14 November 2024

The College welcomes seven new Life Fellows, two new Honorary Fellows and a Fellow by Portfolio

The College awarded new Fellowships at the annual Diploma Ceremonies in Westminster in November 2024

The College of Optometrists has recognised the outstanding achievements and contributions of 10 individuals working in eye health by awarding new Life and Honorary Fellowships at this month’s Diploma Ceremony. The Ceremony, held on Tuesday 7 November 2024 at Central Hall, Westminster, also welcomed a new Fellowship by Portfolio. 

New Life Fellows

Professor Mark Bullimore FCOptom has held several academic positions at universities in the United States, including Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston. He has supervised 15 postgraduate students and authored over 130 peer-reviewed publications. Mark has also served as Executive Director of the World Council of Optometry in 2016.

Lisa Donaldson FCOptom began her career at Moorfield’s Eye Hospital and is currently Head of Eye Care and Vision at SeeAbility, helping improve eye care for children and adults with learning difficulties across England. She has supported NHS England in rolling out the Special Schools Eye Care Service proof of concept model to 16,000 children. She was awarded a College Research Excellence Award for outstanding research and clinical case work relating to paediatric optometry.

Bill Harvey FCOptom has spent 30 years teaching optometry at the University of Surrey, City University and Plymouth University, and was a key figure in training pre-registration optometrists at Boots Opticians. Bill has also served as Clinical Editor for Optician Magazine for over two decades and has co-authored and co-edited the Eye Essentials series, as well as roles as clinical advisor with Docet and editor of Optometry in Practice.

Professor Nicola Logan FCOptom’s clinical research has been widely recognised with over 60 published papers, ranking her among the top 200 global optometrists. She has led numerous clinical trials on myopia control, including interventions involving soft contact lens, spectacle lens and pharmaceuticals. Her collaborative work includes partnerships with Birmingham Children’s Hospital, Queen’s University, and Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Professor Shahina Pardhan FCOptom became the UK’s first female Professor of Optometry in 2001. She secured a PhD scholarship from the College for her thesis on binocular contrast detection. As Director of the Vision and Eye Research Institute at Anglia Ruskin University, she leads a team of researchers and has earned international recognition for the Institute’s impact on clinical and public health research around the world.

Professor Nicholas Rumney FCOptom is a third-generation optometrist and has been deeply involved with the College since its establishment in 1980. His research on edge contrast sensitivity in low vision has significantly influenced the field. His work has helped establish one of the longest-running NHS-commissioned low vision services in the UK. He has also served on the General Optical Council.

Dr Margaret Woodhouse OBE FCOptom established the first primary care clinic in the UK specifically designed for children and adults with special needs. The clinic has served as a critical resource for patients and their families across the UK. Maggie’s research has led to ground-breaking discoveries, including the effectiveness of bifocals in improving near vision. She was awarded an OBE for services to optometry and people with disabilities.

New Honorary Fellows

Fiona Anderson HonFCOptom demonstrated huge commitment to the field of optometry as a Regional and Group Training Manager for an independent group of opticians in the northeast of Scotland. She has held several roles at the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) and served as President of ABDO for two years. She was also elected as President of the International Opticians Association appointed to the European Council of Optometry.

Dr Andy Hepworth HonFCOptom has worked tirelessly over 25 years to bring together clinicians, scientists and technicians. His work has widely benefitted many people in underserved communities. As Chair of the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians, he worked on encouraging the technical understanding of new product innovations in trainees and established practitioners. His work with Aston Villa Football Club’s Villa Vision programme has helped deliver a programme of eye health awareness to children living in areas with some of the highest levels of relative inequality in the UK.

New Fellow by Portfolio

Amanda Jane Davidson FCOptom has demonstrated how an optometrist can develop a career within High Street practice and link clinical experience, acquiring specialist knowledge to educate a wide range of healthcare professionals on managing dry eye.

Higher Qualifications and Research Excellence Awards 2024

The achievements of College members were also celebrated through the awarding of Higher Qualifications and Research Excellence Awards. The awards are developed and delivered by universities and hospitals and accredited by The College of Optometrists. 

Higher qualification courses are designed to enhance optometrists’ professional knowledge and skills in high-priority clinical areas, extending their scope of practice and the range of services and care they can offer patients. 

Related further reading

Anuj Patel MCOptom discusses prevention of infectious diseases, patient pathways and the importance of communication.

Olivier Denève, College Head of Policy & Public Affairs, heralds a new era in UK politics and calls for action to end the eye care crisis.

How women are taking the lead In optometry and changing the face of the profession.