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The Australian Optometric Panel (AOP)
is a group of sixteen practice principals,involved in 52 different
locations around Australia. Together they represent a cross-section
of independent optometry, practising in solo, partnership
and corporate structures; single and multiple locations; and
both large and provincial settings.
AOP was founded in 1987 by Tony Hanks,
an optometrist from Port Macquarie in NSW. He invited the
original 16 members to join him in forming the group and together
they have established this nationwide cross-section of professionals.
AOP is a not-for-profit organisation,
with all services and administration provided by members on
an honorary basis. The group was originally called
the Co-operating Optometrists Information Exchange (COIE)
and summarised
its' operation as purposeful co-operation and exchange of
information between members.
Objectives of the Australian Optometric
Panel?
The objective of AOP is to develop,
utilise and promote optimal practice management procedures
in order to ensure a level of financial efficiency within
each practice, thus permitting:
Clinical excellence and ethical conduct to be pursued as a
personal objective of every practitioner and their support
staff, and
Individual patient care to be delivered without concern for
the monetary outcome of appropriate clinical decisions.
What does the Australian Optometric
Panel do?
AOP employs a variety
of strategies to fulfil its' mission. Principal among these
are:
- Sharing of knowledge,
experience and industry intelligence.
- Problem-solving
through issues analysis and creativity.
- Use of bench-marking
within the group.
- Communication
with equivalent groups overseas to know and match international
best practice.
- Use of expert
guest speakers in relevant fields of finance, taxation,
QA and TQM, marketing, business and human resources management,
and individual personal development.
- Training sessions
for staff, using AOP members and specialist consultants.
Members of the Australian Optometric Panel?
AOP has rich human resources, and numbers
among its' small invited membership a visiting professor to
the University of NSW, a past national president of the Australian
Optometrical Association, a past national CEO, and past state
presidents. Also a World Council of Optometry "International
Optometrist of the Year", and a past global director
of clinical & professional services for the ophthalmic
division of Ciba-Geigy.
Because of its' state-of-the-art approach
to optometric practice, and its' acknowledged awareness of
reliable industry intelligence regarding change, the Australian
Optometric Panel is increasingly asked to provide counsel
to the manufacturing, wholesaling and service segments of
the optical industry in Australia.
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