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 supports 26 optometrists, or their families in different ways and to various degrees. Cases range from unexpected accidents or illness, tragic road accidents, to widows with inadequate financial resources. The fund supports several practitioners who, after just a few years in the profession, are faced with severely disabling diseases such as multiple sclerosis or motor neurone disease which have put an end to their career. Again, regular financial assistance and respite care provides much needed relief. All beneficiaries also receive a regular Christmas grant. For further information or if you think you know someone who needs help, contact: The fund's work is confidential and any information you provide will remain in strict confidence.
The Fund is run by nine Managing Trustees, six elected by the College Council and three by the AOP Council. The current Trustees are Richard Broughton (Chairman), David Parkins, Norbert Cohn, Jonathon Kay, Michael Meadley, Margaret Packman, Richard Llewellyn, Ruth Cuthbert and Professor Geoff Woodward.
David Lacey
The Benevolent Fund of the College of Optometrists and the AOP
PO Box 10
Swanley
Kent
BR8 8ZF