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.

15/09/2026

Our Roadshow series drew to a close in Belfast last night, and we want to thank every member who joined us across the nation to share their experiences, ideas and ambitions for community optometry.

Over the past few months, we have heard reflections on the realities of delivering care in practice, the pressures facing the profession, and the opportunities ahead to improve patient access and raise the profile of community eye care.

To mark the end of the series, we have captured key takeaways from attendees. Their voices highlight the value of coming together, learning from one another and speaking up for the profession.

Watch for more.

Our survey closes in less than 24 hours.This is the final opportunity to share your perspective on something that could ...
14/09/2026

Our survey closes in less than 24 hours.

This is the final opportunity to share your perspective on something that could shape how sight tests are delivered for years to come – the GOC’s proposals to update its 2013 testing of sight statement.

We’re seeking views from across the profession to help inform our response. The survey is open to AOP members and non-members, with questions tailored to different roles across optometry.

Have your say before it closes tomorrow, Tuesday 15 September.

Take the survey 👉 https://ow.ly/3QEW50ZNrEM

10/09/2026

AI Day is this Sunday.

Our Education Lead, Byki Huntjens, explains why it's unmissable if you want to understand what AI really means for optometry, including the speakers she's most looking forward to hearing from, and the questions she'll be putting to them.

Presented in partnership with Optometry Today AI Day brings together four expert-led sessions, each worth 1 interactive CPD point.

Across the day, we'll cover:

👁️ AI in clinical practice
⚖️ Professional responsibility and regulation
🔬 The future of AI research
🔮 The future of eye care

Secure your session spots now: https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events/2026/09/13/ai-day-2026

Yesterday, we attended the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group’s report launch on improving access to primary care serv...
10/09/2026

Yesterday, we attended the All-Party Parliamentary Health Group’s report launch on improving access to primary care services, co‑chaired by Dr Simon Opher MP, Lord Kamall and Jess Brown-Fuller MP.

The event brought together parliamentarians, sector bodies and frontline professionals to explore solutions for improving access to primary care across England, including the crucial role community‑based services can play in easing pressure on the wider NHS.

Our Clinical and Policy Director, Dr Peter Hampson, presented at the launch, outlining how optometry services already deliver timely, accessible care close to home. He highlighted the opportunities for a more consistent national approach to commissioning enhanced eye care, ensuring patients can receive the support they need without unnecessary delays.

With demand for eye care continuing to rise, the discussion reinforced the importance of fully integrating community optometry into primary care pathways − improving access, reducing avoidable pressure on secondary care, and supporting better outcomes for patients.

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

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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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