College member appointed an MBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List

Cardiff-based College member and former College Council member Lisa Gerson MCOptom has been appointed an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s New Year’s Honours List for her services to optometry, education and social cohesion.

In addition to her role at Cardiff University where she supervises undergraduate optometry students, Lisa has played a major part in improving eye health in Wales through her work with Optometry Wales. She has also contributed to the UK eye health agenda through her roles with both the College and the General Optical Council.

Lisa started her work with the College on our Lay Advisory Panel in 2007 and went on to serve as a Council member for Wales from 2011-2017. During that time, she continued to support our Lay Advisory Panel, Membership and Standards Committee and Professional Conduct Committee working for the benefit of the members locally and the profession nationally.

In addition to her service to optometry, Lisa also serves her community as a Deputy Lieutenant, a Justice of the Peace, and Wales Leadership Magistrate, and continues her work as a school governor at two schools. She has previously served as a lay member of the Cardiff Community Health Council and on the NICE Technology Appraisal Appeals Panel.