Ronne shatters barriers as ASO’s first female CEO in over four decades: IWD 2025

As the first female CEO of the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) in its 43-year history, Katrina Ronne stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation, where the past meets the demand for a more inclusive future.

Her leadership unfolds like a shifting lens – one that sharpens focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) as more than corporate rhetoric, but as an evolving force shaping the very fabric of the profession.

“Be brave to challenge others’ points of view. You might be surprised at the reactions you receive,” Ronne reflected.

With the nation on the cusp of an election, she sees medico-political advocacy through a dual lens: the hard mechanics of policy and the nuanced reality of lived experience.

“DE&I is a central tenet of medico-political advocacy,” she stated.

This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment. is not just a slogan to Ronne, it is about “setting standards in our everyday interactions”.

But in ophthalmology, the numbers tell a different story. Women remain the minority in the fellowship ranks, a disparity reflected in the RANZCO data. For Ronne, shifting this imbalance is not just about visibility but velocity.

Yet, the world is restless. DE&I efforts face resistance, dismissed as overcorrections or distractions. Ronne, unfazed, offers a counterpoint.

“Diversity of opinion is critical for innovation. We cannot innovate if we are not prepared to challenge our ideologies and beliefs,” she emphasised.

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