Vivian Bush receives honorary AOP membership

Former AOP Board and Council member, Vivian Bush, has received an honorary AOP membership.

After joining the AOP in 1985, Bush served on both the AOP Board and Council. He has also contributed to the work of the Association as a member of the editorial board for Optometry Today, and as treasurer, trustee and strategy lead on the joint AOP and College of Optometrists Optical Benevolent Fund.

Reacting to the honorary membership, Bush shared with OT: “I am deeply grateful to the AOP for the friends it has brought me and the lessons learned over many years. To be awarded honorary membership is humbling, and I can only thank the membership for this recognition. I am glad to have been able to make a difference.”

Bush shared that the AOP was a different organisation when he joined, serving a membership that he could see would undergo dramatic changes.

“Playing a role in shaping the AOP has been deeply satisfying and I am proud of what has been achieved. Most recently, the pandemic provided a severe test of organisational resilience; we were able to look after the membership in terms of providing an outstanding level of support and education whilst helping them through a difficult time when their incomes were uncertain,” he observed.

I am glad to have been able to make a difference

AOP Council Chairman, Dr Julie-Anne Little, shared that the honorary membership recognises Bush’s longstanding commitment to the AOP as well as his support for colleagues and members.

“Honorary membership is our way of saying a special thank you for his outstanding contribution,” Little said.

Banner: Vivian Bush (right) with AOP Council Chairman, Dr Julie-Anne Little.