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.

We are hosting a Parliamentary drop‑in event on Tuesday 28 April to highlight the role of primary eye care and the diffe...
13/04/2026

We are hosting a Parliamentary drop‑in event on Tuesday 28 April to highlight the role of primary eye care and the difference it can make when MPs understand what services are available in their constituency.

Optometry is already improving patient outcomes, easing pressure on NHS services, and delivering care closer to home. But there is more it can do, and MPs need to hear that directly.

Help us drive change by inviting your local MP to attend. Your outreach really does make a difference. This support is vital in pushing for the policy changes needed to ensure fair, consistent access to enhanced eye care services.

We have created a template letter for you to tailor, making it easy to contact your MP and ensure they understand the value of the care being delivered in their constituency.

Download the template letter: https://ow.ly/V9er50YIkgg

Our student reps are taking over our Instagram! 👓✨From Monday 13 April, our brilliant student representatives will be in...
09/04/2026

Our student reps are taking over our Instagram! 👓✨

From Monday 13 April, our brilliant student representatives will be in charge of our account for a whole week. Expect quizzes, study tips, health and wellbeing posts, and a real behind-the-scenes look at life as an optometry student.

Whether you're a student yourself, a future applicant, or just curious about optometry — there's something for everyone.

https://www.instagram.com/association_of_optometrists/

06/04/2026

New video 🎥 – our student reps reflect on the peace of mind that comes from having Association of Optometrists behind them.

Which of our membership benefits helps you the most? Drop your answer in the comments 👇

Watch the extended version and explore our full range of support via the link below:
https://www.aop.org.uk/your-career/students

We welcome the Government’s proposals to reduce excessive screen use among children, recognising the strong evidence tha...
03/04/2026

We welcome the Government’s proposals to reduce excessive screen use among children, recognising the strong evidence that spending more time outdoors lowers the risk of developing myopia.

Excessive screen time is linked to digital eye strain and disrupted sleep, and early detection of vision problems is essential to a child’s development. Encouraging regular outdoor activity and routine sight tests from the age of three will be key to protecting children’s eye health.

We strongly support efforts to help children step away from screens and spend more time outside. With the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, the Government now has a opportunity to ensure these measures form part of a wider commitment to promoting healthy behaviours and improving access to essential eye care in the community.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/P76850YCjWL

01/04/2026

A little while ago, we shared a glimpse behind the scenes of a special video shoot – now it’s time for the final video!

Watch our superb student reps talk about how peace of mind comes first with our free student membership, and what inspired them to get more involved with the AOP.

This is just the 60-second cut – you can see the full conversation on our website at the link below.

https://www.aop.org.uk/your-career/students

Indicative Activity Plans (IAPS) are expected to become a key tool for Integrated Care Boards from 2026/27, helping mana...
31/03/2026

Indicative Activity Plans (IAPS) are expected to become a key tool for Integrated Care Boards from 2026/27, helping manage activity and financial pressure across NHS services.

Applying IAPs to minor and urgent eye care risks restricting access, disrupting patient flow, and pushing avoidable pressure back onto GPs, A&E and hospital ophthalmology.

Primary eye care plays an essential role in diverting patients from overstretched services. Attempts to cap activity ignore the fluctuating nature of clinical need and risk undermining system efficiency.

To protect access and maintain system flow, minor and urgent eye care services need to be formally excluded from IAPs and related activity controls. Clear national guidance is needed to ensure consistent commissioning, recognise the clinical value of primary eye care, and support models that enable optometry to continue relieving pressure across the NHS.

Read our position statement: https://ow.ly/6MPM50YBkvJ

Shape the future of optometry – two ways to get involvedWe’re currently inviting members to join us in influencing the d...
31/03/2026

Shape the future of optometry – two ways to get involved

We’re currently inviting members to join us in influencing the direction of the profession at a national level:

• Hospital Optometrists Committee (HOC) – represent optometrists working in this setting, strengthen collaboration, and help drive hospital eye care forward.
Applications close this Friday (3 April)

• AOP Council – ensure members’ voices are heard and help guide key decision-making, policy, and member support.
Applications close next Friday (10 April)

Whether your interest lies in hospital optometry or the wider profession, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact. No previous experience needed – just your perspective and passion.

To find out more and apply, see the links in the comments below 👇

⏰ Final call to share your thoughts on CPD proposals!The General Optical Council (GOC) is consulting on proposed reforms...
30/03/2026

⏰ Final call to share your thoughts on CPD proposals!

The General Optical Council (GOC) is consulting on proposed reforms to the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system — including the potential to replace the current points-based approach.

We’re broadly supportive, but it’s vital we represent your views.

It only takes 3 minutes to have your say 👇The survey closes at midnight tomorrow (Tuesday 31 March 2026).

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2FHKFTD

Many optometry practices may be more exposed than they realise when it comes to insurance cover.AOP affinity partners Ll...
27/03/2026

Many optometry practices may be more exposed than they realise when it comes to insurance cover.

AOP affinity partners Lloyd & Whyte have put together a helpful article highlighting where common risks can arise, plus key threats including building and cyber security, and how secure, compliant payment solutions can support your operations.

See the link below to help avoid gaps in your cover.

https://bit.ly/4ux7oWf

The Government has published its Neighbourhood Health Framework, outlining its plan to deliver the shift set out in the ...
26/03/2026

The Government has published its Neighbourhood Health Framework, outlining its plan to deliver the shift set out in the 10-Year Health Plan towards moving care from hospitals to community.

We believe the framework represents a missed opportunity. Primary care is the NHS’ front door, yet the role of optometry – equipped with the workforce, premises and clinical capability to support NHS delivery, has been overlooked. Optometry could ease GP pressure by treating eye conditions the profession is trained to manage, redirecting over a million appointments as well as stemming the flow into NHS emergency departments.

Despite chronic underfunding, optometry has maintained strong access, a resilient workforce, and continued innovation. But this stability has masked long standing pressures. Without proper investment and integration, the opportunity to transform eye care will be lost.

Read the policy briefing: https://ow.ly/yMKu50Yz7aE

Join our Eye care everywhere campaign and help us secure a future where every patient in England can access timely eye c...
24/03/2026

Join our Eye care everywhere campaign and help us secure a future where every patient in England can access timely eye care, close to home.

Too many people face unequal access when they need help with an eye problem, your voice is essential to driving change. By joining the campaign, sharing your experiences, and helping us influence policymakers, you can play a role in building a fairer, more consistent system for all.

As part of the campaign, we’ve launched a short member survey where you can express your interest in sharing your experiences.

Support our campaign: https://ow.ly/sa7050YyguN

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2 Woodbridge Street
London
EC1R0DG

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

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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.