Professionals now eligible for Blue Light Card

Optometrists and dispensing opticians now eligible for Blue Light Card discount scheme   

The AOP welcomes the move, which recognises the important healthcare service provided by the optometry profession 

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is pleased to confirm that optometrists and dispensing opticians are now eligible to benefit from Blue Light Card discounts and rewards.

Blue Light Card is a leading discount provider in the UK, working with retail partners to provide exclusive savings to NHS workers, emergency services and the armed forces.

Carolyn Ruston, AOP Policy Director, said: “The announcement from Blue Light Card that optometrists and dispensing opticians can access the scheme follows constructive conversations with the AOP on behalf of its members, who had voiced their frustrations about not having access to the scheme for healthcare workers.”

Optometrists and dispensing opticians will now be able to take advantage of discounts and benefits from over 13,000 brands that are part of the scheme such as New Look, Spotify, Greene King, Jet2holidays, Cineworld, Sky, Halfords and Ninja.

Optometrist and Clinical Editor for Optometry Today, Ceri Smith-Jaynes said: “I’m delighted that optometrists and dispensing opticians can now benefit from the savings offered by Blue Light Card. As primary care clinicians who look after patient’s eye care in the community, it is only right that we are recognised alongside other healthcare providers in the NHS. It is great news that eye care professionals, whether working in community practice or hospital, will be able to make cost savings, particularly when many of us are feeling the cost of living squeeze.”

Speaking on the update, Blue Light Card’s Chief Operating Officer, Andy Collins, said: “We’re really pleased to be broadening our eligibility into this new category which will allow even more people to benefit from the incredible discounts available from our many retail partners.

“With spring just around the corner we’ve got some brilliant discounts coming up for days out and holidays, plus many savings available on everyday essentials so we recommend signing up for a membership.”

Registering for Blue Light Card membership costs £4.99 and membership is valid for two years. It includes access to the Blue Light card app where scheme members can find information about live offers.

To apply, new scheme members will need to upload their General Optical Council registration number plus a form of personal ID that matches, such as a Passport or Driving Licence. Alternative forms of additional personal ID permitted include: Birth Certificate, EEA Member State Identity Card, UK Residence Permit or National Identity Card.

More information is available from the Blue Light card website.