Board of Trustees

At Aston University, Professor Davies has held senior leadership roles including Director of Research, and Dean of Optometry. He has also supported the development of future optometrists and clinician scientists through external examining roles in the UK, Europe, Australia and Singapore. His research focuses on presbyopia and restoring ocular accommodation to ageing eyes, and he has published widely securing substantial competitive funding to support this work.

Alongside his academic endeavours, Professor Davies has played an active role in advancing optometry through professional leadership, editorial contributions, and public engagement. He has served as Clinical Editor of Optometry Today, Editor-in-Chief of Optometry in Practice, and on the editorial board of BioMed Research International. In 2022, he was Optometry Clinical Lead at the Commonwealth Games, and he co-created Villa Vision, an innovative mobile eye care service developed with Aston Villa FC Foundation and Essilor Vision for Life to improve access to eye care in the community. His contributions have been recognised through various awards including the inaugural Neil Charman Medal and a Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community.

E: leon.davies@college-optometrists.org

Alongside her clinical work, Irene developed an extensive academic career. Following the completion of her MSc in Clinical Optometry and PhD, she joined City St George’s, University of London, where she held a number of leadership positions including Head of Department of Optometry and Visual Science and Associate Dean. She is currently Dean of the School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences at the University of Hertfordshire, leading a large multidisciplinary portfolio encompassing optometry, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, allied health professions, social work, psychology, biosciences and public health and sport science.

Irene has made a substantial contribution to the development of optometric education and professional standards in the UK and internationally. She has served on the College Council since 2018, was Chair of the Education and Standards Committee before being elected Vice President and now serves as President of the College. Through these roles she has helped shape professional standards, education policy and the future direction of the profession, working closely with universities, regulators, professional bodies and healthcare partners.

A National Teaching Fellow, Principal Fellow of Advance HE and Fellow of the College of Optometrists, Irene is passionate about advancing excellence in education, professional practice and patient care. She is a strong advocate for equality, diversity and inclusion, widening participation, and supporting the development of future leaders within the profession. She is committed to helping optometry thrive in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape and to strengthening the contribution of the profession within the wider health and care ecosystem.

E: irene.ctori@college-optometrists.org

Hassnain was elected as Council member for the East Midlands in 2020 and Trustee in 2024 and has since helped guide both the Education and Standards and Research committees. He also helped the College navigate through COVID helping to draft guidelines for members and played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of the College’s strategy, with a particular focus on primary care. Hassnain is passionate about building a strong relationship between primary and secondary care and strives to promote the role optometrists can play in an increasingly stretched NHS.

E: hassnain.safdar@college-optometrists.org

After qualification she gained experience in both community practice and the Hospital Eye Service, where she worked in an AMD Treatment Clinic and clinical research.

Aleks is currently a lecturer in the Bradford School and Vision Science (BSOVS), with responsibility for the Paediatric, Binocular Vision and Reading Difficulty Clinics. She also works in the Special Schools Eyecare Service, delivering eye care services to children and young people with learning disabilities and autism.

E: aleksandra.mankowska@college-optometrists.org

With experience of multiple and independent practice, domiciliary care, the Hospital Eye Service, and higher education – in his current position as Resident Optometrist at the University of the West of England (UWE) Bristol Eye Clinic, he leads a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to deliver clinical training and eye care to the local and wider communities – he understandings the challenges faced by those that must balance clinical, regulatory, and financial demands and maintain consistency with professional and statutory requirements.

Roles with The College of Optometrists Audit Committee and General Optical Council CPD Registrant Reviewer Team have allowed Lewes a working knowledge of high-level audit and risk stratification and as a member of the Association of Optometrists Virtual Policy Group, College of Optometrists Professional Conduct Committee, and Somerset Local Optical Committee, he has encouraged open, supportive communication to develop beneficial collaborations and partnerships that solve problems and effect change to guarantee the wellbeing of optometrists and safeguard the future of the profession.

E: lewes.hambrey@college-optometrists.org

In 2014, he obtained a postgraduate certificate in Clinical Optometry from City University, which included certificate in Paediatric Optometry. With glaucoma as a special interest, Irfan has just completed the higher certificate in Glaucoma and also an active member of the Glaucoma managed clinical network.

He is just about to begin IP course. In 2012 Irfan joined his LOC, driven by the need to improve patient care by improving the role of optical professions. He spent seven years as vice-chair and for the last seven years has been the chair-person. At the LOC, he is Paediatric Eye Care Lead as well as the joint Glaucoma Lead. With two decades of experience as core/ specialist optometrist and over 14 years on LOC, Irfan has built up varied skillsets from working collaboratively with NHSE, ICB, ophthalmologists, GP, pharmacy and optometrist colleagues. He is the current Eyecare representative on Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Health & Care senate, Optometry lead on Local Eye Health Network Staffordshire (LEHN) and is a Council member (West Midlands) at The College of Optometrists.

When not in the work zone, Irfan has a passion for motorsport, cricket, global music, wildlife and outdoor pursuits!

Matt was elected College Council Member for the North West region in March 2019.

E: matt.roney@college-optometrists.org

Gillian holds an MSc in Management Practice and a Doctorate in Philosophy, alongside the College’s Professional Higher Certificate in Glaucoma and a qualification in Independent Prescribing. Her blend of academic achievement and clinical expertise underpins her leadership across complex healthcare systems.

She has worked extensively with NICE and the Care Quality Commission, contributing to national frameworks that strengthen quality, safety, and governance in eyecare services. Alongside her strategic roles, Gillian remains dedicated to education and workforce development. She continues to support the training of future optometrists through her work with the University of Central Lancashire, helping to shape the next generation of clinicians.

E: gillian.rudduck@college-optometrists.org

Kathryn has published over 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and is Academic Lead for Optometry at Ulster.  She developed and delivers the College-accredited Professional Certificate in Paediatric Eyecare and in addition to academic and research work, Kathryn remains a practising optometrist with a strong interest in translational research which improves vision care and visual outcomes for people with and without special needs.

E: kathryn.saunders@college-optometrists.org

She regularly holds peer reviews following accreditation as a College Facilitator and hosts CET events locally. She was elected College Council Member in March 2019.

E: kathryn.trimmer@college-optometrists.org

She has experienced a number of field leadership roles and is now currently Head of Professional Services at Boots Opticians. This role ensures there are high levels of clinical governance throughout the company.

Her passion includes ensuring the future of optometry by supporting both pre-reg and early years optometrists with their career development. She also has a passion for the advancement of optometry and how this will be brought to high street optics. 

Kyla was elected College Council Member in March 2019.

E: kyla.black@college-optometrists.org

Iain has been supporting the College since 2014 and Chairs the Policy Advisory Panel and Lay Advisory Panel. He is a Lay Representative of the College Council.