AOP opens nominations for 2020 Council elections

The Association of Optometrists is inviting practitioners and students to put themselves forward to become AOP Councillors, with nominations opening on Monday 24 February.

AOP Councillors ensure that views from around the UK and within the profession are represented in the AOP’s policy-making. The Association is encouraging eligible members of all grades to put themselves forward before the nomination period closes on 20 March.

Speaking about her position, AOP Councillor for Scotland, Eilidh Martin said: “A highlight has been working for the optical community to make a difference to the future of the profession. It’s rewarding to work on behalf of my peers to represent their interests and any concerns they have. Optometrists of all backgrounds and experience should consider standing.”

Valerie Jerome explains how becoming an AOP Councillor for South East England changed the way she felt about her career: “Had I not become active in the profession outside the consulting room, I would be a “clock in, clock out” optometrist. Since joining the AOP Council, I have met so many optometrists from all over the country, learned about optometry in other places besides my small town, and learned so much more about the behind the scenes events shaping our profession.” 

Alongside the 12 elected posts being contested across the UK in 2020, three designated positions representing undergraduate students, pre-registration optometrists and newly-qualified optometrists are open for application.

Describing the vital role of Councillors, Henrietta Alderman, AOP Chief Executive, said: “It’s never been a more important time for our members to be involved in the policy direction of the AOP, and indeed the profession. This year, we’ve made ‘influence through change’ our theme – all our AOP Councillors have a role to play in ensuring we determine the future of optics.” 
 
Voting for elected positions will be open from 1 April until 23 April, and all eligible AOP members will be invited to vote. The appointed candidates for designated positions will be chosen by the AOP Appointments Committee. The results will be announced in May.

For more information, including the role of Councillors and the election timeline, visit the AOP website www.aop.org.uk/elections 

Ends

For more information, please contact Serena Box, PR and Media Manager, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2040.

For high resolution images please visit this Dropbox folder.

Notes to Editors

Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the UK. We support over 82% of practising optometrists, to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk 

AOP Council 

There are 33 AOP Councillors:

• 25 Councillors are elected to represent AOP members in their geographical constituencies across the UK
• Eight designated Councillors represent particular membership groups and demographics