AOP calls for nominations to make a difference in optics

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is calling for members who want to make a difference in optics to put themselves forward for the AOP Council elections. The nominations period, which starts today, will run for three weeks, closing at midnight 20 March.

AOP Councillors are appointed to act on behalf of members – ensuring that views from across the UK and within the profession are represented in the AOP’s policy-making. 

There are 11 regional Council positions open for election in 2017, across the UK. Additionally, the AOP is calling for applications for two designated posts – Undergraduate Student Optometrist and Pre-registration Optometrist.

Speaking about her role, AOP Councillor for the West Midlands, Francesca Marchetti said: “Being a Councillor offers such great opportunities – I’ve had the chance to work on so many different areas such as vision and driving, primary care, lobbying Parliament, to name but a few. I’ve worked with such a variety of people from so many different optical backgrounds. The fabulous thing is that we are all working together to ensure the secure and forever evolving role of optometry for the future.”

Karan Vyas, who holds the designated position of Pre-registration optometrist said: “If you want to make a change, AOP Council is one of the best ways to do it. It’s shown me that you can get involved in so many aspects of optics – from commissioning to the services that optometrists can provide. I’d encourage anyone who feels passionately about the profession to put yourself forward, make your voice heard and make a real difference.”

Henrietta Alderman, AOP Chief Executive, said: “With significant items on the agenda, including the GOC Education Strategic Review, enhanced services and the future impact of technology, it’s a very interesting time to get involved in the work of the AOP Council. We need Councillors at all career stages and modes of practice, so if you are keen to work on behalf of your peers and want to play a part in shaping the future, now is the time to apply to become a regional or designated representative.”    

The AOP is encouraging applications from both new members and existing Council representatives. Following the nominations process, the voting period will be open from 3 April until 24 April.

For more information, including the role of Councillors, the election timetable and a video of why being an AOP Councillor is rewarding work visit the AOP website, www.aop.org.uk/elections

Ends

For more information, please contact Serena Box, PR and Media Manager, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2063.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists 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