Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading professional organisation for optometrists in the United Kingdom.[1][2]

Association of Optometrists
AbbreviationAOP
FoundedFebruary 20, 1946 (1946-02-20)
Location
Membership
17,000
Websitewww.aop.org.uk
Formerly called
Association of Optical Practitioners

The organisation is a company limited by guarantee operating in a similar way to a trade union to "protect, support and represent"[3] the interests of the practising professional as its primary concern.

It is one of the five representative bodies that make up the Optical Confederation.[4]

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 and events
  • news, online and print, under the brand title Optometry Today
  • political lobbying

History

The organisation traces its history back to 1946.[5] when the Institute of Ophthalmic Opticians (formed in 1904)[6] and the Joint Council of Qualified Opticians (founded in 1923),[6] were incorporated into The Association of Optical Practitioners.[7][8]

In 1986, the organisation renamed to the Association of Optometrists.[9] 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".[10]

Publishing

The organisation publishes a monthly professional journal, Optometry Today.

See also

References
  1. "About AOP". opticalconfederation.org.uk. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  2. "About AOP". vision2020uk.org.uk. Archived from the original on 26 February 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  3. "About AOP". Association of Optometrists. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  4. "Overview of the Optical Confederation". opticalconfederation.org.uk. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  5. "AOP marks 70 years". aop.org.uk. 2 August 2016. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  6. "Memorandum concerning the optical profession". www.sochealth.co.uk. 17 June 1943. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  7. "Certificate of incorporation". 20 February 1946. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  8. "Joint Council of Qualified Opticians, later Association of Optical Practitioners (insurance correspondence)". 13 November 1940 – 4 December 1947. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  9. "Certificate of incorporation on change of name – 20 November 1986". 1 January 1986. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
  10. "AOP Annual Report 2017" (PDF). www.aop.org.uk. 21 April 2017. Retrieved 25 July 2017.
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