Benefits of Membership
What We Offer
By joining BIOS, you become part of a professional community dedicated to advancing orthoptics and supporting its members. We offer comprehensive protection, exclusive resources, and expert guidance to help you thrive in your orthoptic career.
BIOS represents orthoptists, orthoptic technicians, academics, clinical assistants, and students across the UK and Ireland. Membership runs annually, with flexible payment options via Direct Debit, card, or BACS transfer.
For any questions, reach out to us at bios@orthoptics.org.uk.
Protection
Whatever happens in your career, BIOS membership gives you access to specialist advice, representation and services tailored to orthoptists.
- Exclusive insurance coverage for the full scope of orthoptic practice.
- Medical & Professional Liability Insurance: £2.5 million per claim (£5 million total).
- Public Liability Insurance: Up to £5 million coverage.
- Workplace representation on grievances, redundancies, and employment conditions.
- BIOS legal services, including personal injury claims, employment law advice, free simple wills, power of attorney, and conveyancing for members and their families.
Professional Development
BIOS provides opportunities for career growth, learning, and skill-building.
- Specialist networks & clinical advisory groups to connect and share expertise.
- Discounts on BIOS conferences, events, and study days.
- Free access to webinars, virtual events, and the CPD Library for on-demand learning.
- CPD Portfolio to track and manage professional development.
- Funding opportunities through the Orthoptic Education Fund.
Member Resources & Benefits
BIOS members gain access to exclusive resources to support their careers and stay informed.
- Award-winning PERL (Placement Expansion Resource Library) for continued education.
- Fortnightly updates via the Parallel Vision ezine and Bulletins.
- Exclusive job listings, including BIOS and international positions.
- Automatic membership to the International Orthoptic Association (IOA), with additional resources.
- Support for professional standards, including maintaining the British and Irish Orthoptic Journal (BIOJ) as open access.
- Free BIOS membership for students.
- Discounted insurance products and online discounts with major retailers.
Campaign and Influence
We amplify the voice of orthoptists, ensuring your profession is recognised and valued.
- Advocacy on key issues, such as vision screening for 4-5-year-olds and independent prescribing for orthoptists.
- Influencing policymakers & commissioners to promote the profession.
- Public awareness campaigns showcasing the impact of orthoptics.
- Guidance & resources to help members advocate for their profession.
- Collective bargaining for fair pay and working conditions.
