Board changes at the Eyecare Trust

The Eyecare Trust today announced the appointment of two new trustees. Nigel Burnett Hodd BSc, FCOptom, Dip.CLP joins as a lay representative and Louise Devine BSc Hons has been elected to represent the Association of Optometrists (AOP).

Louise Devine is currently Public Relations Manager for the AOP where she is responsible for promoting the work of the Association and developing relationships with relevant sector, healthcare and charity organisations.

Having started her career as a sports journalist Louise spent five years working for high profile news organisations including ITV Teletext and Skysports.com before joining the public sector as Regional Communications Manager at the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health.

Nigel Burnett Hodd is a full-time contact lens practitioner working with a team of three other optometrists and dispensing opticians in his London W1 practice - NF Burnett Hodd. He is also a director of No7 Contact Lens Laboratory.

Nigel is a past Chairman of the AOP and President of the British Contact Lens Association. He currently sits on the Council for both the respective associations and is President of the International Society of Contact Lens Specialists.

Steve Ellis, former HOYA Lens UK Managing Director, retired from the Eyecare Trust board at the charity’s Annual General Meeting on 30 May 2007.

Commenting on the board changes, Eyecare Trust Chairman, Iain Anderson said: “I am delighted to welcome Louise and Nigel to our board, they bring a wide range of skills and experience gained from working across the ophthalmic and broader healthcare sectors. Both bring with them fresh thinking and energy as the charity strives to position eye care firmly at the heart of the public’s health agenda.

I’d also like to thank Steve for the immense contribution that he has made to the Trust over he past five years. He will be missed and leaves us with our very best wishes.”

Both Louise and Nigel join the board with immediate effect.

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Note to Editors

Picture shows the Eyecare Trust Chairman, Iain Anderson (left) welcoming Nigel Burnett Hodd (right) to the Board.

The Eyecare Trust board now comprises:

Iain Anderson (Chairman)

Stuart Hornsby (Secretary)

Rosie Gavzey

Ian McDermott

Kelly Plahay

Derek McLaren

Louise Devine

Nigel Burnett Hodd