A DOLGELLAU academic has been awarded a new title from a prestigious optical organisation.

Angela Williams, Queens Nurse and lecturer in nursing at Bangor University, was presented with the Freedom of the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers (WCSM.)

Angela received the award at the Annual Presentation Ceremony in Apothecaries Hall, London.

This is an occasion when the company awards certificates and diplomas to those who have achieved WCSM qualifications during the year and celebrates the admission of new Freemen.

Angela said: “I was overwhelmed by the history and importance of the ceremony and felt incredibly proud to be present at this prestigious day.

“One aspect of the society which is impressive is the charity work the society undertakes such as homeless projects and vision aid.”

The WCSM is not just an Approved Awarding Organisation for Qualifications.

It is a City of London Livery Company, founded in 1629, and is the organisation from which both the College of Optometrists and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians originated.

Its purpose is to support people who prevent, and treat, vision impairment.

The company brings together professionals from all kinds of backgrounds.

Members include dispensing opticians, optometrists, ophthalmologists, optical technicians, university academics, researchers and many other professions.

The next step is for Angela to be admitted for the Freedom of the City of London, which will happen when the Court of Aldermen hear her application in December.