The AOP

Last week, we welcomed the opportunity to see Vikki Slade MP open a Westminster Hall debate on the reform of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), highlighting the need for systems that are “modern, fair and safe”, that improve the DVLA’s contribution to road safety.

We were delighted to host our drop-in event in Westminster, bringing together parliamentarians to showcase the potential of optometry in delivering faster, fairer and more accessible eye care for everyone. #EyeCareEverywhere

We were pleased to meet with Vikki Slade MP to discuss reform of current vision standards for drivers, to make roads safer. We also discussed opportunities around the clinical capability of optometry, enhanced eye care service commissioning and the need for digital connectivity.

The AOP is urging members in England to let their MPs know about a parliamentary drop-in event taking place next week. @The_AOP shared that members asking their MP to attend can make a huge difference. Interested? Get involved and learn more 👉 ow.ly/Mox050YILlG

We are hosting a Parliamentary event on 28 April to highlight the role of primary eye care. We have created a template letter for you, making it easy to contact your MP and ensure they understand the value of care being delivered in their constituency. ow.ly/iUXC50YIkgi

Our student reps are taking over our Instagram from Monday 13 April! 👓 Expect quizzes, study tips, health & wellbeing and more — all through the eyes of real optometry students. Follow along here: instagram.com/association_of…

We welcome the Government’s proposals to reduce excessive screen use among children, recognising the strong evidence that spending more time outdoors lowers the risk of developing myopia. Learn more: ow.ly/wcIb50YCjWO

From 6 April 2026, UK employers must keep “adequate” records of workers’ annual leave and holiday pay. These must be retained for six years to demonstrate compliance with Working Time Regulations 1998. See the via the link below for further details: aop.org.uk/advice-and-sup…

Indicative Activity Plans are expected to become a key tool for ICBs from 2026/27. To protect access and maintain system flow, minor and urgent eye care services need to be formally excluded from IAPs and related activity controls. Read more: ow.ly/6MPM50YBkvJ

Join our Eye care everywhere campaign and help us secure a future where every patient in England can access timely eye care, close to home. We’ve launched a short member survey where you can express your interest in sharing your experiences. ow.ly/UE5q50YyguL

To celebrate World Optometry Day, we asked optometrists to share what they enjoy most about their role — from supporting communities to protecting patients’ sight. Learn more about World Optometry Day with Dr Cindy Tromans @WorldCouncilOpt → ow.ly/Ho7G50YxJMV

Eid Mubarak to all those celebrating Eid-al-Fitr today. We caught up with Yassar Yousaf, optometrist and practice owner Eyecare Express, to learn more about how he celebrates this day. #Optometry #Eid

We were delighted to meet with @HelenMorganMP to discuss how we can end the postcode lottery in eye care and make better use of the capacity already available in community optometry.

Our AI and Technology resource hub supports optometrists in understanding what to consider when using AI tools in practice. It outlines the essential questions to ask before adopting any AI system. Explore the resources: ow.ly/U09y50YrL8F

This #WorldGlaucomaWeek, we're highlighting our You won't see it coming campaign, raising awareness of the disease that often develops with no early symptoms. Learn more about the campaign: ow.ly/bREY50YsNyE

We’re looking for passionate AOP members to join Council in 2026. This is your opportunity to influence national policy, shape the future of optometry and ensure members’ voices are heard where it matters most. Click here for full details: aop.org.uk/about-us/gover…

We celebrated another fantastic show at 100% Optical, where over 100 CPD points’ worth of education was accessed during the three day event. We extend our thanks to our sponsors and partners, whose support was instrumental in the event's success. ow.ly/eT7a50YrWtv

We're pleased to announce the launch of our new AI and Technology resource hub − a space designed to support members as artificial intelligence continues to evolve across clinical practice, patient care and the wider healthcare landscape. Explore the hub: ow.ly/hJwV50YrKWQ

We are pleased to support the @health_equals campaign, which highlights how wider factors can shape health. Our involvement advances our ongoing advocacy for policies that tackle the inequalities that continue to affect eye health outcomes. Learn more: ow.ly/f8bQ50Yq2gi

There’s still time to join our clinical skills workshop next Wednesday. Spend the day firming up the fundamentals, fine-tuning your techniques and rebuilding clinical confidence in a supportive environment. Plus, earn 12.5 CPD points on completion. aop.org.uk/events-and-edu…