Optometry needs to be better understood and valued as part of the NHS team and for its contribution to public health and wellbeing, puts forward Henrietta Alderman

While glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration may simply be part of the ageing process for some people, optometry has a priceless role in supporting patients, explains Henrietta Alderman, chief executive of the AOP

While AI is learning to excel at many jobs, human interaction and interpretation is going to be increasingly important too, explains Henrietta Alderman

Patients develop their own contact lens habits and need to be reminded of the importance of hand hygiene, writes AOP chief executive Henrietta Alderman

Optometrists are well placed to support patients with a message reiterating the importance of taking their eye health seriously, writes AOP chief executive Henrietta Alderman

From professional conduct, to the Educational Strategic Review, to business regulations, the AOP is holding the GOC to account, explains Henrietta Alderman

Up-to-date equipment, alongside good support and training, has played a role in attracting practitioners to their current positions, members have told us, writes Henrietta Alderman

The AOP is learning from the experience of hospital optometry and uses that knowledge for all its members

With the new and emerging technologies relating to eye health and eye care, how will optometry look at the end of all these changes and what will optometrists be doing, asks Henrietta Alderman

In 2018 the AOP educated politicians about optometry, and educated itself about what members want and need in the future. There is much to be done as the Association pushes further on all the issues that matter, writes Henrietta Alderman