Election to President of OCE

Gail Stephenson, Head of the Directorate of Orthoptics and Vision Science , has been elected as the first British President of the European Association of Orthoptics (OCE). The OCE was formed 25 years ago following the formation of the EU, with the aim to ensure that Orthoptics had a voice in the legislation from Brussels in relation to the working rights and standards of occupations across the EC. The British and Irish Orthoptic Society was one of the founding members of this association and the OCE Council, which meets once a year, now has representatives from 15 countries including Germany and Sweden, with two countries having observer status, whose main role is to ensure representation and dialogue with Brussels. Underrepresented Gail said: "As a small profession with a wide range of roles in the eye care team we can find ourselves underrepresented or totally omitted in health debates. To be consulted over European policy for both Health and the Education of Health Professionals we must have an established European group/association which is the main purpose of the OCE." - "I am pleased to be taking the OCE forward and proud to be the first British Orthoptist to be elected to this position. During my term of office I hope to add support to orthoptists in countries where the profession is still developing, including the development of European Standards of Orthoptic education." - The role of European President is in addition to her role as Vice President of the International Orthoptic Association, the world association of orthoptists, which promotes the development of orthoptics through research.