AOP rebuttal of mystery letter

AOP Chief Executive, Henrietta Alderman, response to the letter published on Optician online on 2/11/2016 ‘Mystery letter deplores locum apathy’:

Dear Editor

I am writing in response to the letter published on Optician online on 2/11/2016 ‘Mystery letter deplores locum apathy’.

The AOP has never discussed, nor is considering, increasing the premiums of our locum optometrist members. In addition, if a member works less than 100 days a year they are able to apply for our Concessionary membership grade which gives them the same cover at a reduced fee. Our 2017 membership fees have been frozen for the seventh year in a row.

The AOP’s indemnity insurance is the most robust in the market and we treat all members equally in respect of their cover, no matter how or where they practise.

Looking back over the last 12 months, the AOP has no evidence to support the allegations that locums are more likely to have a Fitness to Practise hearing than an employed optometrist. All optometrists are trained to the same standard at University and have to adhere to the same CET requirements and Standards of Practice set by the GOC.

With an ever increasing number of optometrists choosing to locum, there is a stronger need than ever to work together to ensure locums are treated as a valued part of any practice team.

Yours sincerely,

Henrietta Alderman

Chief Executive