OFNC appoints new chair and secretary

The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) has appointed a new chair and secretary.

Paul Carrol, of the Federation of Dispensing Opticians (FODO), has taken over from AOP board member, Gordon Ilett, as chair.

AOP clinical director, Dr Peter Hampson, is the new OFNC secretary, taking over from FODO’s David Hewlett.

The changes came into effect on 1 May.

The OFNC is the national negotiating body for eye care in England, working with Parliament, the Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England.

Both appointees are experienced members of the OFNC negotiating team.

Carrol previously served as OFNC chair for one year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ilett, who is retiring from the AOP Board, said: “I have very much enjoyed my time on OFNC and my two years as chair.”

He added: “In handing on to Paul and Peter, David and I are confident that the sector is in very good and experienced hands.”