The College welcomes 18 new Fellows at its annual Diploma Ceremony

Throughout his career, David Cartwright has combined professional leadership with a deep commitment to supporting the development of others. From senior roles in practice to serving as President of the College, Chair of the Irvine Aitchison Memorial Trust and Chair of Eyecare Trust, he has championed high standards of care, professional growth and opportunities for optometrists to thrive.

Dr Kamlesh Chauhan has built a distinguished career defined by lifelong learning, leadership and service. As College President from 2012 to 2014 and a member of the Education Committee, he helped shape educational standards and policy. His lasting influence is reflected in the practitioners he has supported and inspired, and the high standards he has championed.

Alongside his work as an independent prescribing optometrist and specialist optometrist at Sussex Eye Hospital, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the profession through education, assessment and mentorship. His exceptional service to the College includes roles as Council Member, Trustee, Treasurer, Vice President and President. As Chief Examiner, educator and leader of postgraduate programmes at the University of Hertfordshire, Colin has helped develop generations of advanced practitioners.

Daniel P Ehrlich has helped expand the role of optometrists within hospital eye services, championing advanced clinical practice and greater integration within multidisciplinary teams at Moorfields Eye Hospital. In retirement, he continues to serve the profession through OptomHelp, the Benevolent Fund of The College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists.

Professor Lyndon Jones has combined clinical practice, scientific discovery and a passion for education throughout a distinguished career. After qualifying in Cardiff and practising in the UK, he completed a PhD in biomaterials at Aston University, establishing a research path that has transformed contact lenses, ocular surface health and myopia management. Through global leadership and collaboration, he has translated evidence into practice, benefiting eye care professionals and patients worldwide.

Michael Offord has built a distinguished career marked by clinical excellence, lifelong learning and dedicated service to others. As one of the first optometrists in the North East to achieve Independent Prescribing status, he helped advance clinical practice and inspired colleagues to expand their skills. His commitment to voluntary service has been remarkable, with extensive work through Vision Aid Overseas and Vision Care for Homeless People.

Jane Veys has earned an international reputation as an educator, author and advocate for patient-centred care. Following clinical and research roles in the UK and Australia, Jane spent 25 years with Johnson & Johnson Vision, ultimately serving as Director of Global Professional Education. She led educational initiatives that supported practitioners worldwide and strengthened the links between research, education and clinical practice.

Deborah Anne Young has made an outstanding contribution to optometry through clinical practice, education, mentorship and public service. A defining aspect of her career has been her commitment to improving eye care in Uganda. Since first volunteering in 2008, she has helped expand access to essential services and played a leading role in establishing the Dental-Vision Clinic at Bwindi Community Hospital.

“I’d like to extend my congratulations on behalf of the College to all our new Fellows. Through years of commitment to advancing optometry and eye care, they have helped shape and strengthen the profession, leaving a lasting impact for future generations. Each year, we are proud to welcome individuals to the College Fellowship, recognising excellence in clinical practice, leadership, education, research and service to the profession."  

Professor Irene Ctori, FCOptom, President of The College of Optometrists