New College President announced

New College President announced at The College of Optometrists’ AGM during Optometry Tomorrow 

Also New members appointed to the Board of Trustees and Council

The College of Optometrists has welcomed Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom as the professional body’s new President at the College’s AGM, held in Harrogate during Optometry Tomorrow, the College’s flagship conference.

Professor Irene Ctori previously served as Vice-President of the College and brings extensive experience in both clinical practice and optometry education. She is currently Dean of the School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire and has held several senior leadership roles, contributing to the advancement of optometry education and professional standards in the UK and internationally.

Immediate Past-President Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom will continue in her role as a Trustee, and Council member for the North West of England. 

Three other appointments were also announced at the AGM. Hassnain Safdar MCOptom was elected as Vice President of the College and Irfan Razvi MCOptom and Professor Kathryn Saunders FCOptom were elected as Trustees.

Professor Irene Ctori FCOptom, said, “I look forward to building on the important work already underway to ensure optometrists remain at the heart of eyecare delivery, with their full range of skills, knowledge and competencies recognised, valued and utilised for the benefit of patients.

“My heartfelt thanks go to our outgoing President Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom for her invaluable contributions and commitment to advancing the future of optometry during her tenure, and my congratulations and a warm welcome to our newly elected Trustees and College Council members. I am excited to work alongside them over the next two years as we continue to champion and support the profession.”

New College Council members announced

Six members were newly elected to Council positions:

• Ambreen Hussain MCOptom – Scotland

• Nilan Patel MCOptom – West Midlands

• Dr Alexander Swystun MCOptom – Yorks and Humber

• Habeeb Rahman MCOptom – Yorks and Humber

• Peter Greedy MCOptom, PCC – South West

• Andrew Riley FCOptom – North West – Co-opted to Council for one year.

Seven College Council members retained their seats at this year’s elections: 

• Professor Kathryn Saunders FCOptom – Northern Ireland

• Hassnain Safdar MCOptom – East Midlands

• Meera Shah MCOptom – London

• Lucy Blown MCOptom – South East

• Hamza Mussa BSc MCOptom  – West Midlands

• Keval Sejpar, MCOptom – South West

• Professor Joy Myint FCOptom – Optometry Schools Council Representative.

Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of The College of Optometrists, said, “Congratulations to our new President, Trustees and Council members. The College’s leadership team and staff look forward to working with Irene and the new members of our Board and Council in the coming weeks and months as we continue to deliver our strategic plan. I would also like to express our gratitude to Dr Gillian Rudduck for her dedicated service to the College as President over the past two years. Gillian has made a significant contribution during her tenure, and we are grateful for her leadership, commitment and support of the College and its members.”