Our support is usually financial, to help with an immediate crisis such as an unexpected bill or other expense, or it may be to help by supplementing income on a short-term basis to meet regular outgoings.
Whilst financial assistance is a key part of what we do, we also offer a holistic approach including connecting people to specialist services who can help with organising and managing your finances. There is support, for example, with arranging mortgage holidays, consolidating debt or applying for benefits that can help you through difficult times. We can assist with the purchase of medical equipment such as motorised wheelchairs, IT equipment and white goods. Funding for counselling is available for those who may be struggling with personal challenges and where appropriate, optometrists returning to work have taken advantage of back to work courses run by organisations such as Optom Academy.
We do not offer funding towards debt but can refer you to specialist organisations that will be happy to advise you.
Our service is completely free of charge and our experienced team of trustees appreciate every situation is unique so will take time to provide tailored support for you whether it’s a one off payment or a short term helping hand you need.
We will consider any application for help. Please contact us in any one of the ways listed on our ‘Contact Us’ page.
The Association of Optometrist’s Peer Support Line is a confidential, free-phone helpline for individuals to discuss their problems or worries, big or small, work related or personal, with a trained empathetic peer who recognises the pressures of optical practice.
Calls are answered 24 hours a day, with volunteers on duty to return calls between 8am and 8pm. Calls are completely anonymous and only a first name will be requested (callers can use an alias is preferred).
Optical professionals at any stage of their career, from students to retirees. Non-AOP-member callers are welcome to use the line but should note that conversations may involve signposting to AOP services, where helpful and relevant to the subject matter. Callers are free to mention this to the volunteer who may be able to signpost them to an alternative source of support.
How to get in contact: Call 0800 870 8401 where your call will be answered by the call handling service who will then put you in touch with a volunteer.
Website: https://www.aop.org.uk/advice-and-support/health-and-wellbeing/peer-support-line
Any optometrist, retired optometrist who have been registered with the General Optical Council, a widow or widower of a optometrist or a retired optometrist. We can also help any dependent of an optometrist for financial support. Pre-registration trainees are also eligible to apply for support in exceptional circumstances.
Assistance from OptomHelp may be offered to beneficiaries on an immediate or short-term basis, depending on individual needs. In addition to financial support, the fund may also provide grants for specific needs such as medical equipment, back to work courses, or counselling services.
You can contact OptomHelp directly for guidance on the application process. Support is available via our website, by email or by phone- whichever is most convenient for you.
While financial assistance is a key part of what we do, we offer a holistic approach including connecting people to specialist organisations who can advise on organising and managing finances, and also career support for returning optometrists, or individuals who can no longer practice. Other support can be help with medical support devices such as wheelchairs, IT or low vision aids.
