AOP Council elections voting opens

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) 2017 Council elections open today (3 April). The voting period will run for three weeks, closing at 5pm on 24 April.

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

Five regional Council positions are up for a member vote in this year’s election: East of England, North East England, South East England, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. Only members in these constituencies will be eligible to vote.

Henrietta Alderman, AOP Chief Executive, said: “Councillors play a vital role in representing members from each UK constituency – they inform the AOP’s policy making, represent the views of members and ultimately help to shape the future of the optical profession. With the significant work that lies ahead in 2017, including the GOC Education Strategic Review, extended primary care services and the future impact of technology, we strongly encourage all members to vote in this year’s elections. Nominations include practitioners from all backgrounds, career stages and modes of practice, and it is up to our members to decide which candidate is best placed to champion their opinions, interests and concerns.”

AOP Councillor for the West Midlands, Francesca Marchetti said: “With the 2017 nominations announced, now is the time for members to get involved in this important election. I’ve had excellent opportunities as a Councillor to work on high-profile issues including the health and wellbeing of optical practitioners and education. Members can have their say on the big issues affecting the sector through AOP Council so I recommend you find out who is standing, what their priorities are and vote for the person who can best represent your views.”

Additionally, the AOP received applications for the designated positions of Undergraduate Student Optometrist and Pre-registration Optometrist. These posts are appointed by the AOP Appointments Committee and will come into effect in June 2017.

The full list of elected Council members and appointments will be announced on 2 May.

For more information about the 2017 election and the role of Councillors 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.

High resolution images are available via this link.

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 a readership 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

The OT ABC audit certificate can be found here, www.abc.org.uk/product/5966-optometry-today