Committees

Our committees ensure that your views are reflected in our decision-making. All of our committees are made up of AOP Council members, the wider membership and representatives from other organisations we work in partnership with.

Hospital Optometrists Committee Election 2026

The AOP is pleased to announce the results of the 2026 Hospital Optometrists Committee (HOC) election, with two new members and one re-elected member to the committee.

The newly elected members are:

• Samuel Comely (re-appointed HOC Chair), Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Rosalind Creer, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
• Katie Smith, University Hospital Bristol and Weston.

Members serve a three-year term, commencing in September 2026.

About the Hospital Optometrists Committee

The HOC is a valuable platform representing the interests of AOP members working within NHS hospital trusts, foundation trusts, and other NHS providers. The Committee plays a key role in promoting best practice, supporting high standards in postgraduate hospital optometry, and strengthening collaboration between optometrists and wider healthcare teams.

For more information on the Hospital Optometry, please visit: www.aop.org.uk/your-career/career-choices/hospital-optometry

Committee chair: Samuel Comley

Email: [email protected]

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee develops AOP policy positions and advises our Council and Board. It oversees our responses to external consultations from organisations such as the General Optical Council (GOC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It also supports our engagement with European policy and with our partners.

Committee chair: Rachel Hiscox
Email: [email protected]

Membership Committee

Our Membership Committee discusses and develops the AOP membership benefit portfolio, ensuring we recognise the needs of members across all career stages and modes of practice. It also looks at how we can better engage our members, regionally and locally, when these services are introduced.

Committee chair: Josie Evans
Email: [email protected]