Our Board
Our Board sets the strategic direction of the organisation
Members of the Board oversee the running of the organisation. They deal with issues as they arise and respond to challenges faced by our members. Our Board consists of nine members, five are Council members, one is an appointed optometrist member, one is a past chairman and there are two lay members.
The Board’s responsibilities include:
- Ensuring that our finances are managed properly
- Taking a long-term view in setting our strategy
- Overseeing and managing the work of our committees
- Appointing members to work on particular projects
- Appointing the chief executive of the AOP, Adam Sampson
- Working with our chief executive and the executive team to ensure effective implementation of our work
- Setting membership fees
Board Members
Emma Jane Spofforth, chairman
Elected by AOP Council
Julie Anne-Little, past chairman

Andrew Herbert
Lay member
Rachel Hiscox
Elected by AOP Council
Francesca Marchetti
Elected by AOP Council
Paul O'Connor
Lay member
Dharmesh Patel
Elected by AOP Council
Nizz Sabir
Elected by AOP Council