College of Optometrists

Diploma Ceremony February 2010

Over 200 diplomates joined together yesterday to celebrate their entry to the profession and membership of the College of Optometrists.  The Diploma Presentation Ceremony is one of the highlights of the College year; around 800 guests attended the Ceremony, held at Central Hall Westminster, London on Tuesday 9 February 2010.

The Ceremony was a historic occasion, marking the award of the first ever Diploma in Therapeutics, Independent Prescribing.  16 of the 30 candidates who qualified as Independent Prescribers, following the first sitting of the exam last November were recognised at the Ceremony.  This group are qualified to prescribe any licensed medicine for ocular conditions affecting the eye and adnexa, within their recognised area of expertise and competence.  Dr Rob Hogan, President of the College offered his congratulations to the group, telling them that they were at the leading edge of the development of optometry in the UK. 

Opening the Ceremony, Dr Hogan reminded new members that each of them was an ambassador for the profession.  He went on to say;

 “Life is about relationships, and it is the quality of the relationships you forge with each and every one of your patients that will make them return, asking to see you specifically each and every future time.  Involve them during the short time you spend together, help patients to understand the importance of eye care and your role in providing it.”

The College awarded Life and Honorary Fellowships in recognition of significant contribution to the College and the wider world of optics. 

•    Life Fellowship was awarded to Professor Neville Drasdo, in recognition of the contribution he has made to academic optometry in the UK.
•    Honorary Fellowship was awarded to Professor Bertil Damato, in recognition of the outstanding contribution he has made to ocular oncology.
•    Honorary Fellowship was awarded to Professor Gary Rubin, in recognition of the significant contribution he has made to the optometric science base, both in the UK and internationally.

Fellowship of the College was also awarded to Christian Dutton, in recognition of the contribution he has made to the profession and the role he has played in promoting good practice both locally and internationally.  Christian qualified under the portfolio route to Fellowship, based on achievements in the workplace, introduced by the College in 2008.