AOP members invited to take part in major research project

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) launches the second phase of a major new research project this month which is designed to underpin its aspirational five-year strategy and support members in the profession – now and in the future. 

AOP Chief Executive, Adam Sampson describes the importance of the research and why members should take part: “We need to understand how we can best support and speak for our members. Whatever your career stage or mode of practice, the AOP is here to help our members navigate their professional choices and prosper in their chosen career. We can only do this with their insights.

“As our members’ lifetime career partner, it’s vital to understand them better in order to help us serve, protect and promote the profession.”

AOP Membership Committee Chair, Josephine Evans added: “We want to understand the challenges members face today, their aspirations, and how we can provide the right support at the right time. Which is why this membership research is designed to explore members' views. What do they see as barriers and what their expectations for their career and for the profession.”

All AOP members who are opted in to receive AOP surveys are invited to take part. The online survey was sent by unique link to members from the 25 January 2023. 

As a thank you to practising members that take part, the AOP will make a donation of £350 to the Optical Benevolent Fund – providing financial assistance in times of need.

To thank participating student members, one respondent will be selected at random for a first prize of a Volk Super Field Lens worth over £350, and three others awarded with £50 each.

The first prize is kindly supplied with the generous support of Keeler, a leading provider of products and solutions to the optical industry. The student research is also kindly being supported by Vision Express.

For more information on the research project and common questions, visit the AOP website: www.aop.org.uk/memberresearch

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

About the research

It is the first membership research the AOP has commissioned since 2018 and is being undertaken between November 2022 and February 2023 by independent, market research agency, Research by Design (RbD).

RbD have produced research for many professional membership associations, including the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the British Medical Association.

RbD operates under the Market Research Society’s Code of Conduct, which ensures that participant anonymity is protected and that the information provided is kept strictly confidential.