Donald Crichton gives first speech as the new president of the IOA

This year, a lengthy handover saw the baton of the presidency of the IOA finally handed down from Fiona Anderson to Donald Crichton BSc (Hons) FBDO. The association’s new president took the opportunity to address his members at the IOA summit, which was held in Singapore from 12 to 14 April. Here is what he said:

“I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you as the new President of the International Opticians Association. I am very much looking forward to be leading an association of such rich history which plays an important part of this profession. For the last five years I have held the role of Vice President under the direction and commitment of Fiona Anderson who after almost seven fruitful years will be handing the chain of office over to me.

In 1986, I began my career in optics in Edinburgh, Scotland as a glazing technician. I qualified as a dispensing optician through the Association of British Dispensing Opticians in 1993.

Dispensing opticians were on the skills shortage list in 2004, affording me the opportunity to move to New Zealand at that time, securing a job in the beautiful Auckland suburb of Takapuna.

I have spent about half of my years in optics working within independent practice in Scotland, England and New Zealand. I’ve held various roles for corporate chain stores, Boots Opticians in the UK and store ownership with Specsavers in New Zealand.

I have been very fortunate to work with Hoya Lens New Zealand and Shamir Australia travelling around New Zealand as a sales rep. Visiting head offices for training, meetings or trade shows has allowed me to visit Australia many times.

I spent a very rewarding time working at the University of Auckland School of Optometry as a supervisor to final year optometry students, coaching them in the art of dispensing and have recently returned on a part time basis. And in the last few years, I have completed an honors degree in Vision Science.

I am a member of Association of British Dispensing Opticians in the UK, and the Association of Dispensing Opticians New Zealand of which I am a past President. I first became a freeman of the Worshipful Company Of Spectacle Makers in 1994.

I currently reside in the far North of New Zealand with my South African wife and Kiwi born children… a truly international family.

I bring a wealth of experience gained from a variety of roles and disciplines within our profession. To learn from others and help to develop the impressive array of learning topics gathered on the website and delivered through the Academy.

The IOA has strong relationships with well established associations and is able to assist with the growth of new professional groups in places not traditionally serviced by a formal boards representing dispensing opticians, I look forward to assisting in these areas. With so many opportunities to engage and work with our membership it is an exciting time to work collaboratively and grow the association.”