Association of Optometrists

Association of Optometrists The leading UK membership organisation for optometrists; we protect, support and represent members with a range of services and benefits.

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the voice of the optical profession, representing over 80% of practising optometrists. We work for our student and qualified members; promoting the profession, protecting current and future qualified professionals, and championing eye health across the UK. The impact optometrists make on eye health every day is profound; caring for the UK’s vision, and detecting health conditions and disease at preventative stage. We provide educational resources for members whatever their career path, and shape the future of eye care for patients with our policy and external affairs work.

Did you know that you ever feel overwhelmed or anxious, you can call the AOP Peer Support service on 0800 870 8401. It’s...
13/11/2025

Did you know that you ever feel overwhelmed or anxious, you can call the AOP Peer Support service on 0800 870 8401. It’s completely free and confidential.

Calls can be on a range of issues including workplace pressure, bullying, ill health, financial worries, bereavement or anxiety. No issue is too trivial. Talking it through can help.

Calls will be answered 24 hours a day, by an external answering service, with volunteers on duty to return calls between 8am and 8pm.

Join us next Thursday for an expert-led webinar on the future of genetic eye care, delivered in partnership with Moorfie...
12/11/2025

Join us next Thursday for an expert-led webinar on the future of genetic eye care, delivered in partnership with Moorfields Private Eye Hospital and Optometry Today.

Professor Mariya Moosajee will explore inherited eye diseases, gene therapy breakthroughs, and what these advances mean for patient care.

Learn from a leading specialist, gain insights that will shape your future clinical practice, and boost your CPD points as you do!

Spaces are limited though - secure yours now at the link below.

https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events/2025/11/20/webinar-insights-into-inherited-eye-disease-and-genetic-therapies

We’re hosting a Westminster drop-in event to highlight the postcode lottery in access to eye care and showcase how optom...
10/11/2025

We’re hosting a Westminster drop-in event to highlight the postcode lottery in access to eye care and showcase how optometrists can provide timely treatment for minor and urgent eye conditions where services are commissioned in local practices.

Community optometry has the potential to transform eye care, delivering faster, fairer, and more accessible services while easing pressure on GPs A&E, and hospital ophthalmology.

Help us drive change by inviting your local MP to attend. We have created a template letter that you can tailor as needed. This is an opportunity to ensure your MP understands the value of the services being delivered in their constituency.

Use our template letter: https://ow.ly/Uc2N50XovuZ

In ever-changing times, our support for members remains a constant. We provide protection, connection and trusted inform...
06/11/2025

In ever-changing times, our support for members remains a constant.

We provide protection, connection and trusted information — with practical benefits to rely on, from comprehensive insurance cover and expert legal guidance to engaging educational events and career-boosting CPD.

As part of our community, members also have a voice in the collective conversations that safeguard and shape the optical profession, while championing eye health across the UK.

Whatever the future brings, we’re here to deliver the tools, resources and knowledge required to adapt and thrive.

See what AOP membership will do for you via the link below:
https://www.aop.org.uk/membership/membership-information/membership-benefits

Day one of this year’s annual The King's Fund conference pulled no punches. It was a day of raw truth and bold hope for ...
06/11/2025

Day one of this year’s annual The King's Fund conference pulled no punches. It was a day of raw truth and bold hope for the future of our health and care system.

The opening address set the tone: it’s time to move from strategy to solutions.

We heard powerful voices on what it truly takes to deliver change that is realistic, human, and deeply honest.

Andy Knox MBE challenged us to see the possibility in this generational moment, to confront poverty head-on and rebuild joy in our workforce.

Dr Sam Scott named the hard truths: long waits, training gaps, and a system under strain, yet reminded us that optimism is contagious too.

Dr Jess Steele OBE inspired us with community-led regeneration in Hastings - “darning the fabric” of what we already have, one neighbourhood at a time.

The message was clear:

We don’t need more pilots.

We need alignment, purpose, and trust, empowering people and communities to lead change for better health outcomes.

Later, Stella O’Brien, researcher and disability advocate, shared her personal experience of how optometry is transforming lives in her local community.

And we drew valuable lessons from beyond the health sector with Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England and Manchester’s first Cycling and Walking Commissioner, who spoke about the practicalities and possibilities of shifting communities away from car dependency toward active travel.

Spaces are now limited for our Managing Teams CPD workshop on Thursday 13 November 2025.Join us at AOP HQ for an interac...
03/11/2025

Spaces are now limited for our Managing Teams CPD workshop on Thursday 13 November 2025.

Join us at AOP HQ for an interactive session designed to help you lead with confidence and create a positive, high-performing culture. Plus, earn 15 interactive CPD points along the way.

