Paul Clarke (OAM)

Paul Clarke is a highly respected optical mechanic and optical dispenser with 50 years’ experience in the Australian optical profession. For 33 years, Paul owned and managed Vision West, a very busy independent optometry practice in Perth, building a reputation for clinical excellence, professionalism, and community service.

After selling his share of the business in March 2024, Paul continued contributing to the profession through education. Until his retirement in December 2025, he worked part-time at the School of Optometry at the University of Western Australia, where he lectured optometry students in optical dispensing and played a key role in establishing an optical dispensing program within the school’s Indigenous initiatives.

Throughout his career, Paul has been deeply committed to professional leadership and advocacy. He has volunteered extensively across optical dispensing associations, including serving as the inaugural President of the Australian Dispensing Opticians Association (ADOA), President of the International Opticians Association, and more recently as Chair of the ODA Advisory Board.

In 1997, Paul founded Equal Health, a multidisciplinary charitable organisation that delivers volunteer health programs in developing countries. In recognition of his international humanitarian work and outstanding service to the optical profession, Paul was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on Australia Day 2017.