New AOP Infection control and prevention certificate

In response to popular demand, the Association of Optometrists (AOP) is launching a new AOP Infection control and prevention certificate, in association with Optometry Today (OT) and supported by Johnson and Johnson Vision.

More than 4000 AOP members took and passed the certificate last year, which is expertly designed by the AOP clinical team to give optometrists and dispensing opticians, and patients, confidence and reassurance when in practice for routine sight care.

All UK practising and pre-registration AOP members are encouraged to take the certificate, even if they previously completed it in 2020. Updates to the content include the importance of ventilation and air filtration, vaccinations and an update on additional cleaning measures and surface survival of Sars-Cov-2. Qualified optometrists and dispensing opticians can also earn 1 CET point for successful completion.

In the pre-recorded, 45-minute lecture, AOP Clinical Director, Dr Peter Hampson, explains how to protect staff and patients in optometric practice during the coronavirus pandemic. He looks at how the virus is spread and how to control this, for example, by screening patients for symptoms, handwashing, social distancing, correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), methods of cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation.

After watching the lecture in full, members will be directed to complete a series of related multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Members can then download a paper certificate from MyAOP/CET, which they can personalise with a practice logo, to display on a practice wall or show to an employer.

The certificate will be available to take on the OT website on Tuesday 23 March.

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For more information, please contact Serena Box, 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