PEAK BODY CONSIDERS SOUTHERN UNIFICATION

A new southern alliance between Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/ SA), Optometry Tasmania (OTas) and the national body Optometry Australia (OA) is being explored to drive greater efficiencies and better use of member funds.

News of the potential amalgamation came as the national body appointed optometrists Mr Theo Charalambous and Mr Albert Lee to its board as deputy president and treasurer, respectively.

Charalambous has extensive experience as a franchise owner of OPSM practices based in Pakenham, Berwick, Brighton and South Yarra. He also partners in a private practice, Hastings Optical. Lee is a clinical optometrist and owner of an independent, full-scope optometry practice based in Rockdale, NSW.

Their appointments follow the departure of Ms Fiona Moore (former deputy president), Ms Tori Halsey (former treasurer), and Mr Rob Howie who stepped down from the board at OA’s annual general meeting on 25 November 2022.

Sydney optometrist Ms Margaret Lam retained the national presidency, while other new board members include Mr Lee Baumwol, Mr Kevin Sun and Mr Shuvagata Bose.

Regarding the potential unification of OV/ SA, OA and OTas, OV/SA president Ms Elise Pocknee-Clem and OTas president Mr John Kingshott confirmed that discussions “are currently exploratory”, and no structural details have yet been decided on.

OV/SA, OTas, and OA are currently three separate entities, with individual optometrist members of their respective state divisions. As state divisions, OV/SA and OTas are member organisations of OA.

According to a report on the OA website, the goal of a potential unification is to create a more streamlined single entity to deliver more efficient use of member funds and reduce duplication and administrative burden. The organisations say the benefits of such an approach have been evidence in the 2019 amalgamation between Optometry Victoria and Optometry South Australia.

Theo Charalambous, Optometry Australia deputy president

The boards of OV/SA and OTas have reportedly expressed confidence that if an amalgamation occurred, OA would continue to provide members in Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania with the same direct services it already provides to OV/SA and OTas members.

They also confirmed that OA will continue to function as the peak national body for optometrists, while continuing to provide services to members based in NSW, ACT, Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia, as per agreements with those state divisions.

The decision on amalgamation will ultimately be left up to the members of each state organisation.

“While our talks are still early, our boards wanted to be transparent by informing you that these discussions are underway. We will keep you updated and provide you with opportunity to input," Kingshott said to members.

Discussions have continued in recent months, with plans for a possible amalgamation to occur in 2023, OA stated.