European fellows

The chief executive of the College of Optometrists, Bryony Pawinska (third from right), and the Association of Optometrists' education adviser Karen Sparrow (second from left) were awarded fellowships by the European Academy of Optometry and Optics at its third conference in Prague.

They were among eight new fellowships at the conference (May 6-8) with Pawinska's award made for her role in developing the European Academy and the optometric profession. Sparrow's award recognised her contribution to Vision Aid Overseas and for her work to enhance the delivery and quality of optometric care in the UK and overseas.

Over 220 delegates from over 20 countries attended the event which saw professor Roger Crelier take over from Dr Feike Grit as president of the European Academy and Dr Paul Murphy of Cardiff University was chosen to become president-elect.