Nominations will open for the Association of Optometrists (AOP) Council positions across elected and designated posts on 15 February, offering eligible members the opportunity to engage with policy making and the development of member services.
The AOP’s Council is made up of 33 members, with 13 elected to represent geographical constituencies across the UK, and 20 designated positions, representing various membership groups and modes of practice.
Emma Spofforth, AOP Chairman said: “Representing your profession at AOP Council presents a key opportunity to influence national AOP policy and guidance that is key to shaping the future of optometric practice across the UK.”
Tushar Majithia, Councillor for East Midlands said: “Being on Council gives the opportunity to help shape the future of the profession and adds an extra dimension to your career. It is an extremely rewarding experience that has added extra interest to my career and has given me the chance to get involved with roles that I would not have dreamed of before joining the Council.”
The positions open for nominations are:
- East of England (elected)
- East Midlands (elected)
- London (elected)
- North East England (elected)
- North West England (elected)
- South East England (elected)
- South West England (elected)
- West Midlands (elected)
- Yorkshire & the Humber (elected)
- Northern Ireland (elected)`
- Wales (elected)
- Scotland (elected)
- Undergraduate student (designated)
- Preregistration optometrist (designated)
- Newly Qualified and Early Career optometrist (designated)
- Dispensing optician (designated)
The geographical positions will be elected based on constituency votes. Designated posts will be appointed by members of the AOP committees.
The elected and dispensing optician posts have a term of office of three years, the newly-qualified and early career optometrists have a term of office of two years, and the undergraduate student and pre-registration optometrist positions have a term of office of one year.
Nominations for council will close on 14 March and results will be announced in May, with councillors officially welcomed into the Council in June.
Voting for elected positions will open on 28 March and close on 23 April. The results will be announced in May.
For more information on the 2024 AOP Council elections visit, www.aop.org.uk/council or contact rohamajan@aop.org.uk
