AOP launches its strategy and roadmap

AOP sets out five-year strategy to ‘secure the present and shape the future’ of optometry

AOP launches its strategy and roadmap to achieving its targets   

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is launching its five-year strategy for 2022-2026 – setting out its vision for the future and a roadmap to achieving its goals.

Responding to profound changes in UK eye care driven by the COVID pandemic, coupled with proposed health reforms and new technology set to transform the way eye care services are commissioned and delivered, the strategy takes a much-needed long view on supporting the delivery and expansion of optometric services by AOP members now and in the future.

Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive, said: “Our strategy may be bold and aspirational, but it also comes at a time of real urgency. The future of eye care across the four nations of the UK has never been more malleable, and it is vital that we prepare for the seismic changes ahead – and do so without delay. Our members have a role to play at the very heart of the primary healthcare system as expert medical professionals alongside dentists, pharmacists and GPs, all of whom are playing a critical role in supporting the NHS and its mounting backlog in secondary care.

“Our strategy sets out a roadmap in which we must create a vision that defends and secures the legislative future of the profession, identifies members’ roles in the future of healthcare, and sets the agenda to influence policy making. We know our members, like so many, are facing a cost of living crisis, and our roadmap reflects the need for innovation in the economics in the optical sector, as well as our own future business model to ensure we continue to deliver the value for money members expect.”

Chairman of the AOP Board, Dr Julie-Anne Little, said: “At the core of the strategy is our commitment to secure the present and shape the future of optometry for the benefit of our members and the people they serve. We are committed to providing a membership service of the highest standard, enabling members to thrive and flourish in delivering excellent optical care across the UK. We look forward to collaborating with our colleagues at the AOP, our members and our external partners to deliver this strategy.”

The AOP’s strategy outlines the organisation’s key priorities over the next five years, centring on five pillars of activity and underpinned by the four core values that serve, protect and promote the interests of its members.

To read the strategy in full visit www.aop.org.uk/fiveyearstrategy