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

No professional organisation in the sector can match the AOP’s record or the support it gives to make sure members can practise with confidence, writes Henrietta Alderman

Employers in optics that address unfairness, including the gender pay gap, will be rewarded in both the short and long-term, writes Henrietta Alderman

Addressing the needs of vulnerable patients is not only the right ethical decision: it should feature in business planning for all practices as they consider the challenges of the next few years, writes Henrietta Alderman

As a reboot takes place in the sector, optical practices will need to be agile to react to change, and challenge their own thinking to ensure that they are not being left behind, writes Henrietta Alderman

Dry eye may be the condition that poses a treatment conundrum, but optometrists are well placed to provide invaluable eye care support and evidence-based advice to patients, reiterates Henrietta Alderman

Henrietta Alderman explains the AOP’s commitment to increasing the public’s understanding of eye health and, critically, the role of the optometrist

From online product substitution to the unregulated sale of cosmetic contact lenses on the High Street, Henrietta Alderman explains why the AOP recognises the importance of facing up to big issues

With research indicating the pressures that practitioners can be under, the AOP advice on creating low-stress workplaces for optometrists is important work, Henrietta Alderman explains

With big projects coming up in 2018, the AOP will be asking members for their views to shape the Association’s next steps, Henrietta Alderman explains