New chair appointed for Optometry Wales

Locum optometrist Andrew Riley (pictured) has been appointed chairman of Optometry Wales, taking over the role from Norma Davies.

Under a new governance structure for Optometry Wales, Mr Riley is the first chairman to be appointed rather than elected. He has serviced on the organisation’s board for five years.

Speaking about his appointment to the new role, Mr Riley shared that he wanted to ensure that the profession in Wales continues to be well represented. He said: “With the recent announcement from the Department of Health in England that the GOS sight test budget would be frozen for the next year, I am keen to ensure that our devolved government in Wales continues to promote the role of the primary care, community-based optometrist.” 

He added: “We are fortunate enough to have a government that can see the value of what we do in the community and long may that continue.”