Welsh Government appoints new Chief Optometric Adviser

Mr O’Sullivan qualified as an optometrist at Glasgow Caledonian University and Leeds General Infirmary. 

He has served as Optometric Adviser to Hywel Dda University Health Board for over 14 years, where he has helped lead work to set up schemes and services to improve ophthalmology and optometry across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Most recently, he has served as Optometric Adviser to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.

As Chief Optometric Adviser, he will provide the Welsh Government with independent professional advice relating to optometric services and eye health matters in Wales. He will also lead the development of Welsh Government policy and legislation relating to the optometry profession and eye health.

Announcing the appointment, Dr Frank Atherton said:

“I’m very pleased to announce the appointment of David O’Sullivan as the new Chief Optometric Adviser to the Welsh Government. 

“He will play a key role in helping to improve eye health in Wales, and will provide professional leadership of the optometry procession across the country. I very much look forward to working with him to further improve eye health and reduce inequalities.”

David O’Sullivan said: 

“I am delighted to take up this post and to continue the excellent work to date. Wales is a very exciting place to practice optometry and the profession has worked tirelessly to improve the eye health of the population of Wales. 

“I am privileged to be working with such a dedicated group of professionals who continue to push boundaries across primary and secondary care for the benefit of their patients. I look forward to being able to help facilitate further change and improvement for the good of all citizens across Wales.”