New GOC council member

The General Optical Council (GOC) has appointed Sinead Burns as a new lay member, the regulator announced last week (21 September).

Ms Burns is an occupational psychologist and a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. She has also served as commissioner for judicial appointments in Northern Ireland and is vice president of the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Burns said: “I am delighted to join the GOC. The optical sector is continuing to evolve as a result of new technology and an ageing population, and it is important that regulation adapts and enables developments in eye care that benefits patients.

“I look forward to working alongside my fellow council members and GOC staff to further the council’s vital public protection work.”

GOC chair, Gareth Hadley, said: “Sinead brings a wealth of experience of healthcare and public protection, as an occupational psychologist and through her work at the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland. I look forward to working closely with Sinead and drawing on her insight to help us in our work of serving the interests of the public in the optical sector.”

Ms Burns will replace outgoing council member, Brian Coulter, whose term finishes on 30 September.