The AOP have announced they are an official supporter of the Health Equals campaign
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) today announced they are the first voice in eye care, to join Health Equals as a proud supporter of the campaign. The coalition works to improve the foundations of health and wellbeing across the nation, bringing together over 100 organisations from a wide range of sectors, united by a shared commitment to tackling the inequalities that affect life expectancy and quality of life in the UK.
Among the organisations supporting Health Equals are several with established roles in policy, research and public advocacy, including The Health Foundation, The King’s Fund, NHS Confederation and Patients Association. Their involvement highlights the collective commitment driving efforts toward fairer health outcomes.
The campaign aims to shift the national conversation on health by emphasising that opportunities for good health should be available to all. Health Equals advocates for change through evidence-led campaigns and by working closely with policymakers to ensure that action on health-shaping factors is placed at the centre of national decision making.
John White, AOP Communications and External Affairs Director, said: “We’re delighted to join this important campaign for health. The AOP has long called for equitable patient access to eye care – services that make a significant impact on health and wellbeing outcomes for patients. Good vision is not a luxury or optional ‘extra’, but we know many go without simply because of the postcode they live in or personal hardship.
“Everyone should have access to the care they need. Joining Health Equals reflects our belief that someone’s health should never depend on where they live or the circumstances they are in. The campaign’s focus on the wider factors that shape people’s lives aligns with our commitment to advocating for a system that is fairer for all.”
Paul McDonald, Chief Campaigns Officer at Health Equals, said:“We’re extremely glad to welcome the Association of Optometrists as part of the Health Equals coalition. It’s vital that we bring together a diverse range of voices to call on the government to improve health and wellbeing and stop lives being cut short across the UK. It’s an exciting time to be joining Health Equals; building on a successful year in 2025, we’re growing our coalition, activating our Parliamentary Champions Network of MPs and getting ready for more exciting campaigns this year. We look forward to working with AOP in achieving our goal of making health equal.”
The AOP continues to engage with Government and policy makers to ensure that eye health is recognised within wider discussions on health equity, and to highlight the importance of accessible, high-quality community eye care.
In February, the organisation launched its Eyecare everywhere campaign, calling for the same level of eye care services to be available to patients across the UK.
Optometry Scotland is the representative body for optometrists and dispensing opticians in Scotland. We welcome the news form the AOP and encourage our members to contact the office should they wish to discuss matters office@optometryscotland.org.uk