Initial phase of project to upgrade the OS website is now complete
The initial phase of the project to upgrade and improve the Optometry Scotland website is now complete.
The project involved substantial changes taking place behind the scenes which will improve the functionality of the site, these changes will also provide a scalable platform for future upgrades.
The updated version of the website launched last week, and some of the more noticeable improvements include: a new search feature and a navigational tracker (breadcrumbs), there has also been some minor design and layout changes.
The next phase of the website upgrade will be rolled out later in the year, which will add a blog and dedicated sections exclusively for Optometry Scotland members.
David Bonellie is the new Vice Chair of Optometry Scotland
A new Vice Chair of Optometry Scotland was chosen at the 2012 AGM. David Bonellie, Independent Optometrist based in Irvine, will now step into the position of Vice Chair. After his appointment David said, "I am flattered to be in this position. It allows me to be able to put something back into a profession that has been very successful. I am looking forwarding to assisting Sam and taking Optometry in Scotland forward over the next two years."
Sam Watson is the new Chair of Optometry Scotland
Optometry Scotland announced that Sam Watson will become the new Chair following the AGM on 3 May 2012.
Peter Carson, stepping down said, "I'd like to thank everyone on the OS council for their continued support during my tenure especially for all the work we have achieved together over the past two years. Maintaining the GOS contract and the continued development of the IT link has been a particular highlight for me. OS will continue to focus and develop these issues in the future under Sam Watson's term of office."
Sam Watson, a Boots Optometrist has held the position of Vice Chair for the past two years, said "I'd like to give a huge thank you to Peter for his great work in the last two years. I am looking forward to working with new Vice Chair and what we will be able to achieve together as a team. Optometry in Scotland is recognised as a vital part of the NHS. With the new IT link developing and coming into force as well as the public health links with optometry being developed, we have a lot of changes to look forward to within our profession. Ensuring that the importance of eye health is recognised at every life stage will continue to be a key area for us going forward."
Sam added, "I am delighted to be the new Chair of Optometry Scotland and taking the profession to the next level with the team at Optometry Scotland. It is a challenge I eagerly anticipate."
OS Position Paper on Dr Zangelidis Study on Free Eye Exams
Optometry Scotland has released a Position Paper regarding the study by Dr Zangelidis, of Aberdeen University, on the Free Eye Exams in Scotland. The OS Position Paper is available to view or download here.
Second PCA of 2012 released
The latest PCA from the Scottish Government was released on 5 March, 2012 PCA(O)2 is available to view or download here.
Optometry Scotland are on Twitter: @optomscotland
Remember that you can find Optometry Scotland on Twitter (@optomscotland). 
Optometry Scotland release Advice Note for PCA
Optometry Scotland has released an Advice Note for the 2012 PCA(O)1 that was released on 9 January 2012.
Both the PCA and Advice Note are available to view or download here.