New president for College of Optometrists

Professor Leon Davies

The College of Optometrists welcomed a new president and seven new council members at its AGM, held during the College’s clinical conference, Optometry Tomorrow 2022 in Telford on 20 June.

The incoming College president is Professor Leon Davies, current board member and previous vice president. Leon is Professor of Optometry and Physiological Optics at Aston University, and former editor-in-chief of the College’s peer reviewed CPD journal, Optometry in Practice.

Professor Davies said: “I am extremely proud to be elected president of the College and honoured to represent the profession at such a crucial time. With transformational changes planned and underway, from the GOC Opticians Act review to the College’s newly published Workforce vision, I am determined to continue the profession’s advances to ensure optometrists across the UK are at the centre of new models of eye care, and that their competences and skills are recognised and used to their full potential.

“I would like to pay tribute to our outgoing President, Colin Davidson FCOptom, for his unstinting work and dedication over the last two years and offer thanks to all our departing Board and Council members for their dedicated service. I welcome our new College Council members and extend my congratulations on their appointment.”

The new vice president is Dr Gillian Rudduck.