AIO conference report: Taking an independent view

This was my fourth AIO conference, and have to say it will take some beating, the Moller Centre offered first class facilities for a medium-sized conference including that most priceless of commodities in Cambridge – plenty of free onsite parking.

The conference was opened by the new chief executive officer and registrar of the GOC, Vicky McDermott, on what was I think her first public engagement since taking the role a few weeks earlier. McDermott introduced herself and outlined her experience in the health, charity and multinational corporate sectors before demonstrating that she already has a good handle on the issues facing the optical professions and challenges facing the health system in protecting the eye health of the public.