Voting opens for the 2021 elections of AOP Council

Voting opens for the 2021 elections of AOP Council

Voting for the Association of Optometrists (AOP) Council elections opens on Friday 12 March.

All eligible AOP members in the seven contested geographical constituencies are being invited to cast their vote by Friday 26 March.

Chair of AOP Council, Mike George, explained how the Council serves the profession: “As a Councillor you gain a wider world view of optometry – it makes you much more aware of the possibilities when caring for patients. But the role is also about bringing your experiences, so the AOP has the depth of knowledge about what’s going on in the optical profession across the whole of the UK”. Vice-Chair, Julie-Anne Little agreed, saying: “Councillors bring the daily life of optometry to Council – sharing viewpoints and challenges from their local areas so we can tackle these issues together.”

Encouraging members to take part, Henrietta Alderman, AOP Chief Executive, said: “Each Councillor plays an essential role in helping the AOP lead change in a way that represents our members’ interests. The Council’s work is centred on rebuilding a better future in optics, particularly at this time. If your constituency is being contested, take the time to find out who your candidates are, read their pledges and make the choice for you and your area.”

Geographical positions being contested in this year’s election are Scotland, North West England, Yorkshire & the Humber, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, South East England, and London. Members in these areas will be sent an email from the AOP’s election partners, Civica, on Friday 12 March, containing a unique voting link.

The successful candidates will join Council members from the remainder of the UK, and appointed Councillors representing different segments of the profession, to form the AOP’s Council. The new AOP Council members will be announced in the week commencing 3 May 2021 and their first Council meeting will be Wednesday 9 June, which will be held virtually.