Holding the annual general meetings of the Association of Optometrists (AOP) and Federation of Opthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO) together was heralded a success by the chief executives of both bodies.
Bob Hughes of the AOP and David Hewlett of FODO both commented that as two sister organisations with very similar aims, it seemed 'daft' to have separate AGM events a couple of days apart, often in the same city and sometimes with the same guest speakers.
Don Grocott, separate president of both professional bodies commented: 'Combining forces wherever appropriate is clearly the way to get optics on the map and noticed by those who matter.
'I am delighted to see all the optical bodies turning away from the paths of isolation which have bedevilled us in the past.'
Giving additional weight to the argument, it was mentioned that the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers, the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians have all called for closer working at their own AGMs over the past year.
Guest speaker at the event was the Department of Health director of primary care, Ben Dyson. Having led the GOS review in England three years ago, Dyson outlined how world-class commissioning might apply to optics and also spoke about the possible development of 'hub and spoke' models with community optometrists in clinical networks supporting clinical hubs, like the new cancer networks.
Jayne Rawlinson of Healthcall was elected as new FODO chair in place of Paul Carroll who stepped down after three years, while Graham Ackers of TH Collison was elected as new FODO treasurer in place of Alan Tinger who is stepping down after seven years.
Following the AGMs, during a formal dinner, presentations were made to Carroll, Tinger and outgoing FODO council member Michael Bateman who was awarded life membership of FODO. Bateman has agreed to stay on as OFRC chairman to continue to lead the professions through the current three-year fees deal.
Ex-General Optical Council chair Rosie Varley was awarded life membership of the AOP, while Ian Lucas was awarded the certificate of merit by the Association.