It supports over 82% of practising optometrists (members) to fulfil their professional roles to protect the nation’s eye health.

The Association provides a range of professional services and products to its members, including: The organisation traces its history back to 1946.

[1] when the Institute of Ophthalmic Opticians (formed in 1904)[2] and the Joint Council of Qualified Opticians (founded in 1923),[2] were incorporated into The Association of Optical Practitioners.

In 2017 the organisation reported it had grown to "17,000+ members", "representing 80% of UK optometrists".

[6] The organisation publishes a professional journal, Optometry Today.