Honorary Fellowship for campaigning MP

Marsha de Cordova receives an Honorary Fellowship of the College of Optometrists from its president, Dr Gillian Rudduck

The College of Optometrists presented Marsha de Cordova MP with an Honorary Fellowship at its headquarters in London this week.

Marsha de Cordova is the Labour MP for Battersea, a former Lambeth councillor and a longstanding champion of disability rights. Born with nystagmus and registered blind, she has used her lived experience to drive advocacy for visually impaired people.

As chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Visual Impairment, Marsha has led campaigning for a National Eye Health Strategy for England to reduce avoidable sight loss and improve equity of access.

She has called attention to the growing NHS waiting lists in ophthalmology services, urged greater investment in the eyecare workforce, infrastructure and data collection, and has sought to ensure marginalised groups can access eyecare services without barriers.

Prior to becoming an MP, Marsha held roles in the voluntary sector, including Action for Blind People and the Thomas Pocklington Trust.

Dr Gillian Rudduck, president of the College of Optometrists, said: “Through her advocacy in parliament and engagement with optometrists at national and local levels, Marsha has elevated eye health as a public policy priority. Her work has strengthened the profession of optometry and improved the prospects of millions who rely on timely, effective eyecare. It is for her exceptional leadership, advocacy and contribution to eye health and optometry that Marsha de Cordova MP is most deserving of this Fellowship Award.”

Marsha responded: “I’m honoured to be presented with an Honorary Fellowship by the College of Optometrists and grateful to the College for the work they are doing to deliver high-quality eyecare across the country.

“As someone born with nystagmus, I know first-hand the difference good quality eyecare can make to people’s lives. It is why, in parliament, I continue to push for improvements to eyecare, as well as stronger workplace and educational support for blind and partially sighted people – breaking down barriers to opportunity so everyone has the best chance to thrive.”