Applications open for designated posts on the AOPs Council

The Association of Optometrists will open applications for 14 designated posts on 16 February. The appointed Councillors, representing different segments of the profession, will join the AOP’s 34-strong Council.

Councillors help to inform the AOP’s policy work and services for members, alongside representing the AOP by promoting membership and assisting their peers.

Reflecting on the most enjoyable aspects of the role, AOP councillor for Scotland, Stephanie Kearney, said that she enjoyed networking with practitioners across the UK, and the opportunity to “be able to share and develop my views on important topics affecting our profession.”

Post holders also reference the opportunity to connect with others on industry issues to “improve quality of care for patients”, “raise concerns” or “view the profession through a different perspective”.

The designated positions open for applications in 2023 are:

1. Undergraduate student
2. Pre-registration optometrist
3. Newly-qualified optometrist
4. Additional hospital optometrist
5. Independent prescribing optometrist
6. Domiciliary care optometrist
7. Locum optometrist
8. Director of a multiple practice
9. Employee of a multiple practice
10. Director of an independent practice
11. Employee of an independent practice 
12. Optometrist for Scotland
13. Optometrist for Wales
14. Optometrist for Northern Ireland

The undergraduate student and pre-registration optometrist positions have a term of office of one year. The newly-qualified and early career optometrists have a term of office of two years and can serve for three terms (a total of six years). All other designated positions have a three-year term from 2023.

The current AOP Council is made up of 14 elected members to represent areas across the UK, and 20 councillors with designated positions representing membership groups within the AOP.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 15 March. The new AOP Council members will be announced the week commencing 1 May.

For more information on the 2023 AOP Council appointments process visit, 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 80% of practising optometrists, to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health. For more information, visit www.aop.org.uk