Cardiff Alumna, Lord Mayor of Cardiff visits the School of Optometry
9 November 2023
The Lord Mayor of Cardiff attended the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences’ student induction event to welcome new and returning students for the new academic year.
The Right Honorable Lord Mayor Councillor Dr Bablin Molik completed her PhD in the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences in 2007.
During her time as a Post-Doc, the Lord Mayor was very proactive in supporting UCAN Productions, which is a creative arts co-operative, for sight impaired young people between the ages of 7 and 25, along with individuals with various neurodiverse conditions.
The Lord Mayor has nominated UCAN Productions as her chosen charity during her term in office.
"It was wonderful to be back at School of Optometry to meet with students and members of the UCAN family as Lord Mayor. I have many fond memories of my years at the School and the School has certainly played a significant role in my professional development & opening my world. UCAN Productions based at the School of Optometry, work with young people with visual impairment and transform their lives enabling them to reach for their own skies. I have always been impressed by the young people of UCAN and it is great to be supporting such a fantastic charity during my year of office as Lord Mayor."
In honour of Dr. Maggie Woodhouse, our pioneering researcher who leads the way for eye health care for people with Down's syndrome, UCAN Productions launched 'Maggie’s Club' at the School of Optometry in 2010.
'Maggie's club' offers events full of fun, drama, games, arts and crafts and sound workshops for children and young people with vision impairments and additional disabilities.
During her visit, the Lord Mayor gave an inspiring speech to the student community, and thanked second year optometry student Jack Fowler, for raising funds for UCAN Productions by shaving off all his hair.
The Lord Mayor also congratulated DJ, a member of Maggie’s Club who has been chosen to provide designs for the charity’s Christmas cards.
Jane Latham, Co-Founder and Development Director of UCAN Productions said:
“I am delighted that UCAN Productions is the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity for 2023/24, we are all extremely grateful for the support.”
This visit not only celebrated Dr Bablin Molik’s impressive journey from student to Lord Mayor, but also highlighted the impact of community engagement and giving back, which closely align with the values of the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences.
