07 May 2025

FODO Group AGM

The FODO Group held its AGM on 7 May, at which the 2024 annual report and statement of accounts were unanimously approved.

The AGM reflected on a year of impact, growing membership and sector leadership amid continued economic and political challenges.

Peter Ormerod, FODO Group chair, said: "In 2024, we continued to lead on health policy and strategy in primary eye care and audiology. We also continued to manage costs and pass on savings to members through reduced insurance premiums this year. Given the current political and economic uncertainty, 2025 will be a challenging year for all. However, as a community of providers, by working together, we will continue to protect and advance sector interests on behalf of all the patients we serve."

There was also a minute's silence in remembrance of longstanding FODO members and significant figures in the eye care sector who had sadly passed away over the last year.

The Group awarded Richard Edwards with honorary life membership to recognise his contribution to the sector, including his period as FODO Board director from 2009-2011 and 2012-2013, and his role in supporting CPD and education and training for the next generation of optometrists.

Hayley Holford, John Hopcroft, and Dan McGhee were re-elected as directors of the Group Board. Faye Breckons, head of healthcare services at Asda, was formally elected for the first time.

FODO also announced a new online member magazine - Clarity. The magazine will offer users news, features and opinion to reflect the broad range of FODO Group membership, with members able to read the latest information around eye care, hearing care, or both.

Hannah Williams, FODO Group communications manager, said: "We have created 'Clarity' in response to positive feedback about the content of our regular member updates. The web magazine is now live. The launch starts a journey in which we will share insights and topical issues from eye care and audiology with a wider audience, spanning the four nations of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. In all that we do, we will focus on strategic leadership and supporting our growing community of eye and hearing care providers, to stay ahead of developments and to deliver the best care for patients."