Mr Wojciech Karwatowski has been elected as the new chair of the Clinical Council for Eye Health Commissioning (CCEHC) following a vote by the members of the Clinical Council. Mr Karwatowski is a Consultant Ophthalmologist at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Chair of the Local Eye Health Network for Leicestershire and Lincolnshire and a member of The Royal College of Ophthalmologist’s Professional Standards Committee.
Ms Zoe Richmond MCOptom, Optometrist and Interim Clinical Director at the Local Optical Committee Central Support Unit (LOCSU) has also been elected as Vice Chair. Both will take over roles from Miss Parul Desai and Dr David Parkins respectively from October 2021.
Formed in 2013, the CCEHC is an independent advisory body providing evidence-based national clinical leadership, advice and guidance to policy makers in health, social care and public health, and those commissioning and providing eye health services in England.
Speaking about his appointment, Wojciech Karwatowski said:
“The CCEHC’s unique position in encompassing all the key professional, industry and third sector groups, supported by its relationship with the NHS, has allowed it to function highly effectively both prior to and during the pandemic. Its output of guidelines, quality structures and information has hugely enriched the discussion within, and actions by, the eye care sector and the wider NHS.
“My priority is to build on partnerships and mutual understanding between members, and maintain a focus on delivering efficient, effective and high-quality modern patient care now and into the future.”
Zoe Richmond said:
“As we stand on the brink of wholesale NHS reform, it is more important than ever that the voice of our sector is heard where it matters. The CCEHC is well placed to lead the way: reflected by its membership, the Council represents the major clinical professions, social care, charity and voluntary organisations within the eye health and care sector and brings strong collaborative working and leadership.”
Outgoing Chair Parul Desai said:
“The CCEHC has been a key voice in promoting eye health commissioning to deliver improved services for patients through developing a range of commissioning frameworks. The pandemic has revealed short-comings in how eye care in England has been delivered, and adopting the recommendations of the Council will be crucial if we are to lead the world in high quality eye care services for patients.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the CCEHC. I wish Wojciech and Zoe well in their new roles, and look forward to working with them.”