AOP condemns violence and intimidation in wake of far-right rallies

The AOP has released a statement condemning “in the strongest terms” violence and intimidation following a series of far-right rallies England and Northern Ireland.

Mosques, immigration lawyers and asylum centre accommodation have been targeted as part of a series of far-right demonstrations in England, with counterprotests organised in response.

The Islamophobic and racially-motivated nature of the unrest has caused concern within Muslim and ethnic minority communities, with some employers taking extra steps to ensure the safety of their staff – such as closing early or permitting staff to work from home.

Within the optical workforce, one in five optometrists and dispensing opticians are Muslim. Around one in three optometrists and dispensing opticians are Asian or British Asian.

Chief executive of the AOP, Adam Sampson, emphasised that no one should have to worry about the prospect of violence or intimidation in their workplace or while travelling.

“We are proud of the diversity within the optometry profession – made up of clinicians dedicated to providing essential eye care to equally diverse communities across the country. We know that our members have experienced discrimination and intimidation during their career, and these latest events will no doubt raise real concerns,” he said.

Sampson highlighted that there will be many people within the profession who are feeling “shocked, frightened and deeply troubled” in light of the unrest.

“We have witnessed abhorrent behaviour, acts of violence and intimidation tactics over the past days that can only be condemned in the strongest terms,” he said.

To support members, the AOP has published new guidance to help employers and employees navigate issues that may arise in the workplace in light of the violent unrest.

These include what to do if an employee feels unsafe coming to work and the steps to take if it is necessary to close an optometry practice.

Head of clinical and regulatory at the AOP, Henry Leonard, said: “Where there are legitimate and reasonable concerns regarding the safety of staff, patients or practices due to the ongoing unrest, practices may choose to close. In addition to notifying the NHS, practices should ensure that patients are informed of cancelled appointments with as much notice as possible.”

“Where there are patients in need of urgent care, practices should make efforts to signpost those patients to alternative treatment providers or make other suitable arrangements to ensure proper patient care,” he added.

Although there were concerns of widespread disorder on Wednesday evening (7 August), the Guardian reported that far right gatherings were mostly small, with counter protestors turning out in greater numbers.