David Taylor - Director of Examiantions

David Taylor was born in Australia and spent his early years in Asia. He was educated in England and was always interested in the biological sciences. After a chequered early academic career, he went to University in Liverpool in the 1960s. Medical and surgical house jobs soon led to ophthalmology training, first at St Paul’s Eye Hospital, Liverpool, then Great Ormond Street Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Experience in Paediatric and Neuro-ophthalmology was enhanced by an observership in Washington DC and a Fellowship in UC San Francisco. He was appointed to Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and The National Hospitals for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London in 1976. His interests in Ophthalmology include Paediatric Neuro-ophthalmology, developmental problems, cataract and metabolic diseases. Outside interests include Forestry, tennis and growing vegetables. He has so far raised or been awarded over £5m in research grants, published over 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals, presented 17 named lectures, received 11 medals etc and 14 visiting Professorships. He authored or edited 7 books including Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, jointly with Dr Creig Hoyt, now in it’s third edition.

After becoming involved with the International Council of Ophthalmology Examinations in May 2007, he became Director of the ICO Examinations committee in July 2008. Since this ‘Pro Bono’ appointment, he has concentrated on modernising, developing, rationalizing and promoting the ICO’s current examinations and developing new examinations. His aim is to produce a world class, universally affordable and economically run series of ophthalmology examinations that will support improvements in standards of ophthalmology practised world-wide.

Nicola Quilter - Examinations Executive

Nicola Quilter spent time training in Business Studies, IT and Communications and from there studied with the Open University in Imaging, Human Biology and Understanding Health & Social Care.

Nicola worked in the Radiology Department at Bart’s and the London Hospital and then was appointed as the Clinicians Assistant in Ophthalmology at Great Ormond Street Hospital London, where Nicola coordinated the ‘patient’s pathway’.

Nicola was appointed as the ICO Examinations Executive in January 2008 in Cambridge and in July 2008 moved to London. She is responsible for the development, management and coordination of the Examinations office and team.

Outside interests include travel, tennis, skiing and running. In April 2012 Nicola will be running the London Marathon, raising money for cancer research.

Emma Quy - Examinations Administrator

Emma Quy trained in Child Care and Education at Redbridge College in 1997, this included working at schools with children up to the age of 11 years.

In January 2009 Emma decided on a change of career and came to work with the International Council of Ophthalmology Examinations. She assists in the organisation of the examinations, liaising with coordinators, candidates, question writers and external organisations.

Emma has recently attended a Minutes course to enhance her skills and has recently completed an Open University course in 'Understanding Management', working towards a certificate in Business Studies.

Outside interests include tennis, football, reading and music.

Annette Board - Examinations Administrator

Annette joined The Commonwealth Development Corporation a company that invest in under developed countries straight from school, starting as a bought ledger clerk and moving on to become Accounts Supervisor, producing quarterly and annual accounts. She worked there for ten years only leaving to start a family.

Annette went on to join Holly House Hospital in April 1999, her duties consisted of booking appointments, taking calls, liasing with nurses and consultants. Annette's main role was on reception dealing with patients and consultants. Annette has recently joined the ICO team and will assist in the organisation of the examinations.

Outside interests include going to the gym, walking and reading.