The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading representative membership organisation for optometrists in the United Kingdom.
 | |
| Abbreviation | AOP |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 20, 1946 |
| Location | |
Membership | 17,000 |
| Website | www |
Formerly called | Association of Optical Practitioners |
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),[2] 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.