About Us

Optometry Wales is the umbrella professional body for all community optometrists, dispensing opticians and optometric practices in Wales, with our main function to represent the profession at all levels in Wales. Optometry Wales negotiates on behalf of the Regional Optical Committees in Wales in respect of national NHS services provided by optometry in primary care.

Optometry Wales is made up of a Council of approximately 25 people from:

• Each of the three Regional Optical Committees (ROCs) in Wales
• The Association of Optometrists (AOP)
• The Federation of Dispensing Opticians (FODO)
• The College of Optometrists
• The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO)
• Cardiff School of Optometry
• The General Optical Council (GOC)
• Domiciliary Eye Care Committee (DEC)
• The Hospital Optometry Group​
• Student/ Newly qualified Representative​

The Optometry Wales Council  meet twice a year (with one of these meetings being an AGM) and the Council are an Advisory Committee providing advice and support to the work of the Optometry Wales Board.

The Optometry Wales Board (Board of Directors) is comprised of 9 representatives (including a Chair and Vice-Chair):

• All 3 ROC Chairs
• 6 members elected from the Optometry Wales Council (at the AGM)

A third of the Board is elected on an annual basis with members serving a three-year term. Further information on the role of the Board can be found within the Optometry Wales constitution hosted on the Members section.

Optometry Wales Staff

To facilitate the day-to-day running of Optometry Wales, we employ a small workforce of staff.

The Optometry Wales strategy for 2025/26 comprises of five elements:

• Communication & Engagement
• WGOS 4
• Research
• Digital
• Workforce

To find out more about the strategy the full document is hosted in the Members section under Strategy 25/26

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