Marsha de Cordova MP presented with an Honorary Fellowship of The College of Optometrists

Marsha de Cordova is the Labour MP for Battersea, a former Lambeth Councillor and a longstanding champion of disability rights. Born with nystagmus and registered blind, she has used her lived experience to drive advocacy for visually impaired people.  

As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Eye Health and Visual Impairment, Marsha has led campaigning for a National Eye Health Strategy for England to reduce avoidable sight loss and improve equity of access. She has called attention to the growing NHS waiting lists in ophthalmology services, urged greater investment in the eye care workforce, infrastructure and data collection, and has sought to ensure marginalised groups can access eyecare services without barriers. Prior to becoming an MP, Marsha held roles in the voluntary sector, including Action for Blind People and Thomas Pocklington Trust. 

The College of Optometrists awards Honorary Fellowships to recognise individuals for their outstanding contribution to optometry or to the work of the College, and Marsha’s long-standing commitment to eye health and visual impairment advocacy is widely recognised across the sector.