The College of Optometrists

The Right to use the MCOptom or FCOptom affix

Access to Optometry in Practice

Access to the OPO Journal

Access to the College's E-Newsletter

Access to the updated Members' Handbook

Right to use affixes from any Higher Qualifications gained through the College and of course you could not take any of their higher qualifications.

Access to the College Library & Museum

Access to the College's Professional Support

Access to the Members only section of the College Website

Attendance at the Annual College Conference, Optometry Tomorrow

The College also lobby on behalf of the Profession and if not supported, who else would do it?

Also you cannot be a Pre-registration supervisor of PQE examiner if you are not a member of the College.

I'm sure there is more, but that will do for now.

I really don't mean to upset, but the journal and email newsletter are all I use from the college. Any professional support I have needed, I have used the AOP and they seem far more active in lobbying on behalf of the profession, or do I just not hear about what the College is doing? eg, what are they doing about the current GOS review?

If I choose to later be a pre-reg supervisor or do higher qualifications I can always re-join. For me, it just seems to be a large fee for little benefit - If I don't use my gym membership, I cancel it, I don't use these facilities.....

Is there anything that separates you from any other high street retailer?

If you do not think that there is, resign from the College.

Being a member of the College means that you support and abide by the code of practice and ethics as laid down by the College for the protection and benefit of the public - your patients.

If you are not concerned about standards of practice within your profession then do not support the College.

The function of the College is not for your benefit it is for the benefit of your patients and your membership is a statement that you support it in those endeavours.

I don't think the College does improve the standards of practice in the UK, if it did then it may want to do something about the GOS review which will undoubtedly reduce standards further (if that is possible)?

If you don't think the College is instrumental in raising and maintaining standards of practice what would YOU do to raise/maintain standards if the College did not exist?

Whether the College succeeeds or not is a different matter - I do not believe the College has enough political clout to obtain many concessions - but they do try!

It is supporting their attempts and the principle of the College that is important, not whether they succeed or not.

Remember that you can address concerns to the College through it's College Council regional representatives, who will be meeting in mid October. Their details (including mine) are available on the newly revamped College website.

Personally I'd appreciate any constructive criticism or comments about the College from its Yorkshire or Humber members that I could feedback to other College Councillors and the board.

That's the same rationalle I follow when I support my local football club!

I have friends who are not members of the College and still practise to the same standard as those who are .Many have left because it does seem a waste of money.Most patients have no idea about qualifications or the letters used and I don't see how that sets you apart from anyone else.