30 April 2025

New College Council members announced at College AGM

The College welcomed two new Council members at its AGM, held in Birmingham on Tuesday 29 April 2025.

The two new College Council members are Reena Rani Anand MCOptom, representing the East Midlands, and Hafsah Raja MCOptom, representing the South East. 

The College also announced the re-election of five Council members and two co-opted members.

The re-elected and co-opted Council members are: 

  • David Jameson MCOptom, London: re-elected 
  • Madeleine Mould MCOptom, North East: re-elected 
  • Matt Roney MCOptom, North West: re-elected 
  • Kathryn Trimmer MCOptom, Scotland: re-elected 
  • Mike Horler FCOptom, South East: re-elected 
  • Benjamin Harris MCOptom, South West: co-opted for one year 
  • Keval Sejpar MCOptom, South West: co-opted for one year.

The Council has a maximum of 40 members, with 35 members elected by members living or working in their region. 

Five other appointments were also announced at the AGM. Kathryn Trimmer, Matthew Roney and Lewes Hambrey were elected as Trustees​. Kyla Black and Andrew Kitchen are co-opted to the Board of Trustees for one year​.

Dr Gillian Rudduck MCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists

“We extend a warm welcome to our newly elected Council members. Our Council members play a vital role in helping set the strategic and professional direction of the College and ensuring that we remain true to our principles and accountable to our members. We look forward to working with Reena and Hafsah in their new roles. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank our outgoing Council members for their hard work and dedication to the College and the profession during their terms of service.”

Further information

Related further reading

Independent MP – and independent optometrist – Shockat Adam talks about his first six months in Parliament and how he is bringing eye health care to the national stage.

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.