Invite your MP to parliamentary drop in, AOP urges

The AOP is urging members in England to let their MPs know about a parliamentary drop-in event that is taking place on Tuesday 28 April.

The event will promote the AOP’s Eye care everywhere campaign, which is making the case for ending the postcode lottery in England by expanding eye care services to every community.

It will take place at Portcullis House, Westminster from 4pm–6pm, and is sponsored by Helen Morgan MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for health and social care, and Helen Maguire MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for primary care.

The association is hoping that the event will help to further put eye care on the agenda of MPs, helping influence policy change to ensure equality of access and better health outcomes for the public in the future.

The event will see representatives from the AOP meeting with MPs to make them aware of what eye care services are available in their constituencies, and to explain how optometrists and dispensing opticians can support the Government’s plans for healthcare.

The aim is to demonstrate how optometry is already improving patient outcomes, reducing pressure on NHS services, and delivering care closer to home, but to emphasise that there is more than can be done if the sector is utilised more effectively.

An AOP member asking their MP to attend can make a huge difference, the AOP said.

The association noted that member engagement is crucial in ensuring MPs understand the value of primary eye care and why consistent access to enhanced eye care services are needed.

A template letter that AOP members can use to write to their MPs can be downloaded from the Writing to Your MP page on the AOP website.

Details of individual MPs can be found via the Parliament website.

The AOP also requests that members let them know via email if they have invited their MP to the event, so that they can track RSVPs.