Turning frontline care into Boardroom impact: Nick’s transformative governance journey

Nick Tran is an optometrist with a strong commitment to public health and community care. Based in Perth’s Northern Metropolitan area, he provides care through the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital Eye clinic and a private ophthalmology and optometry practices, as well as delivering domiciliary visits to aged care facilities. It was through this work that Nick first discovered his passion for community care, a space where he found supporting older Australians to be both rewarding and enlightening. 

Over the years, Nick has managed many patients with limited support, often seeing firsthand how inadequate care led to deteriorating vision and a decline in quality of life. These experiences inspired him to become a stronger advocate for vulnerable patients, with a focus on improving health outcomes through better systems, strong governance, and sustainable change. This drive is what led Nick to join the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program (ELGP). 

“I wanted to join the ELGP to strengthen my leadership and governance qualities so I could be a stronger advocate for change. I came to realise that understanding your own values is critical as when you work in areas you truly value, you bring a level of dedication that others cannot.” 

Since graduating, Nick has channeled his ELGP experience into impactful Board work. At Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA, he contributes to delivering key projects, strengthening governance, and building organisational sustainability. As a Board Advisor on the Clinical Governance Subcommittee at People Who Care, he brings his clinical expertise into the Home Care and NDIS sectors.  

Reflecting on his alumni journey, Nick says “I am proud to be part of a group of diverse, motivated and aspiring leaders, and I now have the confidence to connect with a wide network of changemakers across multiple industries.”