The AOP

Our Board Chair, Nizz Sabir, and Chief Executive, Adam Sampson, met with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists' President, Mohamed Elalfy, and Chief Executive, Ali Rivett, to discuss priorities for improving access to eye care and supporting sustainable services across the NHS.

A fantastic #WestminsterEyeHealthDay with our fellow #TheEyesHaveIt partners – funded by Roche Products Ltd. We launched our Shared Vision for Eye Care that calls for better care for people living with sight loss and eye health conditions. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

We have published our response to the GOC’s consultation on proposed updates to the testing of sight statement and changes to supervision and delegation. We’ll continue to engage with the GOC as it considers next steps and keep members updated. Read more: ow.ly/UAaT5101HzC

As conference season comes to an end, there is one clear take home for health policy: primary and community care are central to the NHS's future. Now that work moves from conversation into action to ensure optometry is central to tackling the postcode lottery in eye care.

We were pleased to attend the Health and Care reception and the Health Charity Showcase at the Conservative Party Conference. It was a productive evening, and a welcome opportunity emphasise the importance of improving access to primary care services.

It’s great to be in Birmingham for the Conservative Party Conference, advocating for optometry and contributing to discussions on how the healthcare system can better meet the needs of patients and communities.

As we wrap up our time at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, we've been encouraged to hear a strong focus on prevention, community‑based care and the need for a more ambitious, patient‑centred NHS. We'll be sharing more updates as conference season continues.

Chief Executive, Adam Sampson, reflects on our Health outside the hospital fringe event and why these discussions matter. He highlights how valuable it is to bring together partners, creating space for real policy conversations on the delivery of community‑based care.

A huge thank you to our brilliant panellists! Chief Executive, Adam Sampson was joined by Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Dr Ian Higginson, Cllr Dr Shabina Qayyum and Krupesh Hirani AM, for our Health outside the hospital fringe event at the Labour Party Conference.

We arrived at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool yesterday and it’s been an insightful experience, with extensive discussions on the pressures facing the NHS, public expectations of healthcare, and how services can be delivered more effectively in communities.

This #NationalEyeHealthWeek, we're highlighting the need for everyone to have access to the same level of enhanced eye care services, wherever they live. We continue to call for a system where enhanced eye care services are available to all. Explore more: ow.ly/9X2E50ZRmXs

In his new article for Progress, Chief Executive Adam Sampson, sets out how assumptions about where care should take place continue to hinder the shift towards safe, effective and convenient community‑based provision delivered in primary care. Read more:  ow.ly/Ql1050ZR1o9

We are pleased to announce that we will be hosting a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference on Monday 28 September, bringing together healthcare leaders to discuss how expanding neighbourhood‑led healthcare can help revitalise the NHS. Learn more: ow.ly/RCuo50ZQehM

It’s been a valuable few days at the Liberal Democrats Party Conference, with plenty of opportunities to discuss how healthcare services can better meet the needs of patients. More updates to come as we head to Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference this weekend.

We’re pleased to see today’s policy motion on primary care pass at the Liberal Democrats Party Conference. The motion recognises the crucial role of primary care in preventing illness, supporting early intervention and reducing the demand on hospitals.

We attended the @Moreincommon_ session at the Liberal Democrat Conference, where they shared findings from new public opinion research showing health remains a key concern for voters across all groups − underscoring the vital role of primary care.

We’ve arrived in Brighton for the Liberal Democrats Party Conference this weekend, where we will be engaging with parliamentarians and sector partners on the role of optometry in delivering accessible, community‑led eye care.

Our Roadshow series drew to a close in Belfast last night, and we want to thank every member who joined us across the nation to share their experiences, ideas and ambitions for community optometry. Watch for more.

Less than 24 hours left to have your say. Share your perspective on the GOC’s proposals to update its 2013 testing of sight statement – something that could shape how sight tests are delivered for years to come. Open to AOP members and non-members. ow.ly/1IXB50ZNrW3