Association of Optometrists launches new Pre-reg register

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) has launched a free Pre-reg register where students and pre-reg members can list their availability for pre-reg placements, and members with practices looking for a pre-reg can search.   

Dr Ian Beasley, AOP's Head of Education, said: "During the coronavirus pandemic, some pre-registration students lost their pre-reg placements and the register will help students and pre-reg members in this situation. The launch of the new register allows our student members to showcase skills and availability to practices in their surrounding area. Pre-regs offer a unique solution to utilising redundant consulting room space while working at a pace that lends itself well to current circumstances, as well as providing an extra pair of clinical hands."   

Fatima, a pre-reg AOP member, said: "When my chosen pre-reg placement fell through due to a COVID-related backlog, I decided to join the AOP Pre-reg register as it seemed like a great way of securing the ideal training post by targeting a wider field of potential employers." 
  
The Pre-reg register is complementary to the AOP’s Pre-registration optometrist vacancies list, which allows practices to advertise pre-reg vacancies for free.    

The Pre-reg register is accessible by all AOP members, but only students and pre-regs with active memberships will be able to list their availability, using a simple online form that can be edited or removed at any time. Before using the Pre-reg register, including contacting a pre-reg on the register, members should read the guidelines for usage and FAQs. 

The AOP is also delighted to announce that Raveena Vaghela has just been appointed as the new AOP Council member representing pre-registration optometrists until June 2021. 

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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