Changeover at the OFNC

Paul Carroll

Paul Carroll and Dr Peter Hampson have taken over as, respectively, chair and secretary of the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC), replacing Gordon Illett and David Hewlett.

The changeover took effect on 1 May 2023 following the conclusion of the 2023/24 GOS fee and grants negotiating round – and the successful delegation of primary ophthalmic service functions from NHS England to integrated care boards.

It is also in line with OFNC protocol whereby the chair and secretary roles alternate between the Association of Optometrists (AOP) and the Federation of Ophthalmic and Dispensing Opticians (FODO). The latter is designed to combine essential continuity of knowledge, memory and experience with effective succession planning, the bringing on of new talent and ongoing engagement with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England.

Dr Peter Hampson

The OFNC stated: “Both Paul and Peter are experienced members of the OFNC negotiating team and Paul’s reappointment will enable him to complete his two-year tenure as chair – originally having served one year during the height of the pandemic. Gordon is retiring from the AOP board but will be part of the usual detailed handover to ensure his experience is not lost and David is staying on as a FODO nominated member of OFNC.

Gordon commented: “Although it has been very hard, challenging and frustrating work at times, I have very much enjoyed my time on OFNC and my two years as chair. In handing on to Paul and Peter, David and I are confident that the sector is in very good and experienced hands.”

Paul Carroll is a non-executive director of FODO, director of professional services at Specsavers, and optometrist joint venture partner of two practices in the Northwest.

Dr Peter Hampson is an optometrist in independent practice in the West Midlands. He is also clinical and professional director at the AOP, co-chair of the sector Information and IT Committee and part-time module leader at Cardiff University.