Councillors celebrate their role on AOP Council as new appointments open

AOP Councillors are encouraging peers to apply for designated posts ahead of the closing date on 11 April

Applications for six designated positions on the Association of Optometrists (AOP) Council are open until 11 April.

Councillors contribute to the development of the AOP’s policy work and member services and serve as representatives of the AOP’s membership.

Positions open for applications are:

Academic optometrist
Domiciliary care optometrist
Franchisee and Joint Venture partner
Newly-qualified optometrist
Pre-registration optometrist
Undergraduate student.

Speaking on the value of his role and why he wanted to get involved, Habeeb Rahman, AOP Pre-registration optometrist Councillor, said: “Being involved with a lovely team of Councillors and being able to contribute to and help shape the profession has been extremely rewarding. I would encourage others to apply for the position as I have enjoyed being able to network with people who are high-up in their field and receive recognition from those I aspire to become.”

Paul Chapman-Hatchett, AOP Domiciliary optometrist Councillor, said: “My motivation for becoming a Councillor was primarily driven by a desire to advocate for the domiciliary sector and really try and make sure the domiciliary voice was heard as loudly as possible at a national level. There’s a real opportunity to make sure that the views and the concerns of the domiciliary provider are heard as well as those of the domiciliary patient.”

“I have enjoyed having the opportunity to listen to other Council members and understand what my peers were experiencing, and how between us all, we could help drive positive change in the profession.”

Ali Yasen, AOP Newly-qualified optometrist Councillor, said “As a Councillor, you serve as a sounding board that allows practitioners from all over the country, from all different walks of life, and all at different points in their career journeys, to share their experiences and help inform the AOP. It has been a real privilege to have the ability to help enact some professional change.”

Terms of office

Domiciliary care optometrist, Academic optometrist, and Franchisee and Joint Venture partner – three years
Newly-qualified optometrist – two years
Undergraduate student and Pre-registration optometrist – one year.

The newly appointed Councillors will be welcomed to the Council at the June AGM.

To find out more about the Council appointments process and how to apply, visit www.aop.org.uk/appointments.