The College of Optometrists

The College has this week invited nominations for candidates to stand for election to its Council. At the 2004 AGM, members voted to change the College’s governance structure, creating a new-style Council, up to 40 members strong and elected on a regional basis, together with a smaller Board of Trustees.

This move was a direct response to feedback from members who wanted a College that was more representative of its membership, quicker to make decisions and more obviously relevant to their day-to-day practice.

The new-style Council, which will meet three times each year, will:

• Consist of a maximum of 40 members; 35 of whom will be elected by College members in the regions, 4 nominated from the College’s Lay Advisory Panel and 1 nominated by BUCO (British Universities Committee on Optometry)
• Determine the strategic and professional direction of the College
• Monitor the performance of the Board of Trustees and ensure this direction is followed
• Elect the President, Vice President and Treasurer
• Select trustees from among Council members

Commenting on the forthcoming elections, College President David Cartwright said 'The College has responded to our members by changing its governance structure, and the larger Council means there is now more opportunity than ever for members to join Council and to influence the direction of the profession. These are exciting times for the profession, and I would encourage people who previously may not have thought about becoming a member of Council, to consider the potential opportunity - it's a great chance to get involved in moving the College and the profession forward'.

Any College member who would like to discuss this opportunity further should contact David Cartwright, College President on 0115 9493735 or Beth Elgood, Director of Member Services and Communication at the College on 020 7766 4350.