The Benevolent Fund of the College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists has been in operation since 2000. The fund helps to give financial assistance to optometrists, families and dependants when in times of need. Any College Member in need of support can apply to the fund.
The Fund is run by eight Managing Trustees, six elected by the College Council and two by the AOP Council. The current Trustees are Richard Broughton (Chairman), David Parkins, Norbert Cohn, Jonathon Kay, Michael Meadley, Margaret Packman, Helen Stanforth and Professor Geoff Woodward.
The Trustees consider a wide range of requests for assistance from active and retired members of the optometric profession and their families. Current grants include monthly payments to elderly or ill members of the profession or the widows of deceased practitioners, financial help with beneficiaries' electricity, gas or telephone bills or residential care fees, and grants to help infirm beneficiaries to go on holiday.
The Fund is run by eight Managing Trustees, six elected by the College Council and two by the AOP Council. The current Trustees are Richard Broughton (Chairman), David Parkins, Norbert Cohn, Jonathon Kay, Michael Meadley, Margaret Packman, Helen Stanforth and Professor Geoff Woodward.
The Trustees consider a wide range of requests for assistance from active and retired members of the optometric profession and their families. Current grants include monthly payments to elderly or ill members of the profession or the widows of deceased practitioners, financial help with beneficiaries' electricity, gas or telephone bills or residential care fees, and grants to help infirm beneficiaries to go on holiday.
For further information or if you think you know someone who needs help, contact:
David Lacey
The Benevolent Fund of the College of Optometrists and the AOP
PO Box 10
Swanley
Kent
BR8 8ZF
The fund's work is confidential and any information you provide will remain in strict confidence.