Optometry Wales names new chair

Optometrist Andrew Riley (pictured) has stood down as chair of Optometry Wales.

Stepping down during the organisation’s annual general meeting earlier this month, Mr Riley will leave after 10 years to relocate and open his own practice in Cheshire.

During Mr Riley’s tenure at Optometry Wales, he has overseen a range of changes within the sector including increases in service delivery for the Low Vision Service Wales and the Eye Health Examination Wales.

He has also supported the drafting of a successful IT business case for all practices to have access to an electronic patient record, been part of the Task and Finish group looking at implementation of the Special Schools Project for Eye Care (SPECS) and chaired the Paediatric Optometry Development Group for Welsh Government.

Mr Riley is succeeded by optometrist Lisa Gerson, who has experience as a General Optical Council committee member, as well as a school governor and a lay magistrate.