FMO appoints a new chairman

The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) has appointed Andy Yorke (pictured), as its new chairman.

The managing director of Topcon Medical (GB), Mr Yorke is also the FMO’s current vice chairman and will take over from the current chairman, Mark Truss, at a lunch following the FMO annual general meeting on 2 December. 

Mr Yorke is a past president of the British Contact Lens Association, and a past chairman of the former Ophthalmic Equipment Manufacture Suppliers Association. 

FMO chief executive, Bryony Pawinska, paid tribute to Mr Truss, Norville group sales director, who has chaired the FMO board for the past year, “steering it through a period of considerable change.”

Welcoming Mr Yorke to his new role, she told OT: “Andy brings a wealth of experience of the FMO and of the optical sector from over 35 years in the UK ophthalmic industry and optical profession. I am looking forward to working with him as the FMO delivers its new strategic plan.” 

Earlier this month (5 October) in London, the FMO embarked on a process of consultation with its optical industry members on its draft strategic plan, which had been developed over the summer by its board of directors. 

At the meeting Ms Pawinska explained the process of setting out a vision, mission, values and the overarching strategic aim for the FMO. Members of the FMO’s focus groups for frames, lenses and equipment then discussed the draft strategic objectives for the next three years. 

Ms Pawinska explained that the consultation process with members will continue for another month and the final plan will be signed off by the FMO board next month and presented to its AGM in December. 

She highlighted that the plan is ambitious and has far-reaching consequences for the FMO, “which is committed to bringing the words in the plan to life and helping members’ customers to understand what the future of optics looks like.” 

The annual general meeting will be held on 2 December at the Amba Hotel, Charing Cross, London, followed by a Christmas lunch for FMO members, their guests, and the leaders of the optical bodies.