Take the next step towards building a team that thrives. Secure your place now via the link below:

https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events/2025/11/13/managing-teams

30/10/2025

We were delighted to be asked to attend the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Health’s session, chaired by Dr Simon Opher MP and Lord Kamall, to inform its inquiry into improving access to primary care services.

During the session, we highlighted the crucial role of optometry in primary care, delivering high‑quality and accessible eye care within the community.

Our Clinical and Policy Director, Dr Peter Hampson, shares his reflections on the session, emphasising the potential for optometry to transform access to eye care and help ease pressures on GPs and hospital services.

2026 is on the horizon – go into your planning with added clarity and confidence.Hear from Jake Humphrey (The High perfo...
28/10/2025

2026 is on the horizon – go into your planning with added clarity and confidence.

Hear from Jake Humphrey (The High performance podcast) and Roger Martin-Fagg in this live webinar designed for independent optometry professionals. Together, they’ll unpack the Autumn Budget and share practical strategies and actionable steps to drive growth and stability next year and beyond.

Delivered in partnership with Hakim Group and Optometry Today.

Secure your spot Here: https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events/2025/12/09/webinar-steering-through-change--confidence-gratitude-and-growth-in-independent-optometry

NHS England has published its Medium Term Planning Framework, setting out how change will be delivered between 2026/27 a...
28/10/2025

NHS England has published its Medium Term Planning Framework, setting out how change will be delivered between 2026/27 and 2028/29. The Framework aims to close the gap between national and local service delivery.

We welcome its ambition to enable longer-term contracting and the focus on collaboration with primary care. However, we are concerned by the absence of any direct reference to optometry or eye health, despite the sector’s proven record of delivering high-quality, accessible care across the country.

The Government has been clear in its aim to bring “the best to the rest”. By fully integrating optometry into NHS transformation, this ambition can be realised, ensuring every patient, wherever they live in England, has access to eye care closer to home.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/JiXa50Xj1Zy

27/10/2025

Protect your practice with Lloyd & Whyte Group cyber insurance

Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly common, with over 40% of UK businesses facing one last year.

For optical practices, patient data and digital systems are key targets. Cyber insurance from our affinity partners, Lloyd & Whyte, can help safeguard your practice against financial loss, legal costs, and business disruption following an attack.

Visit the link below for more information or speak to their expert team on 01823 250760. You can also book a complimentary insurance review to ensure your practice is protected.

https://www.lloydwhyte.com/commercial-insurance/cyber/?utm_source=aop_october&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=aop_cyber

Managing Teams: A CPD workshop for effective leadershipThursday 13 November | 9:30am–4:30pm | In-person Take the next st...
21/10/2025

Managing Teams: A CPD workshop for effective leadership
Thursday 13 November | 9:30am–4:30pm | In-person

Take the next step in developing your leadership skills and earn 15 interactive CPD points in the process!

Designed to help you get the best from your team - this practical, evidence-based workshop will help you to:

• Explore the pros and cons of different leadership approaches
• Identify the roles and behaviours needed to achieve your team’s goals
• Learn effective recruitment methods and how to select the right people
• Build confidence in preparing for and conducting negotiations
• Recognise early signs of conflict and develop strategies to manage it

Find out more and secure your place: https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events/2025/11/13/managing-teams

Join us on Thursday 20 November for another valuable Optometry Today CPD webinar - exploring the latest insights into in...
17/10/2025

Join us on Thursday 20 November for another valuable Optometry Today CPD webinar - exploring the latest insights into inherited eye disease and genetic therapies.

Presented in partnership with Moorfields Private Eye Hospital and the AOP, this webinar will provide an overview of the spectrum of inherited eye diseases that can be encountered in everyday practice, outline current management of these conditions, and what optometrists can do to support the care of these individuals.

Attendees can achieve an interactive CPD point!

Secure your spot: https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events/2025/11/20/webinar-insights-into-inherited-eye-disease-and-genetic-therapies

Address

2 Woodbridge Street
London
EC1R0DG

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

020 7549 2000

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We protect, support and represent our members

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading professional membership organisation for optometrists and other optical professionals in the UK. We offer protection, support and representation to over 80% of practising optometrists, throughout their careers with a range of valued services and benefits including: An insurance and legal package, designed for the individual practitioner whoever and where ever you work for. Our in-house legal, clinical and regulatory experts work for our members, whether you're looking for one-to-one advice or access to our best-practice guidance, you're in safe hands. We listen and represent our members to the government, the media and the public. Free and discounted CET and professional development, through our journal Optometry Today (OT), online and at events around the country. The latest professional, clinical, business and regulatory news sent direct to your door and inbox via OT and email updates.