Rewind

A review of AOP activity in the last two months

MPs can be contacted via email, phone, or letter. MPs also hold surgeries in their constituencies, so members could arrange an appointment to discuss issues face-to-face. The AOP has some resources that can help members to get in touch with their MPs. For example, we have a template letter available for download on the Sight for SEN campaign website. All members need to do is add in some extra information, and then send it to their MP.

One thing I would personally like to do is engage MPs in local optometry – encouraging them into the constituencies to meet optometrists and see the work that they do. We encourage any members interested in hosting an MP visit to get in touch.

It is your democratic right to vote in elections as a resident of the UK. Whether or not your MP is a member of a political party that you personally subscribe to, their primary role is to represent the views of their constituents.

Interested in hosting your MP for a practice visit? Get in touch with the AOP team: communications@aop.org.uk

Meeting the fresh faces of optometry

Teams from the AOP have been visiting optometry schools across the UK, discussing what it means to be a member with first-year studentswww.aop.org.uk/your-career/students

OTrecognised

In this year’s Tabbie Awards, OTreceived an honourable mention for its June/July 2022 Inthedarkcover story. Written by Selina Powell, it explored the impact of delays on patients waiting for cataract surgerywww.optometry.co.uk

In case you missed it OT has launched a new resource to support practice team training. The four-module package has been supported by Johnson & Johnson Visionwww.optometry.co.uk/ practiceteamtraining

Coming up at the AOP

Sight won’t wait Autumn/Winter

The AOP launches the second phase of its campaign this October. See more at: www.aop.org.uk/sightwontwait

Westminster Eye Health Day 1 November

As a partner in TheEyesHaveit, the AOP will highlight the importance of eye health with MPs: https://eyeshaveit.co.uk

AOP Council meeting 1 November

The AOP Council will gather in London for the third meeting of the year, to discuss key topics in optometry. Find your Councillor here: www.aop.org.uk/councillors