The voice of UK optics
The Optical Confederation speaks and acts in a powerful and co-ordinated way for UK optical professionals, manufacturers, retailers, distributors and importers.
What we do
Optometrists and opticians need to be able to deliver a service which ensures that patients have access to eye care, through the provider of their choice, whether in the community, in their own home (for the housebound) or in eye clinics.
Working with partner organisations, the Confederation achieves these objectives by sharing information, aligning views, co-ordinating action wherever possible, based on a set of core values.
Members stand for the delivery of high-quality services and products for all, on the basis of choice, delivered by open, fair and competitive markets. The Confederation will challenge anti-competitive behaviours wherever they occur.
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About us
As the voice of UK optics, the Optical Confederation (OC) represents the 13,000 optometrists, 6,000 dispensing opticians and 7,000 optical businesses in the UK who provide high quality and accessible eye care services to the public.
We are a coalition of five optical representative bodies: the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO); the Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM); the Association of Optometrists (AOP); the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) and the Federation of (Ophthalmic and Dispensing) Opticians (FODO). As a Confederation, we work with others to improve eye health for the public good.
Our mission is to speak with a single, authoritative voice to the Westminster government, influencers and decision makers for the UK optical sector.
ABDO
The Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) is the only professional body in the UK solely dedicated to the interests of dispensing opticians, both individually and collectively, and to the profession of dispensing optics. Learn more
ACLM
The Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers (ACLM) represents the manufacturers of the vast majority of all prescription contact lenses and lens care products in the UK. Learn more
AOP
The Association of Optometrists (AOP) was formed in 1946 and since then it has grown into the leading optometry membership association in the UK. It is the only membership body solely dedicated to the support of individual practitioners, including dispensing optician members. Learn more
FMO
The Federation of Manufacturing Opticians (FMO) represents ophthalmic optical companies involved in all aspects of manufacturing, importing and wholesaling spectacles, and the manufacturers and distributors of ophthalmic diagnostic and eye examination technology. Learn more
FODO
The Federation of (Ophthalmic and Dispensing) Opticians (FODO) represents eye care providers and registered opticians in business in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Learn more