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.

12/01/2026

100% Optical 2026 is fast approaching. AOP members receive exclusive priority access to book CPD sessions one week before general release.

With 100+ CPD points available, the agenda will deliver cutting-edge insights, practical learning and fresh perspectives on the key themes shaping the optical profession.

đź“… Priority booking opens Monday 19 January
⏳ AOP members enjoy one week of exclusive access
👉 Make sure to register for the event in advance.

View the agenda or register: https://www.100percentoptical.com/

Returning to practice? On a career break or maternity leave? Perhaps you know a colleague at one of these transition poi...
09/01/2026

Returning to practice? On a career break or maternity leave? Perhaps you know a colleague at one of these transition points.

Bookings are now open for our one-day primary care education course, specifically designed to support returning optometrists.

Taking place on 11 March, in partnership with our headline sponsor Johnson & Johnson Vision Team, delegates can refresh clinical skills, take part in hands-on workshops, connect with peers in similar situations, and build confidence in a supportive learning environment. They’ll also earn 12.5 CPD points on completion.

Just 20 places are available – book now for an Early Bird discount: https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events/2026/03/11/from-break-to-brilliance-clinical-skills-workshops-for-returning-optometrists

We welcome the Government’s confirmed commitment today to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age ...
07/01/2026

We welcome the Government’s confirmed commitment today to introduce mandatory eyesight testing for drivers over the age of 70, announced as part of its new road safety strategy. This consultation marks a significant milestone in our joint campaign with the The College of Optometrists to improve vision standards for motorists.

We have consistently pressed for reforms that would require all drivers to provide evidence of a recent eye test at licence application and renewal. With strong public backing for change, these proposals represent a decisive step towards safer roads, earlier detection of sight problems, and a fairer system that supports drivers to maintain their independence for longer.

We are now jointly reviewing the detail of the Government consultation and will respond.

https://ow.ly/CjYP50XT3UY

We welcome reports that the Government will publish its highly anticipated road safety strategy tomorrow, set to include...
06/01/2026

We welcome reports that the Government will publish its highly anticipated road safety strategy tomorrow, set to include proposals to introduce compulsory eye tests at licence renewal, every three years, for drivers over the age of 70.

This change is a vital step in preventing avoidable vision-related accidents, that will also improve the nation's eye health, ensuring drivers over 70 continue to meet the legal standard as eyesight begins to change and age-related eye conditions become more likely to develop.

We have long called for reform to driving laws, alongside greater public awareness of the importance of regular eye tests. With seven in 10 adults supporting these measures, compulsory testing would bring the UK in line with the rest of Europe, reduce collisions, and help detect sight problems earlier so that more people can drive safely for longer.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/KMxZ50XSyaN

We look forward to another year supporting and championing our inspiring members and colleagues across the optical profe...
01/01/2026

We look forward to another year supporting and championing our inspiring members and colleagues across the optical profession.

De Montfort University has announced it is seeking GOC approval for a new master’s degree in optometry. Read our views o...
22/12/2025

De Montfort University has announced it is seeking GOC approval for a new master’s degree in optometry. Read our views on the new optometry course, expected to launch in September 2026, in our latest policy briefing: https://ow.ly/b1jK50XN5hy

Read our Locum legal case studyThis case study is based on a real member experience. It provides valuable points of lear...
22/12/2025

Read our Locum legal case study

This case study is based on a real member experience. It provides valuable points of learning from varied situations and illustrates how we offer expert assistance to our members when they need it most.

If you or your practice promote optometry services online or via social media, it’s important that published content follows the principles of good professional communication and upholds GOC (General Optical Council) Standards.

Read more cases like this on our website: https://www.aop.org.uk/advice-and-support/legal/legal-case-studies

When it comes to insurance, saving money doesn’t mean you have to compromise on service.But don’t just take our word for...
18/12/2025

When it comes to insurance, saving money doesn’t mean you have to compromise on service.

But don’t just take our word for it – this is what one of our members had to say about our affinity partners, Lloyd & Whyte Group.

Find out more about how you can benefit: https://bit.ly/4p1mJLl

Our new joint research with The College of Optometrists shows that seven in ten UK adults support mandatory eye tests fo...
10/12/2025

Our new joint research with The College of Optometrists shows that seven in ten UK adults support mandatory eye tests for motorists at both licence application and renewal.

The findings, from a survey of 2,000 people, highlight strong public support for strengthening the UK’s vision standards for driving, with the current number plate test and self-reporting requirements identified as inadequate and a system that compromises road safety.

Requiring motorists to provide proof of a recent sight test would not only help detect eye problems sooner, but reduce collisions, protect vision, and enable drivers to remain safe behind the wheel for longer.

Our joint recommendations are a vital step towards making our roads safer for everyone.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/vME250XGKF0

We’re pleased to share the latest sessions in the education programme for 100% Optical. This new release adds a diverse ...
09/12/2025

We’re pleased to share the latest sessions in the education programme for 100% Optical. This new release adds a diverse range of CPD sessions designed to enhance clinical expertise, support professional growth, and explore the future of eye care.

The programme offers an inspiring mix of lectures, peer reviews, and workshops, showcasing the breadth of the profession through expert-led learning that blends practical insight with innovation.

Bookings open in January, with exclusive access for AOP members from 19 January and for all delegates from 28 January.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/9o5i50XGfAh

Still on the fence about our webinar tomorrow? Consider this a helpful nudge.Attending this session is likely to be the ...
08/12/2025

Still on the fence about our webinar tomorrow? Consider this a helpful nudge.

Attending this session is likely to be the most valuable investment you make before 2025 wraps up. Delivered in partnership with Hakim Group and Optometry Today, it will be packed full of insight you’ll actually use!

Peter Telfer, Roger Martin-Fagg, and Jake Humphrey will deliver a high-impact session, that will cut through the noise, and provide the economic insight, practical strategies and clear direction to prepare your practice for 2026 and beyond.

Make sure you’re part of the conversation – secure your spot now via the link below:

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

The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) has released a statement responding to confirmation today that the Depa...
08/12/2025

The Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) has released a statement responding to confirmation today that the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will impose more real terms cuts on NHS primary eyecare services.

Alongside this announcement, OFNC has confirmed that the CPD grant claim window for 2024/25 activity will run from 8 December 2025 to 31 March 2026, with the grant remaining at £596. In addition, a new clinical placement training payment has been agreed for contractors hosting students on long practice placements under MOptom programmes, as well as pre‑registration optometrists until the current scheme is phased out.

The full statement, along with FAQs that have been produced to support practices, can be accessed for further guidance.

Read more: https://ow.ly/VaV850XFOS9

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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.