Eye care community recognised in New Year Honours List

Members of the eye care community, alongside university and charity representatives, have been recognised in the 2026 New Year Honour List.

Optometrist Lisa Gerson was made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) when the list was published on 29 December.

Gerson, who supervises student clinics at Cardiff University, was recognised for services to optometry, education and social cohesion. She sits on the General Optical Council’s council, and has also worked as a council member for Wales at The College of Optometrists.

Professor Joy Myint, head of the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences Cardiff University, said: “The School of Optometry and Vision Sciences was delighted to see that Lisa Gerson has been awarded a much-deserved MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.

“Lisa has made significant contributions not just to the university, but also to the wider profession and the community in Wales and the rest of the UK. We are honoured that Lisa continues her longstanding affiliation with the School.”

The University of Reading’s Emeritus Professor of orthoptics and visual development, Anna Horwod, who researches ocular focusing, was recognised with an MBE for her services to orthoptics and research in the field of visual development.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice chancellor of the University of Reading, said that Horwood’s career in research and practice “has had a huge impact on people’s lives.”

“By working closely with healthcare clinicians, and by setting a clear mission to carry out research that makes a difference to people, Professor Horwood’s work exemplifies what is possible when researchers forge partnerships in areas where new ideas are needed,” Van de Noort said.

He added: “Her commitment to research spanning decades shows Anna’s dedication to orthoptics and is evidenced in her profound impact on people worldwide suffering from a wide range of eyesight issues.”

University of Reading

The University of Reading’s Emeritus Professor of orthoptics and visual development, Anna Horwod, who has received an MBE

Also recognised for work in orthoptics was Joy White, the former head of service for orthoptics at Sussex Eye Hospital, who received a British Empire Medal (BME).

White has worked at Moorfields Eye Hospital, as well volunteering internationally in countries including Albania and Romania, where she has provided vision screening in schools.

White said that she was “incredibly humbled” to receive the honour.

Dr Andy Heeps, chief executive at University Hospitals Sussex, called White’s dedication to patient care and commitment to advancing eye health locally and globally “truly exceptional.”

“Her leadership at the trust and humanitarian work overseas reflect the very best of NHS values, and her legacy will continue to inspire colleagues for years to come,” Heeps said.

He added: “We are immensely proud to see her honoured with a British Empire Medal, a fitting tribute to a career that has improved countless lives across Sussex and beyond.”

Kulwant Singh Sehmi, the former head of imaging at Moorfields Eye Hospital, was also made an MBE.

Singh Sehmi was recognised for services to the NHS and diagnostic ophthalmic imaging.

David Garbutt, the chair of NHS Education for Scotland, was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).

Garbutt’s career in health and social care has spanned almost two decades.

Speaking after receiving his CBE, Garbutt said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated professionals who have contributed so much to the people of Scotland.”

John Young, youngmedia.co.uk

David Garbutt, chair of NHS Education for Scotland, who has been made a Commander of the British Empire

Representatives from Deafblind UK and Blind Veterans UK receive New Year Honours

The chair of Deafblind UK, Robert Nolan, was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours List.

Nolan, who is deafblind himself and has Type 2 Usher Syndrome, was recognised for the service he has provided to people living with deafblindness.

Nolan has volunteered with Deafblind UK for more than 26 years and has served as the charity’s chair since 2018. He had previously served as chair of Deafblind Scotland for 18 years.

He has also taken part in numerous fundraising events for Deafblind UK, including marathons and tandem cycling challenges. Alongside his wife, Louise, he has raised more than £80,000 for people living with deafblindness.

“I am deeply honoured and very proud to receive this award,” Nolan said.

He added: “I have always believed that deafblind people should be visible, heard and represented, including in leadership roles. Whether through my career or volunteering, I have tried to challenge assumptions and highlight what people living with deafblindness can do, rather than what they may not be able to.

“With that in mind, I see this honour as a celebration not only of my contribution but of the talent and resilience that is found in the deafblind community as whole.”

Nolan’s OBE “shines a welcome spotlight not only on his personal contribution, but on a community that is too often overlooked,” Deafblind UK said.

Nikki Morris BEM, chief executive of Deafblind UK, said: “I am over the moon to see Robert’s contribution honoured. His OBE is richly deserved and could not have gone to a more powerful advocate for our community. He brings experience, warmth, humour and absolute determination to everything he does.”

Nolan “has spent decades changing attitudes, influencing policy, and showing what’s possible when we challenge barriers and dream big,” Morris said, adding: “We are incredibly proud to have him steering our work as our chair.”

Also recognised from the charity sector was Glynis Gillam, a case worker at Blind Veterans UK, who was awarded a BME for services to veterans with visual impairments. Gillam has worked with the charity for three decades.

British Army veteran Clive Jones, from Shropshire, who also volunteers with Blind Veterans UK, was awarded an MBE.

Lead image: the chair of Deafblind UK, Robert Nolan, who is deafblind and has Usher Syndrome, on a hike.