On Thursday 11 December, we presented our 2025 Excellence Awards after our 2024-2025 Annual General Meeting.
The Eye and Ear Excellence Awards are a wonderful celebration, supported by nominations from colleagues for individuals or teams towards event categories.
We congratulate all of the award winners and nominees.
We’re proud to announce the Excellence Award winners for 2025:
Board Chair’s Medal – Professor Robert Briggs
Professor Briggs is a senior otolaryngologist and Head of our Cochlear Implant Clinic—which this year celebrated its 40th anniversary. Of those years, Rob has served 38 of them!
As a surgeon, he has restored hearing to countless patients, transforming lives with each operation. Families often share heartfelt stories of how his care has changed their lives—stories of children hearing their parents’ voices for the first time and of adults regaining connections they thought were lost forever.
One of his greatest legacies lies in his mentorship. He is a generous teacher, guiding emerging clinicians. He has invested in the Clinic’s growth as a multidisciplinary team, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. His contribution to awareness through media appearances and public advocacy has not only promoted the life-changing potential of cochlear implants but has also elevated the hospital’s reputation as a national and international leader in hearing health.
CEO Team’s Award – Mirring Ba Wirring
Natalie Tieri and Carleen Miller are the dedicated Aboriginal Engagement and Project Coordinators that make up the Eye and Ear’s Mirring Ba Wirring team. Carleen and Natalie strengthened relationships across the Aboriginal community, Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) and our staff.
Their heritage and passion ensure that patients receive care that honours their unique stories. Through their coordination of the eye and ENT clinics with VAHS they provide a model of care where cultural identity is respected and valued.
Beyond their many achievements, Nat and Carleen’s involvement in countless programs and initiatives continues to improve the quality of care we provide, and their impact is felt at every stage of the patient’s journey.
Aubrey Bowen Medal – Dr Kirsten Wells
Dr Kirsten Well is a senior ophthalmologist at the Eye and Ear, who first received this award 11 years ago. Since then, her impact at the Eye and Ear has continued to be remarkable, with many achievements outside of formal leadership roles.
As an emergency consultant, she provided invaluable support to Associate Professor Carmel Crock. Leading the Acute Ophthalmology Service, Kirsten championed its sustainability and advocated for its co-location with the Emergency Department (ED) during redevelopment.
She managed the trauma portfolio by creating Clinical Practice Guidelines and leading trauma audits and worked tirelessly with ED nurses to enhance their skills. Throughout her career, Kirsten has supervised, supported and mentored numerous senior registrars who are grateful for her dedication, enthusiasm and initiative.
Nursing Excellence Awards – Amy Tan
Amy is a nurse in our Specialist Clinics; her friendly and approachable nature is valued by both patients and staff. She has a unique gift for connecting with others, creating a welcoming atmosphere that puts patients at ease.
Amy is not just a hard worker; she is a team player. Her kindness and compassion shine through every interaction. Amy approaches her responsibilities with a proactive mindset, always anticipating the needs of the clinic and her colleagues, fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Allied Health Excellence – Dr Jaime Leigh
Dr Jaime Leigh is the Acting Director of Cochlear Implant, Balance Services Relationships and Co-Ordinator of the Victorian Cochlear Implant Program (VCIP). Her passion for providing accessible cochlear implant care to the Victorian community led her to transform the VCIP from concept into a robust program that has increased access to this specialist service across metropolitan and regional Victoria. Alongside her advocacy work, Jaime has helped shape national practice through her extensive clinical research.
Jaime’s collaborative leadership empowers everyone in her team, and as a mentor, she provides guidance and support to students and early career clinicians.
Administrative Excellence Award – Peter Jones
Peter plays a vital role in ensuring that the patient voice is heard loud and clear as the Eye and Ear’s Consumer Liaison Officer. By championing feedback from patients and carers, he helps shine a light on their experiences, often leading to meaningful improvements in our care and services.
Peter works closely with both consumers and staff to identify areas to improve patient experience and determine the best approach to managing complex feedback. Peter’s dedication and hard work is deeply appreciated.
