Thomas Ford, an early career rural optometrist, has been appointed President of Optometry NSW/ ACT, taking on the role at what he describes as a pivotal moment in the profession’s history.

Mr Ford, from Griffith in New South Wales, brings a grassroots perspective to the position, having witnessed first-hand the impact optometrists have on patients’ lives as a primary healthcare provider in a rural setting. He said the role represents an opportunity to lead colleagues collaboratively while securing a stronger position for future generations of the profession.

Central to Mr Ford’s agenda is the member vote on unification, which was due to take place as mivision went to print. He characterised this as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the peak body into one that is fit-for-purpose for the challenges of the 21st century”.

“We are reimagining a peak body which is more relevant and representative of our members, while being unashamedly member-centric and grassroots in approach,” he said.

Mr Ford was candid about the challenges currently facing optometrists in NSW and the ACT. He said workforce pressures are contributing to oversupply in some regions while creating shortages in others, alongside practitioner burnout and remuneration that does not reflect the expanding knowledge and skills demanded of the profession. The underutilisation of optometrists’ skills, the urgent need for scope of practice expansion, and the increasing complexity of the healthcare system – including uncertainty around Medicare funding – are also areas of concern.

He said the profession is simultaneously navigating significant industry transformation, with artificial intelligence, digital health, and emerging models of care reshaping the way optometrists practise. He believes these challenges are not insurmountable but require a coordinated, strategic response.

During his presidency, Mr Ford intends to reengage with optometrists who may feel disengaged or disillusioned, prioritising trust-building and ensuring members have a direct say in governance and leadership. He is also focused on reducing duplication within the profession’s infrastructure, delivering greater value for members, and advancing advocacy on Medicare, private health insurance, and workforce sustainability.

Mr Ford called on colleagues across NSW and the ACT to become ambassadors for the profession in their communities.

“This is our profession, and together, we can shape its future,” he said.