The Mission of AHPO

• To promote the practice, education, training and research in the field of ophthalmology and vision science
• To promote high standards of care and treatment of patients with disease or disability affecting the eyes or vision
• To advance public education in ophthalmology and vision science
• To represent the needs and interests of ophthalmology and vision science in the provision and advancement of health care

Origins of AHPO

The organisation that developed into AHPO began as an initiative of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. In 1999 an ophthalmic skills Sub-committee was established to consider and recommend a programme for the education and training of ophthalmic support workers. A vocational education and training programme was proposed and the Sub-committee's report was accepted by the RCOphth Council in September 2000.

The Ophthalmic Skills Sub-committee was included into the Healthcare Science Project, a Department of Health initiative to develop National Occupational Standards for the Healthcare Science sector, and reorganise education and training and career pathways for Healthcare Science staff. See www.fedhcs.net

Establishment of AHPO

There is a long history of interprofessional working within ophthalmic services but as the Ophthalmic Skills Sub-committee members worked together to develop National Occupational Standards it became clear that wider and more formal representation from all ophthalmic related professional groups was needed. AHPO was established in 2002, became a registered company limited by guarantee in December 2003, and was registered as a charity in January 2005.

The members of AHPO are organisations, not individuals, and each full member organisation can appoint a trustee to the Board of Trustees that is responsible for the leadership of the organisation.