Vision Strategy leader announces retirement

UK Vision Strategy pioneer Anita Lightstone has announced her retirement following a period of ill health.

The UK Vision Strategy director and Vision 2020 UK interim chief operations officer will retire this summer after six years developing the global eye health initiative.

Lightstone project managed the development of the Strategy in 2007 before beginning her role of programme director the following year.

She said: ‘It has been a privilege to lead both the UK Vision Strategy and Vision 2020 UK. I believe both have enabled organisations across the sector to work in collaboration with each other and with blind and partially sighted people to achieve major successes. This united approach will have a significant impact for people living with sight loss and improve the eye health of the UK. I have taken the decision to step down following a period of ill health last year which put me out of action for several weeks. Such events focus the mind and, while I regret doing this earlier than I had originally intended, I do believe this is the right decision and the right time for the UK Vision Strategy, for Vision 2020 UK and for me.’