A new president and six council members were welcomed by the College of Optometrists at its annual general meeting, which was held during its Optometry Tomorrow conference in Telford on February 24.
Colin Davidson, College board member and principal lecturer at the University of Hertfordshire, takes over as president from Professor Edward Mallen, head of the school of optometry and vision sciences at the University of Bradford.
Speaking about his appointment, Davidson said: ‘I feel honoured and privileged to represent our members and very much look forward to meeting as many members as possible over the next two years.’
Davidson added that he is looking forward to building on the work of Professor Mallen during a ‘critical time’ for the profession, referencing the Education Strategic Review and proposed optometry degree apprenticeship.
Professor Leon Davies from Aston University was announced as vice president at the event, with Prab Bopari elected as trustee, Mark Redhead as lay trustee and Dr Gillian Ruddock re-elected as chair of the education and standards committee.
New councillors elected include optometrists Clare Pearce and Dr Grant Robinson for Wales, Hassnain Safdar for the East Midlands, Meera Shah for London, Professor Robert Harper for the North West and Professor Kathryn Saunders for Northern Ireland.
Optometrists Tony Gibson (North East), Laura Sweeney (Scotland), Lucy Blown (South East), Eddie Pigott (South East), Shamina Asif (West Midlands) and Barbara Watson (Yorkshire and Humber) all retained their seats.