About the presenters:
David O'Sullivan OBE, Chief Optometric Advisor to Welsh Government
David qualified as an optometrist with a First-Class Honours degree from Glasgow Caledonian University in 1996 before completing his training in Leeds general infirmary. Following a short spell in Yorkshire he relocated to Wales in 1998 where he became a practice owner expanding from one practice to a small group of practices within Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.
He became accredited to provide Welsh Eye Care Services (Eye Health Examination and Low Vision Service Wales) in the first cohort of practitioners for both services and has subsequently undertaken further postgraduate qualifications in glaucoma management and ocular therapeutics.
In 2001 he became the Optometric Development Officer for Carmarthenshire Local Health group, which has subsequently developed into Hywel Dda University Health Board. This was the first position of its kind in Wales and provided a link between primary and secondary care providing the platform for developing services in the community.
In 2015 he became the Optometric Adviser for Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan University Health Board and in July 2017 became the Chief Optometric Adviser for Wales, leading on the NHS Wales Future Approach for Optometry and clinical reforms for eye care in Wales”.
David was recognised in the 2024 Kings New Years Honours List, becoming an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for “Services to Eye Care in Wales”.
Rebecca John, National Clinical Lead, Wales General Ophthalmic Services
Rebecca studied at Cardiff University and qualified as an Optometrist in 2005. Since then she has worked in a variety of optometric practices to include independent practice, the hospital eye service and a year practising in Trinidad. She has also spent time in research, and teaching undergraduate and postgraduate optometry.
Rebecca is now National Clinical Lead for Wales General Ophthalmic Services and alongside this is currently undertaking two research projects with Wales Council of the Blind.
Tim Morgan, WGOS National Clinical Lead
Tim Morgan is a Wales General Ophthalmic Services' National Clinical Lead, alongside Rebecca John and Mike George. This role is employed by NHS Wales to support all 7 Health Boards.
Additionally, he is an Optometrist performer and contractor with his own practice in North East Wales.
Richard Bowers.
Richard has worked for Wales Council of the Blind for over 30 years. He developed WCB's Perspectif database initially for internal use, but it is in use currently and most productively as a resource in the Wales Vision Forum Signposting Service.
Last year Richard's other life as an artist crossed over into his day job with the installation Eight Voices in Darkness - a collaboration with Dr. Claire Nollett of the Centre for Vision Services Research at Cardiff University.
Nik Sheen GOC-01-15847 PhD, MSc, MCOptom
After qualifying as an optometrist through the College of Optometrists’ pre-qualifying examinations, Nik gained experience in independent and multiple practices before completing an MSc at Bristol University in Clinical Ophthalmology and Optometry. He then pursued doctoral research at Cardiff University, focusing on stereoscopic techniques in the diagnosis of glaucoma, before taking up a lecturing role at the same institution. His research has included work in glaucoma, diabetes, and ongoing contributions to education in optometry research.
Nik went on to become Clinical Lead for the Eye Health Examinations Wales service and, in 2012, was appointed Director of the Wales Optometry Postgraduate Education Centre (WOPEC). In this role, he co-developed online and practical training programmes, delivered education across the UK, and presented internationally. He has contributed through the General Optical Council’s Education and Registration Committees and continues to assess international applications for entry onto the UK optometry register.
In 2021, Nik was appointed Optometry Lead at Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), where he is responsible for workforce development, education, and training across the eye care sector in Wales. Outside of his professional life, Nik lives in the Welsh countryside with his wife and their three children.
Wales Vision Forum
The purpose of the Forum is for organisations representing people with sight loss to come together to share, discuss and outline work programmes and priorities to enhance joint working and reduce duplication to maximise our collective reach and impact.
The Forum is a platform for sharing information, sharing good practice and expertise, consulting and identifying opportunities to support service and campaign planning.
The group will also focus on the work of relevant work-streams in the sight loss sector. Task and finish groups will be established for specific areas of work, as agreed at meetings or via email by a majority.
http://wcb-ccd.org.uk/wales-vision-forum
Optometry Wales
Optometry Wales is the professional umbrella organisation for the primary care eye health profession in Wales. We represent and work on behalf of all community optometrists, opticians and dispensing opticians across Wales.
We are funded by contributions from each of the Regional Optical Committees in Wales, and from the UK optical bodies.
Our key working partners are Welsh Government, the Welsh Optometric Postgraduate Education Centre (WOPEC), NHS Wales, the voluntary sector and the Welsh Optometric Committee (WOC).
Working in partnership with all of these organisations and bodies we are committed to excellence in eye care in Wales.
UCAN Productions
UCAN Productions (Unique Creative Arts Network) is an award-winning cooperative founded in 2005 to address the lack of performance and creative opportunities for blind and partially sighted children, young people and adults in Wales. Since then, the organisation has grown to over 700 visually impaired members of all ages.
UCAN Productions develops specialised drama workshops and theatrical performances that challenge the perceptions of the sighted world. By improving physical and vocal confidence and raising the aspirations of its members, UCAN has proved, many times, that visual impairment is no barrier to success in the world of performing arts and beyond.
Centre for Vision Services Research
The Centre for Vision Services Research is dedicated to improving health and care services for individuals that access eye care services or have sight problems.
Our work will drive service transformation and global innovation in eye care, supported by government, industry, the voluntary sector, and professional bodies.
If people want to get involved in research or have ideas for research projects, the Centre for Vision Services Team would love to talk to you.