Sophie Woodburn is the new ODOB chair

Sophie Woodburn is the newly elected chair of the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB), with Julia Hunter elected deputy chair.

Outgoing chair Annette Morgan said she is delighted with the new leadership team. “Sophie, Julia and the board will be around for several years to take care of the public of New Zealand via the professions of optometry and dispensing opticianry,” she said.

Woodburn said she is motivated by both the people and the purpose of the role: “We have a great board and secretariat, so I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the board and the community as chair. I care deeply about public health and serving my communities and moving into the chair role is an opportunity to further centre public safety within the optics professions.”

Looking ahead, Woodburn said the board has a full agenda, including finalising its strategic plan following stakeholder and practitioner feedback and reviewing the clinical, cultural and ethical standards for optometrists and dispensing opticians. Broader system change, including reviews of the HPCA Act and the outcomes of the Government’s Putting Patients First consultation, will also shape 2026.

Hunter was first appointed as a lay member in August 2022 and reappointed for a second term in September 2025. She said she is looking forward to supporting the chair and contributing to board leadership. “I am honoured to serve as deputy chair and know I will enjoy supporting Sophie in her role and being part of the executive team to guide board effectiveness.”

Reflecting on the lay-member role, Hunter said it brings an essential public and community perspective to regulation. She also brings a strong cultural lens to the board as a Pasifika member with experience in Pasifika-led healthcare and a grounding in te ao Māori, having completed a year-long diploma in te reo and tikanga Māori.

Morgan described Hunter as “the calm voice of wisdom” on the board and praised her generosity in encouraging and modelling te reo Māori pronunciation.