Information for pre registration optometrists who have recently qualified
Newly-qualified AOP membership
Once you’ve passed your OSCEs, the insurance provided as part of the AOP’s free student membership is no longer valid. The GOC requires you to have adequate insurance cover in place and, by upgrading your membership to the newly-qualified grade, you will meet these requirements.
AOP membership is designed to support you and your career. By continuing your membership, you will have access to:
- Full AOP member benefits, including employment and regulatory advice*, CPD and free education
- Professional insurance cover
- Discounted membership rates for the remainder of the year in which you qualify, and the following year. After this period, the Full or concessionary membership fees will apply.
*If you’re joining for the first time and require assistance you must inform us during the declaration step of your application as pre-existing issues may not be covered.
Eligibility
To qualify for the discounted newly-qualified membership rate, you must:
- Be qualifying for the first time
- Not have previously qualified in another country (otherwise Full or concessionary membership fees will apply)
- Be qualifying for the first time.
Membership fees
The newly-qualified membership fee for 2026 is £467.00.
Your qualification date determines how much you will pay for the remainder of the year, as fees are pro-rated depending on the when you join/upgrade. All memberships start from the first day of your selected month until 31 December and renewal notices for the following year are sent in November.
You can choose to pay by credit/debit card or set up a direct debit.
How to join or upgrade your membership
If you’re already an AOP student and pre-registration student, log into your MyAOP account to upgrade your membership. Alternatively, you can contact the membership team by phone on 0207 549 2010 or by email at [email protected]
If you’re joining AOP for the first time, you can join online.