4 days ago
As I complete my second month as CEO of Retina Australia, I’ve been focused on two key priorities: building understanding across our sector and laying strong foundations for the work ahead.
A consistent theme throughout March has been connection. Collaboration is one of our core values; we partner to maximise results for people affected by inherited retinal diseases, and I have already seen how strongly this spirit is reflected across our community and the broader sector.
Over recent weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet with CEOs and senior leaders across many organisations working across the eye health and research sector, including Vision 2020 Australia, Macular Disease Foundation Australia, SeeWay, Vision 2020 Australia, Guide Dogs Victoria, Glaucoma Australia, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists, the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists, the Australian College of Optometry, Optometry Australia and Centre for Eye Research Australia.
These conversations have been invaluable in my early weeks in the role. While each organisation has a distinct focus, there is a clear and shared commitment to improving earlier diagnosis, strengthening referral pathways, supporting access to emerging treatments, and ensuring people living with vision loss are well supported throughout their journey. What stands out is not only the alignment in purpose, but also a shared openness to explore opportunities to work more closely together to improve outcomes for our community.
I also met with representatives from pharmaceutical company Astellas, and have a forthcoming meeting with Apellis, both of which are involved in the development of emerging treatments for geographic atrophy (GA). These early discussions are helping to build a clearer picture of the evolving treatment landscape and how Retina Australia can best support and inform our community as new therapies progress.
Alongside these engagements, I attended Filling the Blind Spots: New Perspectives in Geographic Atrophy, presented by Professor Robyn Guymer and Associate Professor Zhichao Wu. The session highlighted important advances in the diagnosis and monitoring of GA, including the increasing role of advanced imaging and AI in supporting earlier and more accurate detection. It reinforced how rapidly the clinical landscape is evolving, and the importance of ensuring people are identified and supported as early as possible.
I also attended the F&P AI Summit 2026, which explored the growing role of artificial intelligence across the not-for-profit sector. A key message was that AI is already being used to improve efficiency, strengthen fundraising, and enhance engagement with supporters. Importantly, it also reinforced the need for strong governance, ethical safeguards, and maintaining trust at the centre of all we do. From a community perspective, these tools present meaningful opportunities to better understand and respond to supporter needs, when implemented thoughtfully and responsibly.
Internally, we have commenced recruitment for two important roles; an Operations Assistant and a Manager, Communications and Advocacy. These positions will play a key role in strengthening our capacity as we move from planning into implementation of our 2026–2028 Strategic Plan.
Taken together, March has been a month of listening, learning, and laying foundations, strengthening relationships, deepening understanding, and positioning Retina Australia for the important work ahead.
As we approach the Easter period, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. I hope it is a time of rest and connection.
Warm regards,
Jono
