Local leads appointed in Wales

Diana Haines

ABDO has a new team of local leads to cover Wales, allowing for representation of dispensing opticians (DOs) across all the regional optical committees (ROCs).

The new local lead team includes: Diana Haines, who will represent DOs on the North Wales ROC; Jennifer Park and Christina Verallo, who will serve on the South East Wales ROC; and Kate Hooper, who will represent the profession on the South Wales ROC.

ABDO head of policy, Debbie McGill, said: “It’s great to have the new local leads representing us on the ROCs and the Welsh Optometric Committee. Having DOs and CLOs included in the planning of service delivery is key to bringing the whole optical workforce together to provide the best eye health care service in Wales.”

Kate Hooper

Kevin Milsom, ABDO regional lead for Wales, added: “Representation on all the ROCs in Wales and, through these, also the Welsh Optometric Committee, as well as representation on Optometry Wales, allows DOs to share the views of the profession and make sure we are considered when roles come up for which they would be ideal.

“With DOs being involved in minor eye conditions services, and more becoming accredited to the low vision scheme, representatives on these committees will be able to ensure our DOs are ready when positions and roles become available.”

Any enquiries for the Wales team can be sent to Debbie at dmcgill@abdo.org.uk or Kevin at kmilsom@abdoregions.org.uk