Queensland Medical Women’s Society.
Anoushka is an aspiring ophthalmology trainee and hopes to continue making a difference in eye health through clinical practice and research.
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.
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.
Dr Andrew Apel | Director Eye Health Centre, Brisbane
Dr Andrew Apel is fellowship trained in corneal transplantation and anterior segment surgery at the University of Toronto, following completion of his medical degree at the University of Queensland. He is the founding director of The Eye Health Centre, now operating four clinics across Brisbane, and a founder and director of Queensland Laser Vision.
He serves as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at Brisbane Day Surgery and is a member of the Cura Specialist Advisory Committee.
Dr Apel holds a Senior Medical Officer appointment at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he has played a long-standing role in registrar education and mentorship. Over several decades, he has contributed to the professional development of many ophthalmologists now practising across Queensland. He is a past Chairman of the Queensland RANZCO Qualification and Education Committee, where he helped shape training standards and assessment frameworks for the next generation of specialists.
With more than 30 years of experience in medical and surgical eye care, his clinical practice focuses on corneal disease, cataract surgery, and advanced lens implant procedures. He is widely regarded for his expertise in managing complex anterior segment conditions and for his commitment to advancing surgical standards through teaching, mentorship, and leadership within the profession.
Ellie Fink | Media and Comms Coordinator, Australian Society of Ophthalmologists
Ellie is responsible for leading the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists’ communications, media, and public relations activities. She works to strengthen ASO’s presence across digital platforms, media outlets, and within the wider healthcare community.
She drives ASO’s media strategy and advocacy messaging; ensuring ophthalmologists’ voices are heard on key medico-political issues while also showcasing the value members bring to their patients and the health system. She thrives on opportunities to share stories that highlight the importance of accessible, high-quality eye care, and is passionate about supporting ophthalmologists in their work to protect sight and improve patient outcomes.
Prior to her appointment at ASO, Ellie worked as a journalist and marketing production assistant across regional publications and boutique agencies.
Christian Devereaux | Director, Emblm Agency
Christian Devereux has spent over 25 years working across marketing, advertising and content. While building Emblm Agency, he also spent eight years as a Teaching Fellow at Bond University, lecturing in advertising and content creation, which gives him a grounding in both the strategic and the practical side of marketing that most agencies can't offer.
Emblm is a full-service agency based on the Gold Coast and Melbourne, working with clients across travel, retail, medical and healthcare, both locally and internationally. We handle everything from marketing strategy and digital advertising to content production and media, helping brands and practices connect with the right people at the right time.
We partner with practices in ophthalmology, vascular medicine, respiratory and sleep, and surgical services, so we understand the compliance considerations, the referral pathways, and the trust that healthcare marketing requires.
We're partnering with ASO in 2026 because we genuinely enjoy working with specialist medical practices, and we'd love to talk about what's working (and what's not) in healthcare marketing right now.
Claire Thurwood | National Manager- Growth & Partnerships, 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
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
Dr Catherine McDougall | Chief Medical Officer for Queensland Health
Catherine trained and worked as a physiotherapist prior to undertaking her medical degree at the University of Queensland and went on to train in Orthopaedics, receiving her Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and completing post fellowship training in arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty.
Dr McDougall held leadership roles in Orthopaedics and as a Clinical Director of Surgery in Metro North HHS prior to commencing as the Queensland Health Chief Medical Officer in March 2023. For a 6-month period in 2025, Dr McDougall served as the Interim Chief Health Officer and Acting Deputy Director-General, Population Health Division at Qld Health, before resuming her position as Chief Medical Officer in January 2026.
Dr McDougall is passionate about public health and delivering high quality care to patients within a sustainable environment. Catherine completed a graduate Certificate in Safety, Quality, Informatics and Leadership at Harvard University in 2021, has a Masters of Public Health, is a reservist with the Australian Defence Force, Air Force and is an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland Medical School.
Janet Anderson PSM | Queensland Health Ombudsman
Janet Anderson PSM commenced as Queensland’s Health Ombudsman on 15 January 2026, bringing more than two decades of leadership in health and aged care policy, strategy and system oversight.
Prior to commencing as Health Ombudsman, Janet served as the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, where she was the inaugural head of Australia’s national aged care regulator from its establishment in 2019 until early 2025. In that role she led a national workforce and drove regulatory frameworks designed to protect the safety, health and wellbeing of older Australians.
Janet’s distinguished public service career spans executive leadership positions across Commonwealth, State and Territory health agencies, including senior roles in the Australian Government Department of Health, the New South Wales Department of Health and as Deputy CEO and Acting CEO of the Northern Territory Department of Health.
She holds a Bachelor of Health Administration with First Class Honours from the University of New South Wales, where she was awarded the University Medal and the Australian College of Health Service Administrators Prize for General Proficiency.
In recognition of her significant contributions to public sector policy and health system reform, Janet was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2009.
As Health Ombudsman, Janet leads the Office in its statutory role to receive and manage health service complaints, investigate systemic issues and contribute to high-quality, safe healthcare for all Queenslanders.