AOP announces new Board Members

AOP announces new Board Members both from Specsavers 

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) has announced the appointment of Pragna Raghwani and Daniel Green to the ABDO Board.

After inviting all eligible members to stand for election and completing the nomination process, ABDO is pleased to announce the appointment of Pragna Raghwani and Daniel Green to its Board.

Pragna Raghwani, FBDO, is a retail director/partner at Specsavers, where she has spent over two decades leading the business with a strong focus on clinical excellence, patient care and team development. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating an inclusive, high-performing workplace while delivering exceptional care to the local community.

Pragna is a strong advocate for professional development and raising standards across the optical profession. Her appointment as an ABDO Board member reflects her commitment to supporting the future of dispensing optics, contributing to the profession at a strategic level and ensuring that the voice of frontline optical practices is represented in shaping the profession.

Commenting on her appointment, Pragna said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as an ABDO Board member. ABDO has played an important role in supporting dispensing opticians throughout their careers, and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to its future direction.

“Having spent many years working in practice, I understand both the opportunities and challenges facing our profession. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members, listening to our members and helping to ensure ABDO continues to champion professional excellence, education, innovation and the highest standards of patient care.

“It is a privilege to give something back to a profession that has given me so much, and I am committed to representing our members with integrity, collaboration and enthusiasm.”

Daniel Green, FBDO, is head of dispensing development at Specsavers and an experienced dispensing optician with a strong passion for education and professional development. He is ABDO regional lead for the North West and serves as a member of the General Optical Council’s education advisory panel. Throughout his career, Daniel has worked across clinical practice, higher education and national learning and development and is committed to advancing the profession and supporting the next generation of dispensing opticians.

Commenting on his appointment, Daniel said: “I’m incredibly honoured to be joining the ABDO Board. Dispensing opticians play a vital role in delivering high-quality patient care, and I’m passionate about supporting the continued development of our profession through education, leadership and innovation. I look forward to working with fellow Board members to help shape the future of ABDO and support our members across the UK.”

The ABDO Board sets the strategic direction for the organisation and oversees the work of the senior leadership team in supporting and representing members, enabling them to develop their careers, raising awareness of the valuable roles they carry out and advancing the profession as a whole.

The new Board members will take up their roles at the next Board meeting on 5 November 2026, at which they will have the opportunity to discuss and decide on ABDO’s annual plan for 2027. Their period of office will be three years, with the opportunity to stand for a further term of three years.

Brenda Rennie, ABDO president, says: “I am pleased to share that we have two new ABDO Board members, Pragna and Daniel. I would like to congratulate them both, looking forward to them bringing their unique perspectives in shaping the future of ABDO.”

Alistair Bridge, ABDO chief executive, says: “I am very much looking forward to working with both Dan and Pragna. Their rich and varied experience, and insight into how the optical sector is evolving, will enable them to play a key role in shaping our strategy as we continue to highlight the value of dispensing opticians and support them in developing their careers.”