ABDO

16/04/2026

The new level 7 Diploma in Paediatric Eyecare is designed to develop advanced clinical, communication and analytical skills required for high‑ quality paediatric practice.

Find out more and apply https://buff.ly/ZJjzWY5

15/04/2026

ABDO will be running a CPD-accredited skills workshop at SightCare Live, which is taking place on 26 and 27 April at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham.

Titled ‘Frame modifications: room with a view’, the session will take place at 1.50pm on Monday 27 April.

With a members’ workshop and the SightCare Awards taking place on Sunday 26 April, the following day will see a full programme alongside a suppliers exhibition.

Read more:

ABDO will be running a CPD-accredited skills workshop at SightCare Live, taking place on 26 and 27 April at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham. Titled ‘Frame modifications: room with a view’, the session will take place at 1.50pm on Monday 27 April. It will be delivered by ABDO professional developme...

15/04/2026

Our president, vice president and CEO have set themselves a big challenge – visiting 100 practices across the country to connect with members and mark 100 years of our profession.

Do you have something exciting to share – a milestone, a success story or an innovative idea? We’d love to hear about it during our visit.

If your practice would like to be part of this nationwide tour, head over to the get involved page https://buff.ly/bZ0hHKt and fill out the request form. Let’s make 2026 a year of connection and celebration!

14/04/2026

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is calling on optical practices to get ready for World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, from 10 to 16 May.

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is calling on optical practices to get ready for World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, from 10-16 May.

14/04/2026

Book your place at Optometry Tomorrow today. Early bird tickets at a discounted rate are only available until 17 April, and several sessions are already close to capacity. Secure your spot now to avoid missing out.

Find out more:
https://buff.ly/zOQvmgR

The College of Optometrists is encouraging eyecare professionals to secure their place at Optometry Tomorrow 2026 before the early bird discount closes on 17 April. Optometry Tomorrow is the College’s flagship conference, and takes place on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June at the Harrogate Convention ...

14/04/2026

ABDO have added two new topics to its Focus on... health and wellbeing section in the clinical hub.

Healthy Living Optical Practice
Health champions

Members can find them here https://buff.ly/laaObAs

13/04/2026

SeeAbility has a vacancy for a Special School dispensing optician, Mobile-SEN Services

“This is an exciting opportunity for a full-time/ part-time dispensing optician to work in a non-commercial, clinically challenging setting providing complex, creative and often life-changing support with spectacles to young people as part of our NHS special school eyecare service.”

Find out more https://buff.ly/K0XYjqV

13/04/2026

ABDO has expanded its Level 7 Certificate in Paediatric Eyecare to a full Level 7 Diploma, strengthening the pathway for dispensing opticians looking to specialise in children’s vision care.

The new diploma offers:
• Seven online modules
• Blended synchronous and asynchronous learning
• Interactive CPD
• A practical workshop day
• A final professional assessment

Designed for busy clinicians, the content is delivered in flexible, bite‑sized formats and focuses on advanced clinical, communication and analytical skills essential for modern paediatric practice.

If you are looking to expand your clinical scope and deliver consistently high‑quality paediatric eyecare, this programme provides a robust, evidence‑ based route.

Course fees: £1,500 for ABDO members / £1,850 for non members.

Find out more https://buff.ly/ZJjzWY5

13/04/2026

Bookings are open for Optometry Tomorrow 2026, the College of Optometrists’ flagship conference, with an early bird rate for ABDO members.

Bookings are now open for Optometry Tomorrow 2026, the College of Optometrists’ flagship conference, with an early bird rate for ABDO members. Optometry Tomorrow 2026 will take place on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 June at the Harrogate Convention Centre – with expert-led talks, practical sessions, c...

12/04/2026

On 7 May, people in Wales will head to the polling stations to vote for their preferred candidate in the Senedd election. As a devolved nation, Wales has a distinctive approach to health and eyecare, with its own policies and priorities shaped by the Welsh government.

Each of the political parties brings its own perspective to the delivery, funding and organisation of health and eyecare services, reflecting broader ideological differences and regional priorities. Here, we take a look at those policies.

Wales goes to the polls

11/04/2026

ABDO president Kevin Gutsell joined dispensing optician Mandy Boucher at the RNIB in London for the latest stop in his centenary roadtrip. Mandy is practice manager at the RNIB’s low vision centre, supporting people with visual impairment through specialist services, as well as managing the product and advice centre.

She has contributed to the launch of RNIB’s adult low vision services quality framework and played a key role in developing the centre. She also works at City University one day a week in the third year dispensing clinic.

Mandy and Kevin were joined by optometrist Dr Louise Gow, RNIB’s head of eye health, optometry and low vision. Mandy, who recently completed ABDO’s management diploma, says what she loves about being a DO is that “it's all about helping people”.

Kevin was impressed by the attention to detail at the centre, from the entrance with specific lighting and QR codes to assist movement around the facility, to advice and resources to make sure everyone gets the support they need at every stage of their eyecare journey. There’s even a demonstration kitchen.

11/04/2026

In this month’s ‘How to be a great DO’ article, Rebecca Thompson highlights some of the practical ways that artificial intelligence (AI) can simplify everyday practice tasks such as ordering, record-keeping and communication – freeing more time for the conversations that really matter…

Tackling the admin pile with AI