Orbis appoints new chair

Peter Hickson has been appointed chairman of Orbis UK, a charity which provides the latest training to eye health professionals in developing countries.

He replaces ophthalmologist Rob Walters, who stands down as chair after seven years in the role. Mr Walters remains on the board of trustees. A chartered accountant by profession, Mr Hickson has been a supporter of Orbis for almost 20 years, and has been a trustee of Orbis UK since 2008. He also held the role of treasurer of Orbis International from 2010–13. 

Speaking about his new role, Mr Hickson said: "I am honoured to succeed Rob Walters as chairman of Orbis UK.

"The work that Orbis UK supports in the EMEA region has grown substantially over the past few years. We have tripled the number of our beneficiaries since 2010. I have every confidence that Orbis will continue to flourish as we raise our profile and seek new funding opportunities. In this way we will attain our goal to ensure that every adult and child has access to quality eye care in the regions where we work."