Former Tory director to become new ABDO general secretary

Awarded the CBE, Mr Garrett has worked for the Conservative Party for 27 years, at local, regional and national level. He rose to head the party's Central Office, where he oversaw a major reorganisation. He was director of campaigning and chief agent. Mr Garrett has also had considerable experience in youth, ethnic and community affairs, and has worked with trade union organisations in several areas, including education. He has also worked in Germany and the US, and has been a representative on the European Democratic Union. Mr Garrett has also lectured in Europe and North America, and is a member of a charity for blind and disabled children. Eric Hall, president of ABDO, commented: 'We are absolutely delighted to have been able to secure the services of someone with such excellent credentials to steer the association through the next few years of its development. 'I have no doubt that his experience and skills will not only be of great benefit to ABDO and dispensing optics, but also to the world of optics as a whole.' Mr Garrett lives in Kent, and is married with four daughters. Mr Hunt is to retire from his post at the end of March (optician, News, September 25, 1998) after four years as general secretary. But he has been appointed ABDO nominee to the General Optical Council until 2001.