Rawlinson steps down

Domiciliary Eyecare Committee chair Jayne Rawlinson has stepped down from the panel she has chaired since its formation over five years ago.

The Committee has announced that AOP councillor and domiciliary optometrist Thurka Sivapalan has taken over as chair.

In her tribute to the outgoing chair, Sivapalan said: 'It is daunting to step into Jayne's shoes. She has been hugely influential in raising the profile of the domiciliary service, not only within the optical sector, but also with policy makers, both locally and nationally, and with charities such as Help the Aged and the RNIB.'

David Hewlett, for the optical bodies added: 'Her inspirational leadership and her focus on the needs of patients, led to the Committee's code of practice, which has been key to promoting the highest standards in the delivery of domiciliary eye care services.'