ABDO

29/12/2025

Are you our next regional lead?

ABDO is looking for a regional lead for the North of England to help shape the future of eyecare policy and support our members.

This is a flexible, home-based role (around 1.5 days per month) – perfect for someone with eye sector experience and a passion for advancing the profession.

If you’ve worked with local eyecare committees and want to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

📅 Apply by: 4 January 2026
📧 Send your CV and cover letter to policy@abdo.org.uk
Interviews: 12–13 January (via Teams)

👉 Learn more about ABDO and the role: https://buff.ly/jhQFObj

29/12/2025

ABDO is preparing for a year of events and activities in 2026 to celebrate 100 years of the dispensing optics profession – and is looking for members to get involved too.

ABDO is preparing for a year of events and activities in 2026 to celebrate 100 years of the dispensing optics profession – and is looking for members to get involved too. “In 2026, we will be celebrating 100 years since our predecessor organisation, the Association of Dispensing Opticians, came ...

23/12/2025

The ABDO offices will be closed 24–29 December and 1 January. Season’s Greetings to all our members!

22/12/2025

Bradford College has been named as a national finalist in the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards

Bradford College has been named as a national finalist in the 2026 Apprenticeship & Training Awards. The College is one of three providers of the ABDO ophthalmic dispensing apprenticeship, alongside ABDO College and Capital City College, and is amongst 94 entries on the shortlist for the prestigious...

21/12/2025

Pybus Opticians has a vacancy for a dispensing optician in Canterbury

“Are you an amazing dispensing optician? Then we have just the job for you!” Find out more https://buff.ly/1bswJVZ

20/12/2025

Haine & Smith Opticians has a vacancy for an optical advisor in Marlborough, Wiltshire

“Join Haine & Smith as an optical advisor and be the welcoming, friendly face supporting patients with first-class care every day!” Find out more https://buff.ly/Gt2aaSM

19/12/2025

An eyecare clinic in rural India welcomed its first patients last month, after a three-year fundraising campaign by Hoya Lens UK.

Eyecare clinic in India opens its doors

19/12/2025

ABDO member and contact lens optician, Samantha Houghton, was named Dispensing Optician/Contact Lens Optician of the Year at the recent Optometry Wales awards.

ABDO member and contact lens optician, Samantha Houghton, was named Dispensing Optician/Contact Lens Optician of the Year at the recent Optometry Wales awards. Specsavers clinicians and teams won five awards in total on the night. The company’s Haverfordwest practice, where Samantha practises, won...

18/12/2025

The General Optical Council (GOC) is seeking two new council associates – one dispensing optician (DO)/contact lens optician (CLO) and one optometrist. https://buff.ly/GGtSz2a

The General Optical Council (GOC) is seeking two new council associates – one dispensing optician (DO)/contact lens optician (CLO) and one optometrist. Launched in 2021, the GOC’s council associate scheme provides first-hand experience of board and committee governance. Designed to provide broad...

18/12/2025

Today, ABDO president Kevin Gutsell and communications and engagement director Gavin Berkerery had the pleasure of visiting ABDO member Claire Hayden at her practice. Kevin presented Claire with a fresh copy of her dispensing optician qualification certificate – a proud reminder of her professional achievement.

This certificate will be featured in store to promote the dispensing optician qualification to the public and will sit perfectly alongside HAYDENSWAN Eyecare’s recent accolade: Optician Awards – The Sustainability Award!

During the visit, Kevin, Gavin and Claire shared an inspiring conversation about how we can raise awareness and deepen understanding of the vital role dispensing opticians play in patient care.

Engaging with our members is crucial, if you'd like to get involved in our 100 yrs celebrations and practice visits, find out more here https://www.abdo.org.uk/get-involved/

18/12/2025

The ABDO National Resource Centre in Birmingham has announced the Eyewear Café as its newest gold digital sponsor. https://buff.ly/iFWUg6M

17/12/2025

We explore the role and benefits of mentoring in supporting mental health.

The CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, suggests that managing and supporting people’s mental health at work is a critical challenge for employers. A study by Deloitte in 2023 found that 63% of respondents experienced at least one characteristic of burnout – feelings of ex...