AOP Board welcomes new member

AOP Councillor, Karan Vyas, has been elected to the Board. He spoke to OT about his journey with the AOP, from student representative to Board member

2 min read

Karan is photographed in the library of the AOP offices, with rows of optometry and professional books behind him. He wears thin metal glasses and a checkered blue and green shirt

AOP

Kimberley Young

10 June 2026

The AOP has named a new board member following an election process held during the 3 June meeting of the AOP Council.

Karan Vyas, AOP Councillor representing employees of multiple practices, will join the AOP Board.

Describing his journey with the AOP, Vyas explained: “The AOP has been a significant part of my development from being a student to now.”

Starting as a student representative, he shared that: “I have been able to gain exposure and education as to how optometry works and I have been inspired by those who have led the profession over the last decade.”

Vyas said that his experience encouraged him to get involved – from AOP Council to his local optical committee – as well as to develop clinically, telling OT: “It pushed me to continue learning and continue to try and be a better optometrist every day."

He continued: “It also gave me the confidence to use my voice and skills in other areas of my life and get involved within the world of politics.”

Reflecting on his new position with the AOP Board and what he would like to bring to the role, Vyas said: “I really hope that my contribution to Board will not only ensure the AOP is at the centre of discourse in our profession and is a place the diverse parts of our profession can come together, but also the organisation that can help to build and develop the next generation of leaders needed to fight for optometry.”

The AOP Board oversees the running of the organisation, responding to challenges faced by members.

There are nine Board members: five who are Council members, one appointed optometrist member, a past chairman, and two lay members.