Board Members

The current members of the Board:

Vivian Edgar - Chairperson

Board member since 2000

Vivian studied at Otago and Auckland Universities to obtain her BSc, Diploma in Optometry and a Certificate in Ocular Pharmacology. She is currently an optometrist in Te Puke and is currently the Chair of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board. Within the field of Optometry Vivian has taken an active role including her involvement in the 1994 review of the New Zealand Association of Optometrists Council.

John McLennan - Deputy Chair

Board member since 2005

John McLennan brings a wealth of experience to the Board. He is the past president of the NZAO and, most recently, was an optometrist representative with the Allied Health Standards 8171 working group. This group, promoted by Standards New Zealand and sponsored by ACC, determine combined health standards for all allied health professionals. John has been practising for 27 years and owns a private practice in Auckland. John was appointed Deputy Chair on 13 April 2007.

Mike Firmston - Dispensing Optician

Board member since 2001

Mike qualified as a Dispensing Optician with RDONZ, the New Zealand examination for Dispensing Opticians. Mike is in practice in Auckland. He is a director of Optiblocks NZ and a past Examiner for the Dispensing Optician course. Mike has also been a consultant to the Health and Disability Commission, and an executive member of the Association of Dispensing Opticians New Zealand.

Annette Keleher - Optometrist

Board member since 2002

Annette graduated from Auckland University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Optometry. She spent the first two years of her Optometry career in Wellington, but she is currently practising in Paraparaumu where she has recently become a partner. Annette is particularly interested in the political aspects of health professions, and is intending to further her knowledge in this area.

Joanne Ryan - Dispensing Optician

Board member since 2002

Joanne obtained her Fellowship of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians in London. Since qualifying in 1984 she has practised in England, Australia and New Zealand. She is currently working in Auckland. Joanne continues to be a member of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians. Her particular interests are Paediatric Dispensing and Continuing Education and Training.

George Lazaridis - Lay Member

Board member since 2000

George has worked in the photographic business for 39 years, and has developed an expertise in photographic optics. He is currently based in Auckland. Having served many associations in the past, currently George is a Layperson on the New Zealand Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board, past Governor of the Australasian Hellenic Educational Progressive Association and past President of the Romanian Parish of St. Mary of Wellington. George values his position on the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board, and in particular the chance that it gives him to ensure that the interests of the consumer are presented.

Carrick Lewis - Lay Member

Board member since 2000

Carrick has had a long association with Health Services in New Zealand. In 1981 he was appointed the Deputy Chief Executive of the Health Boards Association. In this role he conducted a study into healthcare standards worldwide, and introduced an accreditation system for public and private healthcare services in New Zealand. In the past Carrick has held the position of Chairman of the Board of the Health Welfare Society, National President of the United Nations Association of New Zealand and he was an active member of the Institute of Health Management. He is currently a Layperson on the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board, President of Wellington Central Grey Power and President of the National Library Society of New Zealand.

Hywel Bowen - Optometrist

Board Member since 2005

Hywel qualified as an optometrist in Wales, working in the UK and Australia before setting up a practice in Thames. He spent nearly 20 years as an associate lecturer at Auckland University. After selling his practice he has worked from KeriKeri to Christchurch, and now works in a multiple practice in Hamilton. He also undertakes some volunteer ophthalmic work in the developing nations of the South Pacific. Hywel, however, makes sure he has time for his family, tramping and sailing and  is a member of the Rotary Club of Thames.

John Billings -Dispensing Optician

Board member appointed 2007

John is a dispensing optician based in Wellington and is the Professional Services Manager (dispensing opticians) for a multi practice firm. Prior to this he has worked in private practice, and has been Practice Manager of an optical dispensing practice in Porirua. John completed a fellowship diploma in Optical Dispensing at Bradford College, England in 1989. He is a former member of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, an executive councillor of the Association of Dispensing Opticians New Zealand (ADONZ) and has been on the Education Committee of the ADONZ.

Richard Lobb - Optometrist

Board member appointed 2007

Richard is an optometrist and partner in private practice in Invercargill.  Richard completed a Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics in 2004, a Certificate in Diagnostic Pharmaceutical Agents in 1995, and a Diploma in Optometry in 1982 from the University of Auckland.

Ruth Spelman - Lay Member

Board member appointed October 2007

In 2007, Ruth began working independently as a coach and mentor - mainly with managers in the puplic sector.  She also sits on the Board of Sisters of Mercy Wiri and has been a member of the Board of Trustees in High Schools both in Auckland and Wellington.  Ruth worked for 12 years in the public service most recently as Regional Manager for the Parole Board in the Northern Region.  Prior to that she worked in Immigration as a decision maker and manager.

 

 


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