Council Associates

Introduced in January 2022, Council Associates take part in our Council meetings and associated activity, and also attend our Audit, Risk and Finance Committee. Whilst they are not voting members, they are encouraged to contribute to discussions.

The Council Associate positions aim to increase the diversity of experiences and perspectives on our Council, while providing registrants with the first step towards a board, committee or panel role.

Our current Council Associates can be seen below:

Harry Singh Bhakar

Harry Singh Bhakar is a qualified optometrist from the Northeast of England. Harry’s current role is primary care in a multiple practice setting based in County Durham.

He graduated in 2020 from Anglia Ruskin University with a BOptom Honours in Optometry. Whilst there, he was awarded the Haag-Streit UK prize for undergraduate research into technology and low vision assessment.

Rukaiya Anwar

Rukaiya Anwar is a qualified optometrist based in the southwest of England. Graduating from Aston University in 2016 with a Master of Optometry, Rukaiya has gained experience in a variety of clinical environments across England. Currently, she splits her time between academia and specialist NHS practice with a special interest in legal aspects of optometry.