Young Systems Leader: Rosamond Gilden

Rosamond Gilden

Organisation: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), Australia

Role: DR-NET South Pacific Regional Coordinator

Rosamond Gilden has an impressive background and a diverse range of skills that she has utilized to make significant contributions to the eye health sector. Her commitment to equity and universal access to eye care is evident in her work as a clinician, trainer, researcher, and community engagement facilitator.

With her educational background in Biomedical Science, Masters of Orthoptics, and Masters of Public Health, Rosamond has leveraged her clinical experience to drive population-level system changes aimed at improving outcomes for all patients. Her work as the Clinical Coordinator for Australia’s National Eye Health Survey and her involvement in the Roadmap to Close the Gap for Vision demonstrate her dedication to addressing eye health disparities, particularly among Indigenous communities.

Rosamond’s focus on diabetic retinopathy (DR) led her to take on project lead roles at institutions like the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and as the DR-NET South Pacific Regional Coordinator. She has also lent her expertise as a consultant on DR policies. Through these roles, she has worked on developing screening models and advocating for improved care for Indigenous Australians and the broader South Pacific region.

Additionally, Rosamond established the inaugural Orthoptics Australia Indigenous eye health committee with the goal of cultivating a culturally sensitive orthoptic workforce and promoting greater involvement of orthoptists in outreach initiatives across rural and remote Australia.

Her current involvement in diabetes-related foot disease showcases her ability to transfer lessons learned in the eye health sector to other related fields. Rosamond’s multidisciplinary approach and commitment to collaboration make her a valuable asset in driving positive change in healthcare systems. She possesses a unique skill set and experience in working across multiple layers of eye care from first-hand patient care; to locally community engagement; to state and national reforms, and global policy and system improvement.