In Other News

New medical director for Optegra. Optegra Eye Health Care has appointed consultant ophthalmic surgeon, Alastair Stuart, as its new UK Medical Director. Stuart has 15 years’ experience as an ophthalmic surgeon and is a specialist in cataract and refractive surgery, having trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Optegra’s former Medical Director, Amir Hamid, now becomes the organization’s Chief Medical Officer. Link

BCLA chief steps down. Luke Stevens-Burt, Chief Executive of the BCLA, is to step down from his role after five years. Stevens-Burt thanked members for “continuing to drive clinical excellence across the contact lens sector.” Recruitment of his successor is due to begin shortly. Link

New GOC standards. Following consultation and feedback, the General Optical Council (GOC) has launched new Standards of Practice for Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians, Standards for Optical Students, and Standards for Optical Businesses. The changes came into effect on January 1, 2025 with the start of the new CPD cycle. Link

Call for vision care volunteers. The chair of Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP), Elaine Styles, is asking eye care professionals (ECPs) to “get behind the charity in 2025 and put a few hours aside each month for volunteering.” Says Styles, “We have ambitious plans for the growth of our service. There is a bleak outlook for many people in the year ahead, and we are here to do whatever we can to make life easier for people in terms of restoring their sight wherever possible.” If you’d like to help, get in touch with the VCHP volunteer manager at helen.harms@vchp.org.uk.

New Year, new push for eye health. The College of Optometrists is asking ECPs to urge the public to “make eye health a priority in 2025 and provide top tips for good eye health.”
“We are encouraging all adults to make sure they attend their regular eye examination and members are invited to join our campaign and spread the word.” The College wants to remind patients that they can search for their nearest local optometrist on LookAfterYourEyes.org To promote this New Year campaign, the College is offering social media assets for practices listed on its member directory.