Johnathan Waugh: “You’ll definitely enjoy it, and you’ll definitely find it rewarding”

AOP Councillor representing Scotland, Johnathan Waugh, shares insight on what it is like to be on AOP Council

03 March 2026

Independent prescribing optometrist and owner of Kirk Road Eye Care in Renfrewshire, Johnathan Waugh, joined AOP Council in June 2024.

Appointed as an AOP Councillor representing Scotland, Waugh describes AOP Council as “worthwhile, eye opening and fulfilling.”

Recalling why he applied to join AOP Council, Waugh told OT that he initially joined out of curiosity as a student representative over two decades ago.

After several years away, in 2024 Waugh decided to apply as a qualified member for the position as a regional representative for Scotland out of a desire to support the AOP in driving the profession forward.

“I wanted to see if things had changed; some things have and some things haven’t, but the AOP is still trying to move optometry forward and develop what we do as a profession,” he said.

Sharing some of his considerations before applying, Waugh acknowledged that his primary consideration was time.

As a portfolio optometrist, balancing a range of roles, Waugh said: “At this stage of my career, the main challenge was the time commitment in amongst full time roles and other professional commitments.”

Demystifying what is involved in being a Councillor, Waugh shared: “There are around eight meetings a year, including sub committees, and meeting prep, but it’s not onerous.”

“Ultimately, as with most of these things, you will find a way of making it work, and find enough time to be able to help,” he added.

Waugh acknowledged the important role that each Councillor plays. “We’re a very diverse group of individuals… Each of us brings a different perspective, a different level of experience, different knowledge to the table, and that makes discussions very interesting.”

Reflecting on last 20-plus months, Waugh described being on Council as “very worthwhile.”

Waugh explained that in some nations the optometric landscape is better, and for others it is struggling. “I think we can all learn from each other in all directions to make sure that the profession is supported across the whole country,” he told OT.

“That’s the joy of being part of a large group of individuals who all are there to support optometry, support the AOP and support the membership to try and come up with answers and solutions to the problems that are always evolving, always changing,” he added.

Commenting on how being on Council has supported his professional development, Waugh highlighted: “It’s always interesting to hear how other people deal with situations in their region, and that influences how I might tackle issues or problems and try to overcome them.”

During his time as a Councillor, Waugh is proud of being able to share his experiences and regional viewpoint in relation to both glaucoma management and IT connectively.

“I’m proud I’ve been able to help and support the AOP when it goes to lobby government on behalf of the profession,” he said.

Sharing advice for those considering applying to Council in 2026, Waugh said: “Go for it.”

“If you’re thinking about applying to AOP Council, it’s definitely worth doing. You won't really know what’s involved until you’re here, but you’ll definitely enjoy it, and you’ll find it rewarding. Also, I think you will find out a lot about what’s happening within optometry that you never knew was there in the first place, so don’t hesitate, just go for it,” he added.