Dr Gail Maconachie, BIOS Digital and AI lead

I am a Sheffield graduate, finishing back in 2009! I started my career as a research orthoptist at the University of Leicester, where I conducted trials in amblyopia and developed an interest in the development and treatment of infantile nystagmus and concomitant strabismus. Since 2018, I’ve been a Lecturer back at the University of Sheffield, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of educating the next generation. Time has flown by!

For the last year and a half, I’ve had the privilege of undertaking an NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement award. This has allowed me time to delve deeper into health data science and AI, exploring how complex informatics can help us diagnose eye conditions in clinical practice.

It’s an incredibly exciting (and sometimes emotive) time to be in healthcare. As we face this fast-changing world, I’m aware that we all have unique feelings about digital health and AI. Hearing different perspectives and experiences is where I’d love us to begin this journey together. I am committed to us working together to explore how this technology can empower our role and keep our profession at the forefront of educational and clinical innovation.

Hanish Chauhan, Trustee for the Midlands and East

I am currently the Head Orthoptist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and I am extremely excited to start my role as the BIOS Midland and East Trustee. I graduated from University of Sheffield in 2008 and started working at Leicester in 2009. In 2015, I became Deputy Head allowing me to balance clinical work with NHS management and in 2020 I started my current post as Head. I have a specialist interest in neuro-ophthalmology and have successfully completed a Master’s Level module in Clinical Education, as well as Level 3 awards in Leadership and Management. I have completed a Master’s in Research Applied Health Studies, to strengthen my knowledge of research methodology within the health sector. My final year research was published in the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal in 2024.

As a Trustee, I hope to continue to raise awareness of our highly skilled roles, encourage more consistent recruitment across the region, raise awareness of the importance of vision screening and also provide guidance, advice and information on how to become involved in extended roles and develop Orthoptic-led services. Out of work, I am a dad of two boys, love travelling, watching sports and playing football. I am looking forward to representing the views of BIOS members in the Midlands & East and raising issues which affect the region.

Clarie Critchley, Incoming Trustee for the North of England

Claire is currently Head Orthoptist at Royal Preston Hospital & Lancashire Eye Centre.

Throughout my career, I have been committed to developing high-quality, patient-centred orthoptic services and supporting the professional growth of colleagues at all stages. The BIOS Strategy highlights the need for strong professional identity, improved workforce sustainability, and leadership.

I am passionate about helping BIOS deliver on these strategic goals across the North of England, ensuring that our members feel informed, supported, and represented.

Anne Bjerre, BIOS Representative to the OCE

I am delighted to be the BIOS representative at European level. I will be here to support you, if you have any questions relating to working in other European countries and within the EU or recruitment of orthoptists from European countries.

I will be actively participating in the annual Orthoptist of the European Community/ Orthoptistes de la Communauté Européenne (OCE) meeting and the OCE education meeting. I am committed to raise awareness of the wonderful initiatives and events led by BIOS, the core and expanding roles and education opportunities within our profession, while also providing BIOS members guidance, advice and information on European matters