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 dete

cting 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’ve given you more time to have your say on the General Optical Council’s (GOC) proposals to revise the sight testing ...
08/09/2026

We’ve given you more time to have your say on the General Optical Council’s (GOC) proposals to revise the sight testing statement.

These proposals could have an impact on the profession for years to come.

Given the importance of this, we've set up a short survey to gather as many perspectives from the optical profession as possible. This is open to AOP members and non-members, and we want to hear from anyone directly or indirectly involved in delivering sight tests.

The survey deadline has now been extended to midnight on Tuesday 15 September.

Take a few minutes to share your views today and help shape our response.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/THCMY6B

Stuart Andrew, MP for Daventry and former Shadow Health Secretary, visited Browett’s Opticians in Daventry to learn more...
08/09/2026

Stuart Andrew, MP for Daventry and former Shadow Health Secretary, visited Browett’s Opticians in Daventry to learn more about how community optometry is supporting patients and helping to relieve pressure on NHS eye care services.

During the visit, Mr Andrew saw how optometry practices are equipped to deliver care in the community − monitoring ongoing eye conditions and managing appropriate cases safely out of the hospital. With demand for hospital eye services continuing to rise, we discussed how expanding community‑based provision could improve access for patients and reduce delays.

We will continue engaging MPs to demonstrate the significant contribution community optometry can make to improving access to eye care and easing pressure on overstretched NHS services.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/qoTS50ZKz16

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kevin Thompson, former AOP Chair and long standing Councillor, whose impact on ...
07/09/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Kevin Thompson, former AOP Chair and long standing Councillor, whose impact on the AOP and the wider profession was extraordinary.

He was a committed advocate for optometrists and dispensing opticians, championing their interests and working tirelessly to ensure the profession continued to grow in visibility and influence.

His leadership and vision extended far beyond optometry, and colleagues across our Board, Council and staff remember him for his generosity and the warmth he brought to every conversation.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kevin’s family, friends and loved ones. The profession is stronger because of him, and we are profoundly grateful for his extensive contributions to the AOP.

Read our tribute: https://ow.ly/INyM50ZKmsU

This autumn, we will be attending party conferences for Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, Reform UK and th...
04/09/2026

This autumn, we will be attending party conferences for Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, Reform UK and the Conservatives, taking place across September and October.

Conference season is an important opportunity to speak directly with MPs, policymakers and healthcare stakeholders about the need to improve access to eye care and make better use of community optometry. We will be making the case for services that are closer to home, easier for patients to access and better integrated with the NHS.

We look forward to sharing updates from the conferences and continuing the conversation on how eye health can be made a priority on the political agenda.

Menopause doesn't just affect how we feel. It can affect how we see ourselves.It can impact self-belief, confidence and ...
04/09/2026

Menopause doesn't just affect how we feel. It can affect how we see ourselves.

It can impact self-belief, confidence and identity, personally and professionally.

Join our upcoming wellbeing webinar to unpack menopause, mindset and the workplace – with practical ideas to help you feel more empowered.

Whether you're personally affected, supporting a colleague, or simply curious to learn more, there’s something here for you.

📅 Thursday 15 October
🕖 7–8pm
🎟️ Free for AOP members and non-members

Reserve your place today: https://ow.ly/VORm50ZJifn

Just 5 days left to share your views!Proposals from the GOC could change how sight tests are delivered for years to come...
03/09/2026

Just 5 days left to share your views!

Proposals from the GOC could change how sight tests are delivered for years to come.

We want to make sure the voice of the optical profession is heard in our response.

Optometrists and dispensing opticians – take a few minutes to complete our survey before it closes on Tuesday 8 September.

https://ow.ly/cQ8E50ZILrF

As our understanding of myopia develops, so does the range of approaches being explored to slow its progression. Contras...
31/08/2026

As our understanding of myopia develops, so does the range of approaches being explored to slow its progression. Contrast management offers another perspective.

Hear from leading myopia researcher Professor James Wolffsohn and optometrist and myopia management specialist David Webley on 22 September, as they take a closer look at the underlying science, current evidence and clinical application of contrast modulation – plus, what this approach could mean for you and the patients you care for.

🗓️ Tuesday 22 September | 7–8pm
💻 Live webinar | 1 interactive CPD point

Presented in partnership with Optometry Today and SightGlass Vision.

Find out more and book your place: https://ow.ly/1mPo50ZFxJH

Optometrists know the importance of keeping track of high-value equipment and products in practice – but it can be easy ...
28/08/2026

Optometrists know the importance of keeping track of high-value equipment and products in practice – but it can be easy to overlook the value of belongings at home.

With the price of gold and other precious metals continuing to rise, experts have warned that jewellery and other valuables could now be worth considerably more than when you originally bought them.

In the article at the link below, our affinity partner Lloyd & Whyte Group share advice on protecting your home and its contents – and making sure your cover reflects what they’re worth today.

https://ow.ly/TzLp50ZG8AV

Our Board Chairman, Nizz Sabir, and Communications and External Affairs Director, John White, met with Martin Vickers, M...
28/08/2026

Our Board Chairman, Nizz Sabir, and Communications and External Affairs Director, John White, met with Martin Vickers, MP for Brigg and Immingham, to discuss community optometry's role in delivering accessible eye care across Martin’s constituency.

We outlined how optometrists support early detection of conditions such as glaucoma and provide timely care close to home. The discussion also highlighted the benefits of a national framework for primary eye care services − a system that would allow patients to access community eye care wherever they live, helping to ease pressure on A&E departments and GP practices.

We look forward to continuing this conversation, working to secure improved and consistent access to eye care for patients across England.

Want to get back into the rhythm of practice? Whether you're returning from a career break or parental leave, or simply ...
27/08/2026

Want to get back into the rhythm of practice?

Whether you're returning from a career break or parental leave, or simply want to feel sharper and more assured, 'From break to brilliance' is for you.

Join us in Birmingham for a day of supportive, practical workshops to refresh your clinical skills, strengthen your confidence and get you ready for whatever the next patient brings.

📅 7 October 2026
📍 Birmingham
✅ 12.5 interactive CPD points

Delivered in partnership with the Vision Team at Johnson & Johnson.

Find out more and book your place 👇

https://ow.ly/pjt050ZFqgP

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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