AOP aims to adapt to meet members' needs

Falling salaries, restricted sight test times and conversion rates are just a few of the pressures bearing down on the profession, and have led to the 'root and branch' assessment by the AOP of its services to members.

Speaking at the annual general meeting last week, outgoing chairman David Shannon said the AOP was committed to offering value for money services to its members in the face of difficult and deteriorating economic conditions. One practical measure was the control of costs which had allowed the Association to freeze subscriptions rates to members but it wanted to do more.

'The Association has undertaken a root and branch assessment of our services to members. We, like any other organisation, must be constantly re-evaluating the needs of our members and adapting accordingly. Inevitably this leads to some tough decisions having to be made. There is no magic bullet, but we will do what we can.'