Applications open for AOP Hospital Optometrists Committee elections

The Hospital Optometrists Committee elections will be held in April 2025

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) Hospital Optometrists Committee (HOC) elections are taking place across three open seats.

The elections follow a change in the AOP’s byelaw that introduced an electronic voting process to replace the previous in-person voting system which occurred at the Hospital Optometrists Annual Conference.

The HOC represents the interests of optometrists employed in hospital services and works to improve best practices and maintain high standards of post-graduate education.

The Committee fosters communication between hospital optometrists and other healthcare practitioners, enhancing progress in the profession by driving initiatives that develop best practice and improve collaboration within areas of healthcare.

Candidates eligible to apply must:

Be a current AOP member
Work as a hospital optometrist (full or part-time) with a Health Authority, Health Board, or NHS Trust
Hold a position as an optometrist in a similar role at alternative NHS providers.

Adam Sampson, AOP Chief Executive, said: “The HOC plays a crucial role in championing the views of hospital-based optometrists and advancing the profession as a whole. It provides a platform to shape the future of hospital optometry, develop exemplar practices and uphold excellent standards of education and care. This year’s election is an exciting opportunity for dedicated practitioners to step forward and contribute to this vital work.

“I encourage all eligible members to consider applying for one of the open positions. Serving on the HOC offers a unique chance to represent your peers and enhance collaboration across the healthcare sector. Your voice can make a significant impact in strengthening the support and representation we provide for hospital optometrists.”

HOC members serve a three-year term.

Applications open on Monday 24 March and close on 11 April. Voting opens for the elections on 23 April and closes on 7 May.

The results of the election will be announced in May, with new Committee members officially welcomed at the June AGM.

For more information on the 2025 HOC elections, visit, www.aop.org.uk/HOCelection2025