Optometry Wales appoints new chair

Sarah Schumm has been appointed the chair of Optometry Wales.

Schumm, who takes over the role from Cardiff optometrist Lisa Gerson, has recently worked on a 12-month project for Health Education Improvement Wales analysing the optometric workforce in the region.

Reflecting on her appointment, Schumm emphasised the need to ensure that the profession in Wales continues to be well represented.

“With eye care reform well under way in Wales I am keen to ensure that our devolved government continues to promote the role of the primary care, community-based, optometrist,” Schumm said.

In her time as chair, Gerson has seen through the roll out of an IT upgrade across all practices, provision of NHS email addresses for practices, and extensions to the Wales Eye Care Service.

Schumm said of her predecessor: “I hope to be able to emulate the way that she has worked tirelessly for the profession with such significant success.”