Lisa Gerson joins GOC council

Lisa Gerson

The General Optical Council (GOC) has appointed Lisa Gerson as a new registrant member to its council. Lisa, a qualified optometrist, joins the GOC after more than two years as chair of Optometry Wales.

Taking over from Helen Tilley, Lisa previously served as a registrant member of the GOC Fitness to Practise Panel, member and acting chair of the Investigation Committee, as well as being a member of the Education Visitor Panel. She currently supervises student clinics at Cardiff University, and has more than 30 years’ experience of working in optometry in Wales, in both independent and larger multiple practices.

During her tenure at Optometry Wales, Lisa implemented substantive changes to the governance of the board, oversaw the formation of the newly incorporated regional optical committees, and initial contract reform modelling during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Anne Wright, GOC chair, said: “I am delighted to welcome Lisa to the GOC. I am confident that Lisa will bring a wealth of skills and experience to Council, along with insight into the optical sector in Wales. Lisa will be a tremendous asset to the GOC and will bolster the work that our council undertakes to shape our future strategic direction.”

Sali Davis, CEO of Optometry Wales, commented: “Lisa has demonstrated strong commitment and integrity in the way that she has revolutionised the way that Optometry Wales conducted itself with a new, diverse and more inclusive approach to chairmanship. Lisa’s skillset will be a complement to the work of our Regulator, and Lisa managed with skill and expertise to navigate Optometry Wales through the last 12 months, to steer us towards a very bright future.”