Brendan Vote Director Expand Professor Brendan Vote established in 2008 a public benevolent institute status charity - Tasmanian Eye Institute, pursuing his passion for research and education and community service in Ophthalmology. Brendan graduated in Medicine from University of Queensland in 1990 then undertook his internship and junior medical officer training at Launceston General Hospital in 1991 and 1992, where he met his wife Michelle. Brendan was a medical officer in the Royal Australian Air Force for six years including 18 months as Senior Medical Officer in Butterworth, Malaysia and from there relocated to Dunedin, New Zealand for his ophthalmology training. Brendan's passion for research and teaching were nurtured at University of Otago in Dunedin, while in Dunedin his two sons Joshua and Benjamin were born. Brendan continued his academic research passion becoming the inaugural vitreoretinal fellow at Auckland University. He is Clinical Professor in Ophthalmology at the University of Tasmania and has published more than 100 peer review publications. He is involved in Multicentre International and Australian clinical trials assessing intravitreal therapies in diabetic maculopathy, age-related macular degeneration and vascular occlusion. Brendan maintains an active teaching role of both registrars and medical students – our future generation of eye surgeons and doctors. He stays active playing squash weekly along with crossfit training. He enjoys fishing, travel and indoor skydiving.
Jennie Rossetto Director/Secretary Expand Jennie has been on the board of directors for Tasmanian Eye Institute since its commencement in 2008 and is the secretary of the committee as well as Research Coordinator for clinical trials. She has a Diploma in Business Management and has many years experience working in ophthalmology. During her career in health management she has worked in various roles in the industry, including day surgery and consulting room services. As Clinical Coordinator for Tasmanian Eye Institute she takes great joy in seeing the changes that can be made to peoples lives through research. Jennie is married and has two adult sons, she enjoys keeping fit, the outdoors and is often looking for a challenge that fits both these areas.
Michelle Vote Director/Chairperson Expand Michelle Vote is one of the founders of Tasmanian Eye Institute. She recently commenced in the role of chairperson having been a director on the board for more than 10 years. She is a registered nurse and midwife and has worked in 3 countries over the past 35 years . This work has included time working in eye theatres . She currently works as a midwife. Her passion for the charity stems from her desire to give back to the community and help those in need . She is married to Brendan and mother to their wonderful sons Joshua and Benjamin . She enjoys keeping fit with running , gym and swimming and loves travelling and experiencing other cultures.
Rachael Adams Director Expand Rachael has been working in the ophthalmic industry since 1998, and joined Tasmanian Eye Institute in 2008, not only as a director, but also involved in the clinical research trials. She is trained and certified to do the retinal photography and macular scanning for the trial patients as well as testing their visual acuity and performing subjective refractions. She also coordinates our social media pages for Tasmanian Eye Institute. Rachael is married with two teenage daughters, and her hobbies include travelling, playing hockey and spending time with her family.
Gaylene Cooper Director/Treasurer Expand Gaylene joined Tasmanian Eye Institute as director/treasurer in 2008. Her role with Tasmanian Eye Institute is to maintain the financial records and day to day financial activities. She is also involved in the fundraising activities and enjoys the challenge of finding new ideas and opportunities to raise funds for Tasmanian Eye Institute. Gaylene is married to Ted and has two children, Bonnie who is following a career path in teaching and Jordan in construction. He hobbies include travel, especially to Ethiopia where she assists with the running of an orphanage, whilst in Ethiopia Gaylene also distributes Tasmanian Eye Institute glasses to the communities in need. She enjoys water sports, reading and shopping. Gaylene is really excited to be part of a charity that assists not only local people, but people worldwide with the research being done and looks forward to continuing to seeing the charity grow.