Association of Optometrists

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) is the leading professional organisation for optometrists in the United Kingdom.
The organisation is a company limited by guarantee operating in a similar way to a trade union to "protect, support and represent" the interests of the practising professional as its primary concern.
It is one of the five representative bodies that make up the Optical Confederation.
Activities and services.
The Association provides a range of professional services and products to its members, including:
History.
The organisation traces its history back to 1946. when the Institute of Ophthalmic Opticians (formed in 1904) and the Joint Council of Qualified Opticians (founded in 1923), were incorporated into The Association of Optical Practitioners.
In 1986, the organisation renamed to the Association of Optometrists. The organisation retains use of the 'AOP' acronym.
In 2017 the organisation reported it had grown to "17,000+ members", "representing 80% of UK optometrists".
Publishing.
The organisation publishes a monthly professional journal, "Optometry Today".