Vivian Bush awarded honorary membership by the AOP

Vivian Bush awarded honorary membership by the AOP

Former Council and Board member for the Association of Optometrists (AOP), Vivian Bush has been made an honorary member.

Mr Bush, who represents the fifth generation of his family in optical practice, joined the AOP in 1985 and has stood on both AOP Council and Board. He has been active across many areas of the AOP’s work including as a member of the editorial board for its journal, Optometry Today, and as treasurer, trustee and strategy lead on the joint AOP and College of Optometrists Optical Benevolent Fund.

Mr Bush said: “Playing a role in shaping the AOP has been deeply satisfying and I am proud of what has been achieved. It has been a privilege to work with board colleagues, chief executives, and the AOP staff, to implement wide ranging changes across the organisation for its members.

“Most recently, the pandemic provided a severe test of organisational resilience; we were able to look after the membership in terms of providing an outstanding level of support and education whilst, helping them through a difficult time when their incomes were uncertain.

“I am deeply grateful to the AOP for the friends it has brought me, and the lessons learned over many years. To be awarded honorary membership is humbling, and I can only thank the membership for this recognition. I am glad to have been able to make a difference.”

AOP Chairman, Julie Anne-Little, said: “We’re delighted to award Vivian with an honorary membership, given his longstanding commitment and passion for the AOP’s work and his support for colleagues and members. Honorary membership is our way of saying a special thank you for his outstanding contribution.”