Hughes tight-lipped over AOP departure

Former Association of Optometrists boss Bob Hughes has remained tight-lipped about his sudden departure from the organisation.

In a brief telephone interview with Optician he cited personal reasons for leaving. 'They are my own personal reasons and that's the way it will stay,' Hughes said.

When quizzed about the future, former politician Hughes left open the possibility of returning to the optical profession, saying: 'I am looking around [at opportunities] but haven't reached any conclusion.'

When asked about the replacement process, acting chief executive of the AOP, Richard Carswell, said: 'Nothing has been decided yet.' He also declined to give more information on the circumstances surrounding Hughes' departure. 'I can't tell you any more than has been printed in OT,' he added.