This new section, 'In Practice', replaces the old 'Primary Care' section and is currently under development
The AOP provides support and advice to its members to help them to deliver a high level of patient care and to practise safely within the legal framework that regulates the optical profession . This new section 'In Practice', is currently being developed to ensure that AOP members can access that advice more easily, either in this section itself or via links to other sections of the AOP website and beyond. The aim is to provide you with the expert help that you need for all professional and regulatory matters, whatever your mode of practice. Whilst this section remains a work in progress, please contact the team below should you need information or advice on a professional matter:
Richard Carswell
Deputy Chief Executive
Tel: 020 7207 2193
richardcarswell@aop.org.uk
Geoff Roberson
Professional Adviser
Tel: 020 7202 8155
geoffroberson@aop.org.uk
Patricia O'Sullivan
Head of Primary Care
Tel: 020 7207 2195
patriciaosullivan@aop.org.uk
Some useful sites to explore:
The National Eye Health Epidemiological Model
Please click here to view the number of people affected by eye health conditions in different areas in the UK and to access instructions on how to use the model. This is an excellent resource for practitioners who are preparing a business case for an enhanced service.
College of Optometrists Code of Ethics and Professional Guidelines
If you wish to check on any aspect of the College's professional guidelines, in relation to primary care development, please click here. Some College guidance is only available to College members. However, non-members can acquire this guidance for a small fee. If you click here you will access a list of the guidance available.
National Library for Health a nd Link to British National Formulary
Some links require a pasword, but many work just fine, including a link to the British National Formulary.
The Eyes and Vision Specialist Library (EVSL) is one of 24 Specialist Libraries commissioned by the National Library for Health. It is an online library that is accessible 24/7 to any generalist or specialist health professional involved in eye health care e.g. GP, casualty officer/ houseman /SHO, high street optometrist, as well as ophthalmologists, orthoptists and nurses. The purpose of the library is to find, organise, and facilitate access to the best currently available evidence on eye health in order to support and inform clinical care in NHS England. Clearly knowledge gaps exist - the conditions covered at launch represent those eye conditions that are sufficiently common to have had guidance procured by the NHS or prepared by professional bodies.
The library provides access to online resources produced, commissioned or licensed by the NHS (e.g. Health Technology Assessment reports, NICE guidelines, National Service Frameworks, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination abstracts, the Cochrane Library); and professional body publications. Key research findings (as presented in peer-reviewed articles) that have shaped current clinical thinking and current practice are also being added to the library.
NHS Networks' mission is to identify all the networks which exist within the NHS and encourage the sharing of ideas between, as well as within, these networks. It provides space and facilities for people and organisations to share their experiences and successes.
EMail Forums for Local, Regional and Area Optometric Committees and practitioners interested in diabetic screening
The AOP hosts two email discussion forums: one for those involved with their LOC/AOC/ROC or similar bodies and one for those interested in diabetic screening. The forums give members the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences and to discuss the issues they face in their dealings with PCTs, Health Boards and other primary care organisations.
Anyone wanting to join the lists should email davidcraig@aop.org.uk with details of which list they want to join and where they are from.
