AOP has union credentials

In response to the letter in Optician 12.12.14 (Optometrists need a real union), I would like to reassure the author on some of the issues raised and also thank them for the recognition given to the AOP for defending and supporting members, which we have done for almost 70 years.

We exist solely for the individual practitioner, and we are the only optometry body in the UK to do so. We do not offer corporate membership; our aim is to provide individual members with the advice and support they need no matter what their career stage or mode of practice. And our 15,500 plus members come from all walks of the profession; we do not distinguish between employee and employer.