Social enterprise eye health organisation Alina Vision today announced the appointment of Amanda Cranage as its newest Board member.
Ms Cranage has more than 30 years experience working in the eye health sector. For the past 14 years, she has been a Senior Healthcare Executive with Vision Eye Institute (VEI), Australia’s largest private provider of ophthalmic services.
“Alina Vision brings together excellence in eye care along with affordability and sustainability. I am particularly thrilled to be joining the Board of Alina Vision as a Fred Hollows Foundation-nominated Director to share in their vision,” Ms Cranage said.
“This is a great opportunity to share my skills and experience to reach those who are often excluded from mainstream healthcare systems.”
Alina Vision aims to address the rising demand for eye health services in the world’s most underserved communities by building a network of sustainable eye surgery centres, starting in Vietnam.
Ms Cranage commenced her clinical career in Queensland, where she worked as an orthoptist in private practice as well as for Queensland Health, before transitioning to operational management in 2007.
As a member of VEI’s Executive Leadership Team, Ms Cranage is responsible for the overall operational management, strategy, and growth of the consulting and laser businesses in Victoria and Brisbane. She managed the establishment of Panch Day Surgery Centre in Melbourne and the major refurbishment of River City Private Hospital in Brisbane.
Alina Vision CEO Victoria Morris said Ms Cranage’s appointment was timely, given she oversaw significant business growth and expansion throughout her time at VEI.
“We are proud to have Ms Cranage as the latest addition to our Board. Her crucial role in expanding VEI’s footprint will offer us rich advice as Alina Vision plans to expand its market and reach,” Ms Morris said.
“Her deep experience in managing and optimizing the performance of clinics and surgery centres will be valuable in making sure that our social enterprise remains efficient and profitable, so we can fulfil our mission to provide quality services to the poor and marginalised.”
About Alina Vision
Alina Vision is a social enterprise that aims to address the rising demand for eye health services in the world’s most underserved communities. By building a network of eye surgery centres, we are bringing an affordable model of eye care that is sustainable and equitable.
With origins from ancient Greece, 'Alina' means 'bearer of the light' in various cultures from Europe to South Asia. It reflects our mission to ensure everyone has equal access to sight.
In 2018, we established our pilot surgery centre in Hung Yen Province, a few kilometres outside the Vietnamese Capital of Hanoi. Currently, we operate the Alina Vision Hospital, along with three smaller vision centres in nearby provinces.
We offer eye checks, glasses, and surgeries for cataract and other conditions. Our business operates on a cross-subsidy model, where fee-paying patients help cover the costs of subsidised services for lower-income patients. All patients receive the same high-quality care but get to choose a treatment package based on their ability to pay. We also organise regular eye camps and outreach events in underserved communities.
Alina Vision is made possible through the support of international eye health organisation The Fred Hollows Foundation and Japanese pharmaceutical company Rohto.
About Vision Eye Institute (VEI)
Initially established as a group practice in Victoria, Australia in 2001, Vision Eye Institute quickly expanded to include numerous sites along the eastern seaboard and is now the largest private provider of ophthalmic care in Australia.
Our doctor team includes a mix of partners, associates and visiting medical officers – many of whom have introduced new surgical techniques and technologies into Australia and are highly regarded by their peers, both locally and internationally. Their dedication extends to active involvement with clinical research; teaching and examining medical students, optometry students, optometrists and ophthalmology trainees; and presenting at local and international conferences.
The world-class Vision Hospital Group day surgeries are equipped with the latest technology for a wide range of specialties.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mary Tran