DR GRANT HANNAFORD

Practising in optics with a career spanning three decades and working with optometrists, opticians, optical dispensers and students as well as industry, Dr Grant Hannaford is at the forefront of ophthalmic optics in Australia and internationally after being named the 2022 Silmo IOA International Optician of the Year.  He is the co-founder and director of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics and co-owns a private independent optometry practice Hannaford Eyewear which was awarded the 2022 and 2024 Australian Small Business Champion. 

Dr Hannaford is a physicist, lens designer and qualified optical dispenser. He holds a qualification in spectacle lens design with honours from the UK under the tutelage of Professor Mo Jalie. He is a Fellow of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians. Dr Hannaford is an adjunct lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science UNSW and the Save Sight Institute USYD.  His research at the School of Life and Health Sciences at Aston University, Birmingham England was on emmetropisation and ocular biometric development in children.

As a practising optometrist and educator, Thao Hannaford brings a unique perspective to applied optometry and dispensing. She is the co-founder and director of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics and co-owns a private independent optometry practice Hannaford Eyewear which was awarded the 2022 and 2024 Australian Small Business Champion. 

Thao has a special interest in myopia control, sports and children’s vision. She is involved in the supervision of 5th year optometry students in their clinical placement at the Hannaford Eyewear practice.  Thao has a strong focus on primary care optometry and full scope ophthalmic practise. Her experience and mentorship have developed a number of talented optometrists within the industry. She is an MSc candidate at the School of Life and Health Sciences at Aston University, Birmingham England researching the impact of ocular biometry on glaucoma diagnosis in practice.

Peter Nixon is the owner and principal optometrist at Pezzimenti Nixon, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep passion for patient care. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science (Hons), a Bachelor of Optometry, and a Certificate of Ocular Therapeutics, Peter led the Children’s Services at the Australian College of Optometry. He has managed projects for disadvantaged primary school children and students at a specialised deaf school. Peter's areas of special interest include children's vision, acquired brain injuries, contact lenses and behavioural optometry. He has also volunteered his time and expertise on many occasions for eye care projects in Nepal and Mongolia.

Vinita Nand has been an Optometrist for over two decades. She has completed her Masters course specialising in Contact lenses and Behavioural Optometry. Her special interests lie in eye diseases, specialised tnts, and children’s vision. Vinita is very passionate about giving her patients the best level of care she can. She has travelled to Nepal and Mongolia to help with eye camps at remote villages and orphanages which has been a very rewarding part of her career.

Dr Peter Wagner is a Research Associate based in the Sensory Processes Research Laboratory at the School of Optometry and Vision Science, the University of New South Wales. His research is concerned with eye-movement recording and the development of novel methods for artificial vestibular stimulation in humans. Dr Wagner’s current research aims to create immersive devices for improving 'extreme' virtual reality (VR) - where stimulation of visual, acoustic, proprioceptive and vestibular systems together is used to enhance user experiences in head-mounted display (HMD) VR.

Dr Wagner also has broad interdisciplinary skills in optometry, bioengineering, and software development for the creation of wearable devices to support myopia research.  His PhD thesis undertaken at UNSW investigated how the 3D appearance of ecological environments affect the human eye e.g., how the exposure to distinct natural environments might lead to short-sightedness (myopia). This research was supported by the Brien Holden Vision Institute, and ongoing research in the space using the technology developed will help to understand why children become myopic.

Dr Nayuta (Yoshi) Yoshioka is an optometrist and education-focused academic at the School of Optometry & Vision Science, UNSW. He teaches radiometry, photometry, myopia management, ophthalmic optics and optical dispensing, with particular interests in using visualisation, simulation and interactive digital tools to support students’ conceptual understanding and practical skills. His current research includes education-focused projects and visual perception in head-mounted displays. He has developed interactive tools for optical dispensing education, including simulations of lens optics, lens calculations, focimetry and facial measurement. His PhD examined clinical diagnosis and structure–function relationships in glaucoma.

Amy Pillay is a highly regarded optometrist and Professional Affairs Manager at EssilorLuxottica. With a progressive career spanning roles as an Optical Dispenser and Managing Optometrist, culminating in the role of Optometry Engagement Manager, now currently a Professional Affairs Manager, Amy brings a wealth of industry experience to her current position.

With a strong clinical background and a focus on myopia management, contact lenses, and spectacle lenses, she plays a crucial role in driving industry collaboration and innovation. Amy actively drives key initiatives such as the Myopia Leaders Program, Eyecare Roadshows, and University Programs, empowering eye care professionals with the knowledge and tools to deliver exceptional patient care.

Felicia Le is a vision scientist and is currently the Sales Manages for NSW (South) for Rodenstock Australia. She completed a Bachelor of Vision Science at the University of NSW and has a special interest in ophthalmic lenses.

Michael Nasser is the creator and host of The Focused View, a podcast that explores the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of independent optometry. With a background in law, experience managing businesses across multiple industries, and more than 15 years in the optical sector, Michael brings a unique perspective to every conversation combining strategic thinking with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing independent practices.

Michael created The Focused View to give independent optometry a platform where knowledge is shared, ideas are challenged, and innovation is encouraged. Through engaging discussions with respected practitioners, industry leaders, and innovators from Australia and around the world, the podcast uncovers practical insights, emerging trends, and diverse perspectives that help independent practices navigate an evolving profession.

Beyond the podcast, Michael is Director of Opticare (RX Lab) and Vision Connection (Independent membership, buying, and support group), and Co-Founder of Ocelot Plus (a newly released Practice Management System). Across these organisations, he continues to champion independent optometry through Australian-owned products, technology, business support, and strategic initiatives that help practices grow while preserving their independence.

Steve Daras began his optical dispensing career in 1975 and was ranked first in his class in the Diploma of Optical Dispensing at the Guild of Dispensing Opticians. In 1978 he followed in the footsteps of his first optics teacher Richard Grills and his great friend Dr David Wilson and starting teaching optical dispensing at the national Guild School. He also managed a low vision clinic for a large optical firm and was a low vision consultant to all of Sydney’s teaching eye hospitals  and in private ophthalmologist rooms throughout NSW and the ACT. 

Steve has worked closely with optometrists in low vision at Concord Repat Hospital and the Royal Blind Society of NSW. His experience also includes work  in ophthalmic instruments. He ran a successful optical dispensing practice in the Central West working beside and then with the largest private ophthalmic eye clinic in Central NSW, assisting ophthalmologists and their patients. 

 Between 1995 and 2026 Steve taught optical dispensing at TAFE NSW reviewing and then writing all of the course materials. In 2014 he  co-author the 3rd edition of Practical Optical Dispensing and the 2nd edition of Practical Optical Workshop textbooks by Dr David Wilson. Since then, Steve has become a popular optical dispensing stream speaker at Australian conferences, as well as being involved with Australian Standards, and HumanAbility. Steve is the only optical dispenser to have been a member of every optical dispensing association in NSW.