FODO Group AGM

The FODO Group held its AGM on 6 May, at which the 2025 annual report and statement of accounts were unanimously approved.

Peter Ormerod, FODO Group chair, told the meeting that the organisation had continued to make real strategic progress since the last AGM. He said “The work of FODO and the NCHA has increasingly shaped policy-thinking around us and above us. We have done this through sustained engagement across all UK nations and the Republic of Ireland, and through close collaboration with sector partners and stakeholders.”

Reflecting on continued economic and political turbulence, the Group chair said the organisation would continue to defend its members, push for fairer funding and support shifting care into the community where safe and effective.

Sarah Joyce, FODO chair, said the organisation remained committed to fighting for improved access to care for patients across the UK and sustainable NHS funding to make that happen. “FODO will continue to work through OFNC and with Optometry Scotland, Optometry Wales and Optometry Northern Ireland and other sector partners to achieve our shared vision,” she said.

Garvan Mulligan, FODO Ireland chair, said: “2025 was another year in which funding dominated the agenda. Securing fair sight-test fees under both the PRSI and medical card schemes remained our overriding priority, because without fair funding, service sustainability and patient access are fundamentally undermined.”

On primary care audiology, the NCHA reported that it had succeeded in influencing the 10 Year Health Plan to include self-referral to NHS audiology and had ramped up its work in Scotland ahead of elections to ensure reforming NHS audiology services was a priority for the major political parties.

The Group awarded honorary life membership to Peter Ormerod and Paul Carroll, for their exceptional contribution to the Group. Mr Ormerod retired from his role as NCHA chair in 2025, while Mr Carroll retired in 2026 from the FODO Board.