I have cover with my employer, why do I need the AOP?
You can rely on us to protect, support and represent you during these challenging times. Don't settle for anything less.
You can rely on the AOP
For expert guidance during the COVID-19 crisis
Our online COVID-19 guidance has been viewed over 350,000 times since March 2020. We’ve answered hundreds of member questions about safe practice, infection control, remote consultations, employment concerns and more, helping you to navigate the changes and challenges brought about by coronavirus.
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Download our You can rely on us leaflet
If you have a problem with work
Whether you need advice and support during a redundancy, grievance or disciplinary procedure, you’re looking to understand the government support available, or want help to negotiate a new employment contract, you can rely on us. We offer clear, practical and expert employment advice, and can provide a union representative to accompany members to hearings and meetings.
For expert legal advice and defence
Last year over 6000 members turned to our specialist legal and regulatory team for support. Whether it’s a patient complaint or GOC investigation, our legal team offers advice, and unrivalled defence when it’s needed, to secure the best possible outcome. We also use the learnings from legal cases to inform our education programme, ensuring all members can benefit from our expertise.
To listen and be your voice
We listen to our members and work to influence the Government, the NHS and the GOC in your interests – including arguing for changes to the GOC’s strategic plan, regulatory statements, CET scheme and education rules. We work with others in UK optometry, including the Optometric Fees Negotiating Committee (OFNC) to negotiate better NHS support for optical practices. And we deliver successful media campaigns to raise public awareness of eye health issues.
I'd just like to thank everybody at the AOP for working hard at keeping your members informed and educated during the COVID-19 crisis. I've been a member since 2012 and have always appreciated the work that you do, but never so much as now. I feel that the AOP really is there for its members, and that I am better informed than some of my friends and colleagues who are not currently AOP members. Thank you to you all