Herefordshire-based optometrist Nick Rumney has been elected Vice-President of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO) – a role he will serve until May 2019.
The announcement was made at the Academy conference held in Barcelona when current President-elect, Dr Eduardo Teixeira, took over the Presidency meaning there was a vacancy for the Vice-President role.
Nick, a founding member of the EAOO who was named an Academy Fellow in 2015, was among two nominated for the position which involved a rigorous election process with members voting for their preferred choice.
He said: “I feel very humbled to have been elected Vice-President especially as there was such strong competition which really pays testament to how much the Academy has grown since first being launched in 2009.”
The Academy was set up to advance optometry and optics, develop the scientific knowledge base, and support and promote lifelong learning for all those involved in eye health care across Europe.
Nick adds: “As a firm believer in the value of the industry working together for the benefit of patients, I am extremely proud to have been elected Vice-President and am looking forward to my new role as well as then taking over the Presidency in 2019.
“My grandfather first worked in optics just after the First World War and I’m a third generation optometrist so I have enjoyed a lifelong interest in and passion for the profession, with last year marking my 25 years working at BBR Optometry in Herefordshire where I am currently chairman.
“I aim to use my new position to further raise the Academy’s profile and ensure optometrists and opticians across Europe (like Eurovision the EAOO works wider than the EU and includes Iran, Saudi and Israel among other countries) work together to address issues such as an ageing population, a growing need for healthcare, technological advancements and consumer demands,” he added.
Nick Black, Chief Executive at BBR Optometry, who was himself awarded Fellowship of EAOO in 2016, said: “I would like to be the first to congratulate Nick on this well-deserved position which comes on top of many other accolades he has received during his career.
“He has already been made a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and a Fellow of the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO) and served on many national and international committees, including the General Optical Council (GOC).
“But what makes this one stand out as the icing on the cake is the fact he has been elected by fellow professionals to perform this important role and provide insightful leadership to further advance our profession across Europe,” he added.
Dr Eduardo Teixeira, new President of the EAOO, added: “I am delighted that Nick has been elected as Vice-President and will be supporting me in this new role just as I was able to work closely with the outgoing President to help the organisation build on previous successes.”