Catherine is an ophthalmic surgeon and educator based in Melbourne. She has been head of the glaucoma unit at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital for over a decade and in addition, has served as the dean of education for RANZCO and associate professor and deputy director of the Monash Institute for Health and Clinical Education (MIHCE). Throughout her career, she has held education, governance, and leadership roles for national and international ophthalmic organisations, including the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), the Centre for Eye Research Australia, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the International Council of Ophthalmology and the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO). In 2017, she was recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to ophthalmology as a clinician, through executive roles with national and international professional groups, to research and education, and to eye health care programs in the Asia-Pacific.
As well as pursuing her interests in glaucoma, public health, education and international development, Catherine played a pivotal role in establishing and co-ordinating the leadership development programs of RANZCO and the APAO. She is a passionate advocate of diversity and inclusion, making a significant contribution to highlighting in all the organisations in which she works the importance of this issue and its role in effecting positive cultural change.