Would you like to join AOP Council?

The AOP is seeking applications for seven designated positions on its Council.

Applications are now open and will close on 11 April. The positions AOP Council is seeking include: Academic optometrist, Domiciliary care optometrist, Franchisee and Joint Venture partner, Newly-qualified optometrist, Pre-registration optometrist, Undergraduate student, and Northern Ireland representative.

Being on AOP Council provides the opportunity to contribute to the development of the AOP’s policy and member services, while serving as representatives of the association’s membership.

Completing his tenure as a designated AOP Councillor representing Northern Ireland is optometrist and practice owner, Brian McKeown.

As the AOP seeks applications for this vacancy, OT spoke to McKeown about what being on AOP Council for the last 12 years has meant.

McKeown, who joined AOP Council when he moved to Northern Ireland, shared that he applied for the position in order to “meet other like-minded professionals who were keen to progress optometry in their region.”

He emphasised the broad wealth of knowledge across AOP Council: “During meetings and via email, they have helped and enabled me to increase my knowledge and given me an expert to contact if I need advice.”

Paul Chapman-Hatchett: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn to grow”

OT speaks to former AOP Councillor representing domiciliary care optometrists, Paul Chapman-Hatchett, about his time on Council as the role opens for new applications

Describing a highlight during his time on Council, McKeown shared: “As an AOP Councillor representing Northern Ireland, it has meant I got a seat on the Optometry Northern Ireland committee, and I really enjoyedhaving the close relationship with the AOP to help on advice and guidance for matters in Northern Ireland.”

Encouraging his optometry peers to consider applying for the role, McKeown told OT: “If you want to learnmore, meet people who can inspire you to move your careerforward, and give you some job variety, then being a Northern Ireland AOP Council member is for you. It’s not an onerouspost but you get out what you put in.”

To apply for an AOP Council position, visit the AOP website. 

Newly appointed Councillors will be welcomed to the Council at the Association’s annual general meeting on 4 June.

Habeeb Rahman: “Lots of opportunities have opened up as a result of becoming a Councillor”

The AOP’s Councillor representing pre-registration optometrists, Habeeb Rahman, speaks to OT about his experiences from Council

Watch OT’s suite on videos with AOP Councillor’s discussing what it is like to be on AOP Council.