As my two-year term as College President draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on a period of significant change across healthcare, our profession, and the wider system in which we all operate. Pressures on services continue to grow, demand is increasing, and the pace of technological change shows no sign of slowing. Yet one theme has remained constant: the importance of collaboration.
Throughout my presidency, I’ve championed partnership working across the sector, and I’m pleased to see how powerful that collaboration can be.
The College and Royal College of Ophthalmologists will co-chair a new steering group to accelerate DICOM interoperability, working closely with partners across the sector, including the Optical Suppliers Association, to improve digital imaging and information sharing between primary and secondary care.
Our continued investment in the UK Eye Care Data Hub, developed as a sector-wide initiative, provides critical insight into workforce and disease prevalence, supporting better planning, commissioning and ultimately patient care.
Joint advocacy efforts are making a difference. Progress on mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers and ongoing work on headlight glare have only been possible by working in partnership with professional bodies, policy-makers, and organisations beyond eye care.
What has been particularly special during my time as President is seeing this collaboration at first hand.
I’ve worked with leaders shaping national strategy across the NHS, alongside those delivering highly specialised care, and with colleagues pioneering new models of shared care, particularly in areas such as glaucoma, demonstrating what can be achieved when primary and secondary care work in true partnership.
I’ve also worked with representatives from dispensing optics, contact lenses and optical businesses, who ensure innovation, technology and patient-centred solutions continue to evolve.
I’ve also worked closely with colleagues leading education, workforce development and research, supporting the transition to new education and training requirements, helping to build a future-ready workforce. Our partnership with ophthalmic nursing and orthoptics remains essential in delivering high-quality, multidisciplinary care.
It’s been a pleasure to represent optometry as we collaborate and influence regulators, policy-makers, parliamentarians, and the voluntary sector. We must continue working together to ensure the patient voice is heard, keeping eye care firmly on the national agenda.
It’s been a privilege to represent our profession and you, our members. Continued progress depends on working together, with and on behalf of you.
