AOP joins Health Equals coalition

The AOP has joined the Health Equals coalition, supporting the campaign for equal access to healthcare.

The coalition brings together more than 100 organisations from a range of sectors with a commitment to addressing the inequalities that affect life expectancy and quality of life in the UK.

Organisations supporting the campaign include The Health Foundation, The King’s Fund, NHS Confederation, and The Patients Association.

The AOP has become the first voice in eye care to join the campaign.

John White, AOP communications and external affairs director, said: “We’re delighted to join this important campaign for health. The AOP has long called for equitable patient access to eye care – services that make a significant impact on health and wellbeing outcomes for patients.”

In February, the AOP launched its Eye care everywhere campaign to call for the same level of eye care services to be available to patients across the UK.

White emphasised: “Good vision is not a luxury or optional ‘extra’, but we know many go without simply because of the postcode they live in or personal hardship.”

“Everyone should have access to the care they need,” he continued, adding: “Joining Health Equals reflects our belief that someone’s health should never depend on where they live or the circumstances they are in. The campaign’s focus on the wider factors that shape people’s lives aligns with our commitment to advocating for a system that is fairer for all.”

Health Equals aims to shift the national conversation on health by emphasising that opportunities for good health should be available to all, advocating for change through evidence-led campaigns and working closely with policymakers.

Paul McDonald, chief campaigns officer at Health Equals, welcomed the AOP to the coalition, commenting: “It’s vital that we bring together a diverse range of voices to call on the Government to improve health and wellbeing and stop lives being cut short across the UK.”

McDonald described it as an “exciting time” to join Health Equals, following a successful year in 2025: “We’re growing our coalition, activating our Parliamentary Champions Network of MPs and getting ready for more exciting campaigns this year. We look forward to working with AOP in achieving our goal of making health equal.”

The AOP emphasised that it continues to engage with Government and policy makers to ensure eye health is recognised in wider discussions on health equity and to highlight the importance of accessible and high-quality community eye care.

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