AOP marks 70 years

This year, the AOP celebrates 70 years as the unrivalled provider of support for its members and one of the leading voices representing the profession.

In recognition of this landmark year, the AOP’s journal Optometry Today interviewed lifetime member Harry Green, who shared his stand-out memories of being an optometrist including the introduction of soft contact lenses. 

Mr Green, joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an optometrist in 1950, and then started his own practice in Highbury, London in 1953. Expressing his gratitude for AOP support throughout his professional career he added: “To the AOP I say: Good job done – and I mean that sincerely. I think the quality of the services of the Association is very high. I think joining the Association is essential.”

Since the AOP opened its doors in 1946 it has supported thousands of members throughout their careers. Now with more than 16,500 members and representing 80% of UK optometrists, it continues to support members through changes in their practice and in the sector. 

Chief Executive of the AOP, Henrietta Alderman, commented: 

“The AOP is proud to be in its 70th year. We have a very clear mandate to deliver for the individual member and promote the profession so that their work is widely recognised.   

Creating services and guidance to help our members adapt to changing business and clinical opportunities is central to our activities. It is important that members feel supported wherever they choose to work and it is for these key reasons that our members join and stay with us.” 

The AOP asked members what they value most and here are some of the highlights:

• “An organisation you can always rely on”
• “Fantastic support from the legal team – thank you!” 
• “Clinical support and guidance, insurance, peer review and always there to back me up”
• “PI cover for vision aid overseas assignments” 

Ends

High resolution images are available via this link. For more information, please contact Emily Campbell, PR and Marketing Officer, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2040.

Notes to Editors

Read the full article with lifetime member, Mr Harry Green on the Optometry Today website.

Association of Optometrists 

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists and other optical professionals in the UK. We support our community of more than 16,500 members to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health. As a founding member of the Optical Confederation we work with others to improve eye health for the public good. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk

Optometry Today

Optometry Today (OT) has an audience of 15,000 members and subscribers. OT was named as the ‘Best Professional Association or Royal College magazine’ at the MemCom 2016 Awards. Organised by MemCom – the networking organisation for membership marketing professionals – the awards recognise and celebrate excellence within the membership sector. The OT website offers subscribers exclusive access to over 65 CET exams per year, including bi-monthly CET video content. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk/ot