AOP forms American alliance

A new strategic alliance focusing on issues impacting optometric practice has been formed by the Association of Optometrists and American not-for-profit company VSP, which specialises in independent practice growth.

'The AOP is working closely with VSP to ensure VSP develops its business with full awareness of the issues affecting profitability and the delivery of patient care in the UK,' said an AOP spokesperson.

As part of the agreement, the organisations will form an advisory council which will include two UK-based and two US-based independent optometrists. The council will manage and respond to a user group of participating practices, which will share ideas with the VSP Neighbourhood Network. It will also advise the VSP board and put direct communications between optometrists at the centre of the UK programme.