News about Fight for Sight's Chief Executive

Message from Nigel Pantling, Chair of Trustees:

Michele Acton, our Chief Executive, will be leaving Fight for Sight in early May to take up the position of CEO of the Royal Society of Medicine.

Since Michele joined Fight for Sight in 2006 she has moved the charity from being an established but specialised charity focussed on supporting research at just two institutions to becoming a national charity funding research at over 40 universities and hospitals. The Fight for Sight of today is known and respected throughout the vision research field, within Government, and by numerous generous individuals, companies and foundations that support our work.

We are very grateful to Michele for her leadership, vision, energy and expertise in building Fight for Sight to the point where we can be proud of making great strides in bringing us closer towards our mission of stopping sight loss. In particular, we’ve benefitted greatly from Michele’s determination to raise the profile of the need for eye research and to work in partnership with other organisations to increase our impact.

Michele is moving to a substantial role at a prestigious organisation and we wish her every success. We will certainly miss her, but she leaves behind a strong team with a clear strategy to deliver the results that people affected by sight loss want most.

Michele says, “It's been a privilege to work at Fight for Sight for the last 12 years and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with great colleagues and our dedicated and committed supporters. Over that time the vision research landscape has seen major changes with significant advances being made. I’m very proud of the achievements and progress that Fight for Sight has helped deliver.

“I am very sad to be leaving a role that I’ve loved but I wish everyone success in the future and will remain a firm supporter of the charity.”

We'll keep you updated with news regarding the appointment of Michele’s successor.