New AOP anti-racism and discrimination guidance and resources for employees and employers

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has launched new guidance to tackle racism and other forms of discrimination.  

The guidance provides advice and information for both employers and employees and explains how to get support on any issues they are dealing with. It includes posters and social media assets that members can use to indicate that racism will not be tolerated in their practice or workplace.

The AOP has also established a new Anti-racism and equality team (ARET), made up of optometrists in its regulatory team, who can empathise personally as well as offer advice on the steps to take if faced with racism at work. This can include taking formal action which can be supported by the AOP legal team.

Henrietta Alderman, AOP Chief Executive said: “The AOP is committed to supporting our members if they are subject to abuse, harassment or discrimination, and helping employers to create safe working environments. 

“The AOP is grateful to the members who have contributed information and ideas to this work, including Hamza Mussa, and Naveed Butt and his colleagues, whose ideas led to the creation of the Anti-racism and equality team."

For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk/discrimination  

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For media enquiries, please contact Mary Jones, Interim PR and Media Manager, at the Association of Optometrists, [email protected] or telephone 020 7549 2040.

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