New chief executive appointed at Optometry Wales

Optometry Wales has appointed Judy Misra as its new chief executive.

Misra, who is a pharmacist by training and is currently director of contractor services for Community Pharmacy Wales, will begin her role on 1 April.

Misra was acting chief executive of Community Pharmacy Wales for sixth months during 2023. She had previously worked as deputy to the chief executive for seven years.

She was involved in the contract negotiation and development of the new community pharmacy contract, which launched in 2022, and has worked an area manager for Boots Opticians, managing two practices in north Wales.

Misra has also worked alongside Optometry Wales to create joint community pharmacy and optometry briefings, and has been involved in training on the Common Ailments Service in community pharmacy in Wales.

Optometry Wales chairman, Craig MacKenzie, said that Misra’s appointment will bring “a wealth of experience” to the organisation, and that she “will help steer our profession through the huge changes and challenges our new contract will bring with it.”

Misra said that she is looking forward to starting the role, and to “supporting optometry practices as they move into a new and exciting future.”