New AOP Councillors announced for 2022
Designated AOP Council positions announced following appointment process between February – April 2022
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is pleased to announce its new designated Council members, which represent a range of modes of practice and career stages.
Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive, said: “I’d like to warmly welcome our new and re-elected Councillors, who play a vital role in informing our policy work and member services, and guiding our positioning on key issues in optometry. I look forward to working with our new-look Council to tackle the challenges and maximise the opportunities for the profession.
Mr Sampson thanked the current and outgoing Councillors saying: “It is your hard work and commitment that enables the AOP to have a representative voice on the fundamental issues shaping optometry.”
Six designated posts became available in 2022: Undergraduate student optometrist, Pre-registration optometrist, Newly-qualified and Early career optometrist, Dispensing optician, Academic optometrist, Franchisee/Joint Venture Partner. A casual vacancy for a regional representative for South West England was also available.
Newly-elected appointed, designated positions
| Councillor | Representing |
| Laura Josephs | Undergraduate student optometrist |
| Inderpal Ghuman | Pre-registration optometrist |
| Summaya Ali | Newly qualified & Early career optometrist |
| James Dawson | Dispensing optician |
| Will Homes | Academic optometrist |
| Karen Gennard | Casual vacancy for a regional representative for South West England |
The appointed Councillors will begin their terms of office in June 2022. The Franchisee/Joint Venture Partner will be announced later in May.
AOP members can contact their Councillors through the Association’s online community forums.
For more information about the 2022 appointments and the role of Councillors, visit the AOP website, www.aop.org.uk/appointments
Ends
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
AOP Council
There are 34 AOP Council positions:
- 14 Councillors are elected to represent AOP members in their geographical constituencies* across the UK
- 20 designated Councillors represent particular membership groups and demographics