ODOB’s new CEO and registrar Susanne Halpin

The Optometrist and Dispensing Opticians Board (ODOB) has appointed Suzanne Halpin as its new chief executive and registrar.

Having relocated to New Zealand from Ireland in 2013, Halpin spent the last 10 years working for authorities regulating health practitioners, most recently as team lead professional standards with the Medical Council of New Zealand. “The board is thrilled to welcome Suzanne to the role,” said ODOB chair Kristine Hammond. “Her past experience in the regulatory space will be invaluable as we proceed with the board’s governance transformation project and the final stage of rolling out our new IT platform.”

In her new role, Halpin said she will tackle several challenges, including ensuring practitioners’ ability to practise to their full scope, financial viability and that the board’s standards and guidelines remain appropriate to manage emerging risks. Risks can arise, for example, from the use of new healthcare technologies, such as telehealth and AI, she said. “This is particularly relevant given the new government’s plans to repeal the Therapeutic Products Act 2023.”

Halpin said she’s looking forward to contributing to the delivery of the board’s strategic priorities, current and future. “I’m very lucky to have an excellent team and board to work with and I’m excited about the opportunities the role brings outside my comfort zone.”

Halpin replaces Elmarie Stander, who moved to Australia with her family. “We were sorry to see Elmarie depart, but always the amazing professional, she was very helpful in welcoming Suzanne and inducting her into her new role from afar,” said Hammond.