Optometry Australia appoints new CEO

Optometry Australia (OA) has appointed Mark Nevin (pictured) as its new chief executive officer, following the departure of outgoing CEO Skye Cappuccio.

OA president, Theo Charalambous, said the board is pleased to welcome Nevin into the role as the organisation enters an important period of transition. “Mark brings extensive experience across the Australian and international health sectors, along with a strong understanding of the broader system settings that shape healthcare delivery,” he said.

Nevin, who started his career as an optometrist in the UK and Ireland, has held executive leadership positions across multiple peak bodies, including CEO of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, the Australasian Institute of Digital Health, Cancer Council Australia and, most recently, Lifestart Disability Services. His career has spanned governance, system redesign, regulatory affairs and the adoption of new clinical and digital technologies – experience that makes him well-placed to support OA’s forward priorities, said Charalambous.

Charalambous thanked Cappuccio for her significant contribution to OA and the optometry profession. “Over the past decade, Skye has been a thoughtful and steady presence at Optometry Australia,” he said. “As CEO, Skye guided the organisation through important operational change, all while keeping members at the heart of our work. She is an exceptional leader and we thank her sincerely for the care and integrity she brought to the role.”

In the coming months, Nevin will work closely with the board and OA team to ensure a smooth transition and maintain momentum across key areas, including workforce conditions, scope of practice, recognition of optometry’s role within primary healthcare and the delivery of practical support and resources to members.