Prime Minister recognises CBM UK’s Andy Pyott with a Points of Light award

Today, Prime Minister Theresa May, has awarded CBM UK’s Dr Andy Pyott with a Points of Light award for his incredible efforts to support the world’s forgotten people.

Dr Pyott, from Inverness, is an Ophthalmologist who volunteers his time for CBM to train local medics across some of the poorest communities in Indonesia. Andy visits the country twice a year, to carry out training, complete vital evaluation of new projects and advise the Ministry of Health. In between trips he organises visits by other UK medics, including experts from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and specialists in retinoblastoma and diabetic retinopathy. He is also the driving force behind a programme linking the eye departments at the University of Dundee and Hasanuddin University Hospital in Makassar.

Dr Pyott is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

In a personal letter to Dr Andy Pyott, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“By lending your expertise to medics in Indonesia, you are ensuring the care and support local people receive is improving for the long term. Your ability to inspire other experts to join this important mission is a wonderful achievement.”

Kirsty Smith, Chief Executive for CBM UK said:

“We’re thrilled that the Prime Minister has recognised Andy’s hard work and dedication for the world’s forgotten people. Every day, people in the poorest places on earth lose the ability to see because of conditions that could easily be treated. By volunteering with CBM, Andy has used his skills to train overseas staff to give sight-saving treatment and transform lives. We think he is fantastic.”

On hearing the news of his award win, Dr Andy Pyott, said:

“I am still a bit overwhelmed by this award, but recognise that it is really a recognition of the fantastic work that CBMdoes in the elimination of avoidable blindness. My role has been to enable and encourage others, to take on and develop their remits. In Indonesia it has been remarkable to see many take on and develop services in a way that even they would have not thought possible twelve years ago. I rejoice in the awards that some of them have already received.

“From a professional point of view, I have been stimulated to develop skills and interests that I didn’t have before, and I have gained a wonderful new set of friends. I am very grateful to NHS Highland for granting me some special leave to be involved in this work I also acknowledge the Health Service in Scotland who are developing a programme of support for staff to undertake such volunteering as part of their Global Citizenship Programme. I have witnessed first-hand how the poorest people are most disadvantaged in the receipt of health services, and how they carry the burden of disability. There is still much to be done to redress this imbalance.”