Are you an optometrist or a dependent in need of help?
Life doesn’t always go to plan. Situations can arise that prevent us from pursuing our career, supporting ourselves and our families and planning for the future in the usual way.
The Optical Benevolent Fund is there to help people and their families when faced with difficult and unexpected circumstances when life doesn’t go to plan.
Established in 2000, the Benevolent Fund of the College of Optometrists and the Association of Optometrists provides financial assistance to optometrists and their dependants in times of need. This could be monthly payments to elderly or ill members of the profession or the widow/ers 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 Benevolent Fund team can also put you in touch with agencies that will provide completely confidential support and advice on issues such as disability, addiction and debt.
Any member or former member of the College of Optometrists or AOP, or their dependents, in need of support can apply to the fund.