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.

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

Did you know that AOP affinity partners, Lloyd & Whyte Group, offer locum insurance to support practices financially dur...
04/12/2025

Did you know that AOP affinity partners, Lloyd & Whyte Group, offer locum insurance to support practices financially during staff absence?

Unlike indemnified policies, their benefit-driven cover only requires proof of absence — providing the flexibility to hire locums, pay overtime, or maintain operations without financial disruption.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ManMtP

We were pleased to join our fellow The Eyes Have It partners for the fifth annual . The Eyes Have It is funded by Roche...
03/12/2025

We were pleased to join our fellow The Eyes Have It partners for the fifth annual . The Eyes Have It is funded by Roche Products Ltd.

With the NHS set to enter a decade of transformation following the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan, and with the number of people living with sight loss projected to rise significantly, the imperative to strengthen eye care services has never been greater.

The event provided an invaluable platform to bring together parliamentarians, policymakers and sector leaders to share our recommendations and explore practical steps to improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by sight loss.

In a fast-changing world, eye care professionals need support that keeps pace.AOP membership gives you the peace of mind...
03/12/2025

In a fast-changing world, eye care professionals need support that keeps pace.

AOP membership gives you the peace of mind of career protection, connection to your peers and the strength of a collective voice, and the latest insight, guidance and CPD — helping you grow and stay future-ready.

Click below to see how membership will support you.

https://www.aop.org.uk/membership/membership-information/membership-benefits

We welcome the Government’s ambition in the Budget to invest in NHS technology and neighbourhood health, recognising the...
02/12/2025

We welcome the Government’s ambition in the Budget to invest in NHS technology and neighbourhood health, recognising the potential to improve patient access and reduce hospital pressures. However, we are concerned that the Budget does not adequately address the funding gap in optometry or, nor the rising costs faced by practices delivering essential eye care.

While measures such as business rate support for smaller practices are positive, the continued freeze on NHS Optical voucher values and the uplift to the National Living Wage will increase financial strain.

The Government has been clear in its aim to shift care closer to home. But this ambition can only be realised if optometry is fully integrated into NHS transformation, ensuring every patient, wherever they live, has access to eye care in the community.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/7Ljm50XAOUl

Still unpacking the Autumn Budget? With just one week until our free webinar, it’s time to secure your place and get the...
02/12/2025

Still unpacking the Autumn Budget? With just one week until our free webinar, it’s time to secure your place and get the clarity you need for 2026!

Delivered in partnership with Hakim Group and Optometry Today , you’ll hear from an exceptional expert lineup. Host Peter Telfer will be joined by leading economist and author, Roger Martin-Fagg, and broadcaster, businessman and author, Jake Humphrey.

Visit the link below to secure your spot and get ahead of the changes! 👇

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

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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.