Association of Optometrists explained

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the United Kingdom.

It supports over 82% of practising optometrists (members) to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health.

Activities and services

The Association provides a range of professional services and products to its members, including:

• Indemnity insurance
• Legal representation and advice
• Continuing education and training (CET)
• Annual conferences, events and webinars
• News, online and print, under the brand title Optometry Today
• Political lobbying

History

The organisation traces its history back to 1946.^[1] when the Institute of Ophthalmic Opticians (formed in 1904)^[2] and the Joint Council of Qualified Opticians (founded in 1923), were incorporated into The Association of Optical Practitioners.^{[3] [4]}

In 1986, the organisation renamed to the Association of Optometrists.^[5] The organisation retains use of the 'AOP' acronym.

In 2017 the organisation reported it had grown to "17,000+ members", "representing 80% of UK optometrists".^[6]

Publishing

The organisation publishes a professional journal, Optometry Today.

See also

• European Academy of Optometry and Optics
• World Council of Optometry
• American Optometric Association
• American Academy of Optometry

External links

• • Optometry Today

Notes and References

1. Web site: AOP marks 70 years. aop.org.uk. 2 August 2016. 25 February 2017.
2. Web site: Memorandum concerning the optical profession. www.sochealth.co.uk. 17 June 1943. 25 February 2017.
3. Web site: Certificate of incorporation. 20 February 1946. 25 February 2017.
4. Web site: Joint Council of Qualified Opticians, later Association of Optical Practitioners (insurance correspondence). 13 November 1940 – 4 December 1947. 25 February 2017.
5. Web site: Certificate of incorporation on change of name – 20 November 1986. 1 January 1986. 25 February 2017.
6. Web site: AOP Annual Report 2017. www.aop.org.uk. 21 April 2017. 25 July 2017.