Optometrist Peter Hong recognised

Optometrist Peter Hong has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list 2016.

Mr Hong, who owns and runs an independent optometry practice in Blackwood, Wales, and is a qualified independent prescriber and AOP member, was recognised in the list for his services to optometry, reflecting his longstanding voluntary work abroad.

Commenting on the award, Mr Hong said: “I'm extremely humbled and surprised to be in the New Year’s Honours list. It's been great to know that the work has been recognised.”

Mr Hong’s voluntary work abroad began in Romania in 1998, where he organised projects in Romania while working as an associate tutor at the School of Optometry in Cardiff University.

Mr Hong followed this work with projects in Moldova in 2010, along with working in Malawi with local ophthalmologist Andrew Waboso and his charities Sight 2020 Direct and the Onani Eye foundation.

Highlighting that the MBE is the result of a team effort, Mr Hong explained: “The 20,000-plus people who benefitted from being given spectacles did so because of the dedicated optometrists, students, friends, family and colleagues who freely gave their time and skills to help those less fortunate. I'm proud of them all.

“In particular, we should recognise the fundraising efforts of all the Cardiff students who have over the years raised so much money,” he added.

Honours lists are published at New Year and on the Queen’s official birthday in June, and celebrate people who have made extraordinary achievements in public life or committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.