A Registered Global Charitable Organization

Ensuring Compliance, Accountability, and Governance

Legal Status

The International Orthoptic Association (IOA) is a charitable organization and a company limited by guarantee, registered under UK law. This legal structure ensures that the IOA operates transparently, responsibly, and in alignment with its mission to advance orthoptics worldwide.

Date of Incorporation: April 16, 1974
Registered Company Number: 01166743
Registered Charity Number: 1122060
Regulatory Body: The IOA is regulated by the UK Charity Commission and complies with the provisions of the UK Companies Act.

What Does This Mean?

Charitable Organization
- The IOA operates as a non-profit entity, reinvesting all resources into initiatives that benefit orthoptists and the public.
- Its charitable status provides transparency and legal accountability, ensuring compliance with charity regulations.
Company Limited by Guarantee
- As a company limited by guarantee, the IOA does not have shareholders. Instead, its members act as guarantors, with financial liability limited to £1 per member.
- This structure ensures the IOA can hold assets, engage in legal proceedings, and fulfill its charitable objectives.

Governance and Accountability

The IOA is governed by its Council of Management, composed of elected representatives from national orthoptic associations and individual members. The Council ensures that the IOA operates:

In accordance with its Articles of Association and governing documents.
Transparently, with annual reports submitted to the UK Charity Commission and Companies House.
Responsibly, with financial and operational decisions aligned with its charitable purpose.

Regulatory Compliance

The IOA is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), ensuring compliance with global data protection standards, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

ICO Registration Number: ZA299270
Renewal Date: December 1, 2024

Why This Matters

As a legally registered entity, the IOA:

Ensures trust and transparency for members, stakeholders, and collaborators.
Operates with legal protections that support its charitable work worldwide.
Reinforces its position as a globally recognized advocate for the orthoptic profession.

The IOA remains committed to upholding its legal and ethical responsibilities to serve orthoptists and the public worldwide.