Rowena Beckenham, Chair

Optometrist & Owner, Rowena Beckenham Optometrist, Avalon Beach

ProVision’s newest director, Rowena, was appointed to her position in late 2016. Rowena opened her own practice in October 1999. She moved to larger premises in Avalon Beach in 2015 and now manages 10 staff, including one full-time early career optometrist and one part-time optometrist. Rowena looks forward to bringing a different angle or approach to an ageing optometrist demographic and helping new graduates to view independent practice as a viable career option, is a key challenge. “I would love to see the profession grow and prosper in the future. We face many challenges but those challenges present us with an opportunity to step into a space where we haven’t been in the past.”

Bernie Eastwood, Director WA

Optometrist & Owner, The Focal Point Optometrist, Duncraig

Bernie commenced her role as WA Director in 2013. She graduated from QUT in 1990 before accepting a graduate optometry position in Perth in 1991. Bernie worked in private practice for five years and developed an interest in children with special needs and learning difficulties. Bernie completed a Graduate Diploma in Education at Edith Cowan University, Perth in 1996. In 2008, she opened her own practice and her experience was complemented by the completion of her ACBO Fellowship in 2011. She has served on the Board of ACBO, and in conjunction with ICEE, was involved from 2000-2004 in the writing and development of Primary Eyecare manuals, and the delivery of these programs to local nurses in both East Timor and Vanuatu.

Brett Jenkinson, Director QLD

Optometrist & Owner, Fresh Vision Optometrists, Everton Park

Brett joined the ProVision Board of Directors in 2017. Brett completed his Bachelor of Optometry degree at Melbourne University, graduating in 2001. While in Hobart, he became the youngest partner of Total Eyecare in Tasmania and took an active role as President of OA Tasmania. He also became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and completed his Graduate Certificate in Ocular Therapeutics, allowing him to prescribe optical medicines. Brett has developed a keen interest in contact lenses, orthokeratology and in particular in complex cornea and contact lens fitting. Brett returned home to Brisbane in 2017 with his family to build upon the success of Kay and David Webster’s long-running practice.

Michael Jones, Director NSW

Optometrist & Owner, RJK Optometry, Coffs Harbour

Michael commenced his role as NSW Director in 2024. He graduated in 1992 from the University of NSW with a Bachelor of Optometry (Honors) and spent the first few years of his career working in South Australia before jetting off to Sydney to work with one of Australia’s leading contact lens practitioners. From there he developed a lifelong interest in fitting difficult contact lenses for conditions such as keratoconus and other corneal diseases. He became a partner in RJK Optometry in 2002.

Michael is a member of the CCLSA (Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia), OSO (Orthokeratology Society of Oceania), IAO (International Academy of Orthokeratology) and the SLS (Scleral Lens Society). He previously sat on the Board of Optometry NSW/ACT and was also previously the Deputy Chair of the Optometry Australia board. He graduated with post graduate qualifications in Ocular Therapeutics in 2010 and is currently a Credentialed Optometrist (CO) with CASA.

Andrew Koch, Director TAS

Optometrist & Owner, Total Eyecare, Southern Tasmania

Andrew Koch joined the ProVision board in 2010. He has a degree in Optometry from the University of Melbourne and is a member of the College of Optometrists in the UK. He has completed postgraduate study in business administration (Latrobe University); he holds a Graduate Diploma from the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is on the public health subcommittee of OAA Tas. Andrew has volunteered in Tanzania and Bangladesh and has been involved in eyecare program implementation and development in East Timor since 2002. He is partner and CEO of Total Eyecare Optometrists group in Southern Tasmania.

Jayson Ward, Director VIC

Optometrist & Owner, Warrnambool Eyecare and Portland Eyecare

Jayson commenced his role as ProVision Director in May 2024, bringing with him over 20 years’ experience practicing optometry around the globe. A graduate of the University of Melbourne, Jayson completed his Masters of Optometry at UNSW. In 2012, Jayson became owner of Warrnambool Eyecare and Portland Eyecare, and established several VOS assisted clinics. Jayson has given time to his industry through extensive volunteer work, clinical placements, the board of Optometry Victoria and Deakin University’s Optometry Advisory Board.

Mandy Drake, Company Secretary

Advisor to Audit, Compliance and Risk Committee Member, BCom, MAICD

Mandy joined the ProVision Board of Directors as Company Secretary after serving as an Advisor to Audit and Compliance and Risk Committee Member for ProVision since 2020. Mandy completed her Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) at Melbourne University, and is a member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants as well as the Australian Institute of Company Directors. With 15 years of experience operating as Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary across both retail and wholesale environments, Mandy brings strong financial acumen, strategic expertise and an understanding of legal, ethical and fiduciary responsibilities. Mandy looks forward to using her analytical brain, high ethical standards and decision-making skills to support the progress and development of ProVision and its network of Optometrists.