The Optical Distributors & Manufacturers Association (ODMA) has announced that chief executive Finola Carey will leave the organisation at the end of April to enjoy semi-retirement.
Carey spent 27 years with ODMA, becoming CEO in 2010 after being executive director and federal secretary. ODMA chairman Robert Sparkes said Carey’s contribution to the industry and to the development of the association has been substantial. “She has helped the industry evolve positively, led our advocacy efforts across a range of issues and navigated the organisation through the pandemic when many associations faltered.”
Sparkes lauded Carey’s role as an architect of the agreement between ODMA and Optometry Victoria/South Australia, out of which O=Mega was born, and credited her with a major role in securing the World Congress of Optometry for Melbourne in 2023. “One of the legacies Finola leaves is the industry’s focus on differentiation of independent optics. While there is still work to do, this has begun a real change which is having a deep impact,” he said, adding that she leaves ODMA in a strong position, with record support and a positive balance sheet.
Carey said it has been immensely rewarding to build relationships which help shape the optical landscape and grow the independent market, but the time is right for her to wind down and pursue other opportunities. “I’m incredibly proud of the work of ODMA and the powerful and positive impact we have had on the industry and the community,” she said.
In a statement, ODMA said succession planning for a new CEO is well underway.
