AOP 'sold out against rest of the industry'

The Association of Optometrists has announced its partnership with an optical exhibition set up in opposition to Optrafair, the optical industry show owned by the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians.

Both the FMO and the AOP are members of the Optical Confederation which recently said the strength of the optical sector relied on unity, cohesion and collaborative working (see Optician 24.05.13). The AOP’s move prompted the comment that the AOP had ‘sold out against the rest of the industry’.

The AOP was approached to take part in the delivery of education at Optrafair London, which takes place in Olympia next April 11-13, but declined. Shortly after, it announced its link to the rival show from outside the industry despite Optrafair London having already secured over 85 exhibitors. Optrafair London is being staged in collaboration with Optician.