The pandemic resulted in widespread changes across optometry, with locums among those most affected. From personal protective equipment to new ways of working, OT  reflects on a transformative year

As the mammoth year that was 2020 winds down, we could all benefit from taking a step back to consider what we’ve achieved

A survey carried out by Talentshed revealed that over half of respondents had seen a change in their employment status due to the pandemic

Members are told to contact the association if practices do not take appropriate steps to address concerns

The process to claim for a CET grant in England has changed in 2020, meaning applicants will need to complete the entire process online. Henry Leonard, head of clinical and regulatory at the AOP, breaks it down

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is calling for customers to register for self-assessment by the 5 October deadline

The Winter Economy Plan includes a new ‘Job Support Scheme’ for employees returning on reduced hours, and an extension to loan scheme repayments

Lapsed and non-members can take advantage of 20% off the AOP membership fee for the rest of 2020, in order that as many optometrists as possible can access support

The discussion and networking sessions, hosted in partnership with Johnson & Johnson Vision, will help to inform the ways the AOP can support locum members

Locum optometrist, Rebecca Rushton, and learning and development consultant, Trevor Bibic, discuss how locums can up their negotiation game in a post-lockdown world