Pre-registration optometrist, Habeeb Rahman, has been a member of the AOP since he enrolled as an undergraduate optometry student at the University of Bradford in 2021.
Highlighting the value of membership and the role of the AOP, Rahman has been active in his contributions to the Association for over three years – first as an AOP student representative, then as an AOP Councillor representing undergraduate students, and currently as a Councillor representing pre-registration optometrists.
As Rahman reflects on his time as a Councillor for pre-registration optometrists, he spoke to OT about what is involved in being on AOP Council.
As an AOP Councillor representing pre-registration optometrists, Rahman attends four Council meetings annually and contributes to the Association’s membership committee. He summarised the role as “giving the opinions and the views that I feel are important for pre-registration optometrists.”
The AOP’s Council comprises 34 regional and designated positions representing a broad range of modes of practice. Rahman explained that “ultimately through Council, we take all those perspectives and opinions, and we compile them altogether and think about what the best decisions are moving forward – ultimately shaping their profession.”
Francesca Marchetti: “It has opened up a whole new world of optometry for me”
OT speaks to Francesca Marchetti as she steps down from Council
Recalling his first official meeting as a Councillor, Rahman highlighted how warm and welcoming his fellow Councillors were. “Initially [attending my first Council meeting] I was nervous. I was thinking ‘I’m not sure what to do here,’ but all the Councillors were lovely and kind and all really inviting,” he said.
He reflected: “Now I know all the Councillors across all of the different parts of optometry that they’re representing and when I go to the Council meetings, it’s really easy to interact with the other Councillors.”
A highlight for Rahman during his time on Council has been getting to network with his professional peers. “[I have] especially enjoyed being able to network with people who are high-up in their field and receiving recognition from those I aspire to become,” Rahman shared.
He notes that he has become more self-assured during his time on AOP Council.
“My confidence has grown as I’ve interacted with the other Councillors through how inviting and friendly and warm they’ve been,” he shared.
“It is really nice having a network of Councillors – that’s really helped me professionally,” he added.
Rahman notes that, “lots of opportunities have opened up as a result of becoming a Councillor.”
Applying for pre-reg positions, for example – “it’s definitely helped me in applications,” Rahman said.
Kevin Wallace: “I wanted to do my bit and help to shape the profession”
OT speaks to Kevin Wallace as he steps down from AOP Council
Rahman reflected: “Being involved with a lovely team of Councillors and being able to contribute to and help shape the profession has been extremely rewarding.”
“I would definitely encourage others to apply for a position as an AOP Councillor, whether it’s an undergraduate Councillor or pre-reg Councillor.”
“I’ve enjoyed my time immensely. Being with the AOP for three years, as a student representative to an undergraduate Councillor and now a pre-registration Councillor, it has been absolutely amazing, I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and hope to continue my involvement with the AOP in a new role,” emphasised Rahman.
Rahman’s position as an AOP Councillor representing pre-registration optometrists is one of six designated appointments on AOP Council which will shortly come up for appointment. Other positions include: Undergraduate student, Domiciliary care optometrist, Academic optometrist, Newly-qualified and early career optometrist, and Franchisee and joint venture partner.
The AOP will open applications for appointments to the above positions on 17 March. For more information on what is involved in being a Councillor and how to apply, visit the AOP website.
Applications close on 11 April. Those appointed will officially take up their positions at the AOP’s Council meeting and AGM on 4 June.
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