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.

20/02/2026

Want to influence the future of optometry? Stand for AOP Council!

You’ll help shape policy, drive progress, and ensure members’ voices are heard at the highest level.

We are seeking candidates for the following positions:

- Optometrist practising in Scotland
- Optometrist practising in Wales
- Director of an independent practice
- Director of multiple practices
- Hospital based optometrist
- Locum optometrist
- Early career optometrist
- Employee of multiple practices

Applications open: 20 March 2026
Applications close: 10 April 2026

See the link below for full details, including eligibility criteria and application guidance:

https://www.aop.org.uk/about-us/governance-and-structure/council

19/02/2026

From the archives: Our Head of Clinical and Regulatory, Henry Leonard, was featured once again on BBC’s The One Show in a rebroadcast highlighting how the cost of living crisis is affecting people’s ability to access essential eye care.

The segment showed the impact on patients and reinforced the vital importance of regular sight tests as a key part of maintaining eye health and preventing avoidable sight loss.

Watch for more (timestamp 44.48): https://ow.ly/AitJ50YhYCi

Attending 100% Optical at the end of the month? For the first time at the show, AOP members can take advantage of free i...
13/02/2026

Attending 100% Optical at the end of the month? For the first time at the show, AOP members can take advantage of free insurance health checks.

Our affinity partners, Lloyd & Whyte Group, will provide a quick review to ensure your practice, cyber and personal cover is up to date, cost-effective and fit for purpose – whether you’re a practice owner, locum or newly qualified optometrist.

Make the most of your time at the show and stop by their stand for a fast, expert assessment. See you there!

https://www.aop.org.uk/ot/news/2026/01/27/lloyd--whyte-to-bring-free-insurance-review-offer-to-100-optical-2026

11/02/2026

Optoms – if you’re just back from a career break, maternity leave, or some time away – or planning to return soon, take a minute to watch this!

Therapeutic prescriber optometrist and Optometry Today's clinical editor Ceri Smith-Jaynes highlights why From Break to Brilliance is the refresher you need.

Secure your spot for Wednesday 11 March in Birmingham. Revitalise your clinical skills and reharness that hands-on confidence, in a supportive, controlled setting.

Be quick though – we are down to the last few places:

https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events/2026/03/11/from-break-to-brilliance-clinical-skills-workshops-for-returning-optometrists

⏰ Early Bird availability is ending soon for two of our standout 2026 events.From Break to Brilliance – Clinical worksho...
04/02/2026

⏰ Early Bird availability is ending soon for two of our standout 2026 events.

From Break to Brilliance – Clinical workshops and interactive learning, designed to help optometrists feel confident and prepared for practice as they navigate career transitions, like returning from maternity leave or a career break.
Early Bird closes tomorrow!

Locum Clinical Skills Conference – Expert-led clinical learning designed specifically for locum practitioners, covering myopia, ethics, hospital referrals, contact lenses and more.
Early Bird closes on Saturday!

Don’t miss out – lock in a low-cost ticket now. Visit the events section of the AOP website: https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events

Read our NEW guidance from our Legal and Regulatory team 📝The team has recently supported several members who have faced...
03/02/2026

Read our NEW guidance from our Legal and Regulatory team 📝

The team has recently supported several members who have faced complaints after inaccurate form completion. These often arise from DVLA or DVA fitness to drive forms and sometimes lead to significant compensation claims when patient income is affected.

Visit the link below – for clear guidance on how avoid common pitfalls and protect yourself.

https://www.aop.org.uk/advice-and-support/clinical/vision-standards/group-2-lorry-and-bus-drivers

It was a pleasure to attend the official opening of Barnsley’s new diagnostic hub yesterday with the Secretary of State ...
30/01/2026

It was a pleasure to attend the official opening of Barnsley’s new diagnostic hub yesterday with the Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting.

We also welcomed the opportunity to engage with Mayor Oliver Coppard, Metro Mayor of South Yorkshire, during the visit. The new hub aims to reduce waiting list backlogs and improve access to care in the community.

We continue to press the Government for change on the way optometry-led enhanced eye care services are delivered on the High Street – remaining part of the national conversation on how we bring care closer to home for patients. Our focus is on demonstrating how these services improve outcomes and experiences, and why the sector is well placed to support ambitions for a Neighbourhood Health Service.

Our Locum Clinical Skills Conference is back in Birmingham on Thursday 12 March. Book now to take advantage of the limit...
29/01/2026

Our Locum Clinical Skills Conference is back in Birmingham on Thursday 12 March. Book now to take advantage of the limited-time Early Bird rate!

Delivered in partnership with the Vision Team at Johnson & Johnson, this popular conference provides expert-led clinical learning specifically for locum practitioners.

Strengthen and refine your skills and knowledge for immediate use in practice – and boost your CPD quota with 15 points on completion of all 5 sessions.

https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events/2026/03/12/locum-clinical-skills-conference-2026--birmingham

We were pleased to attend the 'Moving from Crisis to Recovery' Future of Primary Care Parliamentary event, sponsored by ...
29/01/2026

We were pleased to attend the 'Moving from Crisis to Recovery' Future of Primary Care Parliamentary event, sponsored by Helen Maguire MP and jointly organised by the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee, British Dental Association, British Medical Association, Community Pharmacy England, and the Association for Primary Care Audiology Providers.

The event provided a valuable forum to speak directly with parliamentarians about primary care’s role as the foundation of the NHS, the contribution our collective sectors can make in shaping future models of neighbourhood health services, and the urgent need for meaningful investment to secure a sustainable future.

The strong cross‑party attendance demonstrated clear parliamentary interest in supporting a shift from hospital‑centred care to services delivered closer to home. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with parliamentarians and sector partners to ensure that primary care is equipped to meet the needs of patients.

Read more: https://ow.ly/pPrH50Y5kMl

This week, new research commissioned by Glaucoma UK revealed the growing glaucoma crisis in the UK. More than 1.1 millio...
23/01/2026

This week, new research commissioned by Glaucoma UK revealed the growing glaucoma crisis in the UK. More than 1.1 million people over 40 are currently living with the disease, which is nearly 50% higher than previous estimates.

With an ageing population and higher risk groups increasing in number, cases are projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2060, far outpacing population growth. The researchers conclude that the expansion of eye health services and encouraging regular eye tests for early diagnosis will be critical in reducing glaucoma-related sight loss.

Our campaign calls for a national roll‑out of glaucoma eye care services that makes full use of the network of community optometrists across the nation. This would improve access to sight‑saving diagnosis and ongoing treatment, ensuring that timely, equitable care never depends on a person’s postcode.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/mEIs50Y1gg9

What if CPD could fit around your day, rather than disrupt it?Now it can with our CPD Lunch Clubs, delivered in partners...
21/01/2026

What if CPD could fit around your day, rather than disrupt it?

Now it can with our CPD Lunch Clubs, delivered in partnership with Optometry Today and Lloyd & Whyte Group.

New for 2026, these 30-minute sessions are a short, focused way to:

• Engage with our experts
• Earn CPD points
• Pick up practical tips you can use straight away.

The January Club is next Tuesday at 1:15pm, meaning there’s less than a week to secure your spot! Swipe the image to see the session topics.

Plan ahead by booking onto the February and March sessions too:
https://www.aop.org.uk/events-and-education/events

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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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.