The Association of British Dispensing Opticians has established an additional area to the organisation.
ABDO Northern Ireland was formed on March 13 at the Hilton Templepatrick Hotel outside Belfast.
ABDO president Kevin Milsom welcomed members to the inaugural general meeting and wished the new area every success.
Emma Summers was elected chairman, Lynn Mackey secretary, Kevin Finan treasurer and William Stockdale the group's representative to Optometry Northern Ireland.
ABDO general secretary Sir Anthony Garrett and head of membership services Katie Docker spoke at the meeting.
'ABDO Northern Ireland will represent the views of members in the area and will play a leading role in the provision of local CET for the growing number of members in Northern Ireland,' said Sir Anthony.