AOP announces new Council appointments

The AOP has announced the appointment of nine members to designated positions on its Council representing different practice modes and career stages.

Five of the representatives are newly-appointed and will formally attend their first AGM and Council meeting on 3 June, while four are re-appointed.

New appointments include Kaljit Dhaliwal as Councillor representing employees of independent practices; Desislava Pirkova representing directors of an independent practice; Deven Lakhani representing locum optometrists; Kiran Pannu-Dhillon representing hospital optometrists, and Indy Ghuman representing early career optometrists.

Reappointed members are Erica Campbell-Walker representing optometrists practising in Scotland; Kamaljit Kalsi representing optometrists practising in Wales; Karan Vyas representing employees of multiple practices, and Mehul Patel representing directors of multiple practices.

Pirkova who is a dispensing optician and practice owner, told OT her appointment as a Councillor representing directors of independent practices “means a great deal” to her because optics is a profession she is passionate about.

“It gives me the opportunity to contribute to the future of independent opticians and ensure the experiences and challenges faced in practice are represented within wider discussions and decision-making,” she added.

Lakhani told OT he felt “excited and privileged” to represent locums, adding: “I’m grateful to have been given an opportunity to ‘give something back’ to my profession and my peers… and I look forward to being able to contribute for the continued advancement of UK optometry.”

Pannu-Dhillon described her appointment representing hospital optometrists as “a real privilege and a significant responsibility.”

She added: “I feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to represent hospital optometrists and contribute to shaping the future direction of the profession. It is particularly meaningful to be able to advocate for colleagues working within increasingly demanding NHS hospital eye services, where optometrists are continuing to play an expanding role in patient care.”

Welcoming the new Councillors, AOP chief executive, Adam Sampson, said: “I am delighted to welcome our new and re-appointed Councillors, who bring valuable experience and a strong commitment to the profession. Their insight will be essential as we continue to drive progress in optometry and ensure that our members remain at the core of our work.”

AOP chairman, Emma Spofforth, added: “We extend our thanks to all of the candidates who put themselves forward this year. Their dedication to the profession and willingness to contribute is truly commendable, and I encourage them to consider applying again in the future. The perspectives of the newly appointed Councillors will help guide our policy direction and reinforce our commitment to representing members.”