Optical body The Association of Optometrists has this month reported a 6% rise in its membership and 32% increase in legal and regulatory enquiries from 2014.
Last year its legal and regulatory team received more than 3,800 member enquiries. Employment issues were the single most common, followed by queries related to General Ophthalmic Services and patient complaints.
AOP chief executive Henrietta Alderman said: ‘The AOP has a responsibility to deliver on the trust given to us by our membership and provide value for money. In 2015 we continued to grow our membership and develop highly-valued services. Membership fees were frozen for the sixth consecutive year, while outstanding defence and legal support remained central to our tailored membership package.
‘In 2015 we deliberately budgeted for a surplus to assist us in achieving our recommended reserves policy. This allowed us to defend two performer members in the High Court which could have been a considerable cost. Once our reserves are secure we will be able to consider how best to further support and represent our members.’
