The New Zealand Association of Optometrists (NZAO) re-elected council member Sita Thakersi and welcomed new council member Hadyn Treanor, to replace retiring member Geoff Sargent, at its 90th annual general meeting in October last year.

During the meeting, NZAO president Rochelle van Eysden thanked Sargent for his long service and said she and her colleagues were looking forward to actioning more areas of NZAO’s 2019 strategic plan in 2021, including delivering a much requested, new and revitalised website.

In other news, NZAO signed a memorandum of understanding with the Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) to reflect the strong relationship between the two organisations. “The MoU is the result of a closer working relationship between the NZAO and ODOB over the last two to three years and demonstrates a will to maintain that,” said van Eysden. “ODOB and NZAO are committed to working more collaboratively in progressing the profession of optometry and opportunities and services for our members.”

After being forced to cancel its 2020 conference due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NZAO’s 2021 conference is now scheduled for 29-30 October 2021 at Chateau on the Park in Christchurch.