Focus on new services leads to AOP reshuffle

Plans announced by the Association of Optometrists (AOP) to launch a range of new services and product developments could put 10 jobs at risk, the organisation has revealed.

The AOP said it was currently consulting on the creation of 12 new posts, which would include experts in business development and IT and envisaged that all staff would have the opportunity to reapply for one of the newly created roles. The results of the consultation are expected in August.

Richard Carswell, interim chief executive of the AOP said: 'The AOP hopes to minimise the impact on individuals but recruitment from within won't be possible in every case.' Carswell added that the proposed restructure comes at a critical point, defined by reduced income, increasing competition, a more litigious society and pressures on clinicians to become more commercial.