Rebecca Donnelly: “If you care about the profession, you belong in the room, so put yourself forward”

AOP Councillor representing franchisee and joint venture partners, Rebecca Donnelly, reveals what it is like to be on AOP Council

Emily McCormick

Laurence Derbyshire

02 March 2026

Optometrist and a joint venture partner at Millicans and Mansfield Opticians, Rebecca Donnelly, joined AOP Council last year.

Appointed as an AOP Councillor representing franchisee and joint venture partners, she officially joined in June 2025. Nine months on, Donnelly describes AOP Council as “influential, collaborative and empowering.”

Recalling the application process and reflecting on why she applied, Donnelly told OT that she had reached a point in her career where she wanted to be involved in shaping the profession, rather than just reacting as things happened.

“I feel very passionately about moving the profession forward, especially when it comes to the scope of practise of community optometrists and demonstrating the value that optometrists have in healthcare, as well as raising awareness of the profession,” she said.

Donnelly shared that if anything had made her hesitate in the application process, it was due to time concerns and a lack of experience. However, she emphasised that “these are normal concerns to have when applying for any additional role and in reality neither have been an issue.”

Before joining, Donnelly thought that AOP Council would be very formal.

Demystifying it for others, she shared that she has found meetings to be “very practical – it is very collaborative everyone's voice is encouraged and it's quite fun.”

“In reality it’s much more practical than I expected, and everyone is very honest and open – you’re encouraged to voice your opinion, and if it’s different from other opinions you know that you’re going to be listened to and considered,’ she added.

For Donnelly, being a part of AOP Council day-to-day means that she is able to “practically influence decision making.”

“I can see how real-life experiences are used or how they filter into decision making and that’s really rewarding for me,” she shared.

Having formally taken up the position following the Association’s June AGM, Donnelly

has attended a number of Council meetings to date, and also sits on the Association’s membership committee, which she said has been a highlight.

She said councillors were welcoming and supportive when she joined.

“Being part of Council means different things to me both professionally and personally. Professionally, it’s been a great growth opportunity, and personally it feels really rewarding to be a part of something that genuinely supports and shapes the profession.”

Asked why AOP Council is important for the profession, Donnelly emphasised: “The Council directly influences the direction in which the profession goes – it’s representing members and wants to influence positive change. It’s really based on real life experience as well, so it’s all about issues that affect the majority of members.”

Encouraging others to put themselves forward for Council, Donnelly told OT: “If you’re waiting for the right time, don’t bother it doesn’t come. If you care about the profession, you belong in the room, so put yourself forward.”