New CEO of the International Glaucoma Association appointed

The International Glaucoma Association (IGA) has named Karen Osborn as its new CEO. Ms Osborn will join the association at the end of July.

With a background in developing both strategy and services for people with visual impairments, Ms Osborn has spent the past nine years as CEO of the Kent Association for the Blind.

Commenting on the appointment, chair of the IGA, Keith Barton said: “Karen stood out in a competitive field as our unanimous choice to lead the IGA. She has an exceptional record of working with other charities, and we were impressed by her enthusiasm and ideas for the IGA. She has the experience, charisma and strategic outlook to take service provision forward and to enhance our role as a research funder.”

Current CEO of the IGA, Russell Young, will step down from the role to retire in July after three years in the position.

Established over four decades ago, the IGA aims to raise awareness, promote research related to early diagnosis and treatment, and provide support to patients with glaucoma.

Ahead of joining the organisation, Ms Osborn said: “I’m delighted to be joining the IGA and I’m looking forward to the challenge of implementing the new strategy and taking glaucoma services and research to the next level.”