The six new Life Fellows of The College of Optometrists are:
- Professor David Elliott PhD FCOptom, Professor of Clinical Vision Science, University of Bradford, Editor, Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics (OPO)
- Andrew Riley FCOptom, Immediate Past Chairman of Optometry Wales
- Professor Kathryn Saunders PhD FCOptom, Professor of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Ulster
- Professor Fiona Jane Stapleton PhD FCOptom DCLP Scientia Professor, University of New South Wales, Associate Dean (Enterprise), Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales
- Dr Cindy Tromans FCOptom DipTp(IP) DipTPAS DipTPSP FEAOO, Consultant Optometrist and Head of Optometry Services, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital
- Wendy Newsom BSc FCOptom DipTp(IP) Higher Cert Glauc, recently retired Community Optometrist. Formerly Senior Optometrist at Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Chair of Cambridgeshire Local Optical Committee and Lead Optometrist at Moorfields Eye Centre at Bedford Hospital.
This year the College has awarded an Honorary Fellowship posthumously to:
John Thompson HonFCOptom, former Chair of The College of Optometrist’s Lay Advisory Panel and former Vice Chair of DOCET.
Professor Edward Mallen PhD MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists, said:
“Fellowship is the College’s highest award. It is our opportunity to celebrate the most outstanding and significant achievements made by some of the most talented and committed individuals working in eye and vision care, and their exceptional contribution to the advancement of the profession. I would like to congratulate all recipients and thank them for their valued input to the profession across the years.
“I also welcome to opportunity to posthumously recognise John Thompson as an Honorary Fellow. John spent a lifetime in service of the public and made a huge contribution to the College, as well as other organisations in the sector and will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
The College has also awarded four Fellowships by Portfolio to recognise achievement in the workplace, to:
Dr Dirk J Booysen FCOptom has been awarded Fellowship of the College in recognition of his contribution to clinical practice, provision of visual or wider healthcare, optometric education, the achievement of higher qualifications and the management of visual healthcare.
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney BSc FCOptom Prof Cert Glauc has been awarded Fellowship of the College in recognition of his contribution to the management of visual healthcare.
Dr Michelle L Hennelly PhD FCOptom has been awarded Fellowship of the College in recognition of her contribution to optometric education.
Dr Saleel Jivraj FCOptom has been awarded Fellowship of the College in recognition of his contribution to clinical practice.
The awards will be presented at the College’s annual Diploma Ceremony on Tuesday 12 November 2019 in Central London, when, as well as welcoming newly qualified optometrists to the profession, the College also celebrates the achievements of its members through the award of Higher Qualifications and Research Excellence Awards.
College members can apply for Fellowship by Portfolio by submitting a portfolio of evidence. Find out more about the College's Fellowship awards.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- The College is the professional body for optometry. It qualifies the profession and delivers the guidance and training to ensure optometrists provide the best possible care. We promote excellence through the College’s affixes, by building the evidence base for optometry, and raising awareness of the profession with the public, commissioners, and health care professionals.
- Life fellows are members of the College who are elected by the College Trustees on the strength of their outstanding contribution to the profession of optometry or to the College.
- Honorary Fellows are not members of the College and are elected by the College Trustees on the strength of their outstanding contributions to the profession of optometry or to the College.
- Nominations for Life and Honorary Fellowships are invited from members of the College of Optometrists, members of the Lay Advisory Panel and the Chief Executive. Trustees vote for Life and Honorary Fellows by a secret paper ballot. More information on Fellowships of the College of Optometrists.
- Fellowship by Portfolio recognises achievements in the workplace. College members submit a portfolio of evidence, which demonstrates how their accomplishments, including any examination success, have benefited their practice and the field of optometry. Find out more about Fellowship by Portfolio.