Thao Hannaford

Thao graduated with honours in her Bachelor of Optometry degree at the University of New South Wales. She also has a Master of Optometry, Graduate Certificate in Arts and Bachelor of Arts degree. Thao has an interest in sports and children’s vision. She is involved in the supervision of 4th and 5th year optometry students in their clinical placement at the practice.

As a former visiting clinical supervisor to the School of Optometry and Vision Science at UNSW Thao taught at the 3rd and 4th year optometry clinics. She is a member of Optometry Australia, Australasian College of Behavioural Optometrists, Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia and the Australian College of Optometry. She is a doctoral candidate at Aston University UK in the Doctor of Optometry program.

Thao has been awarded as a Paul Harris fellow and is recognised by the Australian government for her aid work in Mongolia and Nepal. She is also the cofounder and director of the Academy of Advanced Ophthalmic Optics, a company specialising in education and professional development of practitioners in the ophthalmic industry. Thao was a Business Person of the Year finalist in the Southern Highlands Local Business Awards 2021.