Media Centre
Welcome to ABDO’s Media Centre where you can find out more about the Association of British Dispensing Opticians’ activities and events, and access news and analysis, expert opinion, press releases, annual reports and other media resources.
Our press team is happy to help you with your enquiries and provides you with information on eye care, eye wear and issues affecting the optical industry.
ABDO has a range of experts who can provides quotes and expert advice on many topics.
Contact us:
Carol Smith csmith@abdo.org.uk
What is a dispensing optician?
Find out more about the profession and what a dispensing optician does here.
View our press releases
ABDO awards two Life Memberships and Medal of Excellence
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ABDO revision event opens for student DOs
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ABDO Head of Communications and IT steps down from role
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ABDO National Resource Centre secures third digital sponsor
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ABDO National Resource Centre secures new digital sponsor
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ABDO in the news
Global Action for Eye Health
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The role of dispensing opticians
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7 quick and easy ways to reduce digital eye strain
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Are night driving glasses safe to wear?
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Antonia Chitty, Head of Communications and IT
Email: achitty@abdo.org.uk
Mobile: 07538 525476
Carol Smith, Communications Officer
Email: csmith@abdo.org.uk
Mobile: 07494 919533
Latest News
Demo lens recycling scheme launched
Programme open to all
Honours and awards at diploma ceremony
DOs receive Honorary Fellowships
OFNC meets health minister Stephen Kinnock MP
Promoting primary eyecare
Specsavers ranked “one of the best places to work in the world”
Staff praised opportunities to develop
ABDO launches new course in paediatric eyecare on World Sight Day
ABDO announce new board members
ABDO Medal of Excellence awarded to Graeme Stevenson
ABDO National Resource Centre secures first digital sponsor
ABDO gains GOC approval to begin delivering new diploma in contact lens practice syllabus
ABDO gains GOC approval to begin delivering Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship
ABDO open bookings for the ABDO clinical conference
ABDO to be featured in ITN Business ‘Global Action for Eye Health’ programme
ABDO Medal of Excellence awarded to Jo Underwood
ABDO announces dates for the ABDO Clinical Conference
ABDO to run pre-Board elections webinars
Applications closing soon for leadership and management training and qualifications
ABDO opens applications for the 2024 Management, Leadership and Training courses
ABDO revision event opens for student DOs
ABDO launches annual plan for 2024
DOs study myopia management at ABDO’s NRC
The NRC achieves Carbon Neutrality for the second year running
Full programme released for the SEE Summit
ABDO achieves carbon neutrality for the second year running
New speakers for the SEE Summit
New speaker for the SEE Summit
ABDO responds to the GOC contact lens consultation
New speaker for the SEE Summit
ABDO responds to NHS long term workforce plan
Andrew Symons appointed as adviser to the ABDO Board
ABDO releases new annual report
New SEE Summit speaker announced
ABDO’s response to free sight tests for special schools
SEE Summit keynote speaker announced
ABDO supports CHECT’s opticians protocol
New sponsor for Careers in Eyecare
ABDO Hamblin Memorial Prize for Scott Mackie for exceptional service
New resources to support practices to become more sustainable
ABDO launches new campaign to highlight the role of dispensing opticians
ABDO launches new online short courses in change and conflict management at 100% optical
ABDO launches annual plan for 2023
ABDO launches menopause guidance
Meet the ABDO team at 100% Optical
ABDO welcomes Ruth Shelton as new regional lead for the South of England
Book now for next week’s SEE Summit
ABDO comments on the ministerial sign off for eye care reform in Wales
Save the date for the SEE Summit
ABDO releases new annual report
Miranda Richardson to become ABDO Head of Professional Qualifications and Education
ABDO announces new high-profile role for Dr Alicia Thompson
Discover how to identify and handle conflict in the workplace
Can you implement change successfully at work?
ABDO’s NRC launches sustainability policy
ABDO calls for members to respond to Opticians Act reform consultation
ABDO partners with Royal College of Ophthalmologists Examinations
Eyecare to move to green phase
ABDO achieves Carbon Neutrality as part of its SEE Campaign
Optical bodies collaborate to release statement of intent on the environment
New management workshops address change and conflict
New Focus on Dry Eye Disease for ABDO’s Clinical Hub
ABDO launches strategy for 2022-2026
New website for ABDO’s Careers in Eyecare
Specsavers Hearing Care commits to NRC venue for training in 2022
ABDO General Secretary to step down at the end of 2022
NEW Sustainability Self-Assessment Tool to be launched at SEE Summit on 4 October
Optical professions and industry come together on sustainability
ABDO announces consultation day
Keynote speaker announced for the SEE Summit
How can manufacturing become more sustainable? Find out at the SEE Summit
How eco-friendly are contact lenses? Find out at the SEE Summit
Careers in Eyecare secure new sponsor
Save the date for the SEE Summit
Sponsors boost for Careers in Eyecare
ABDO revision event opens for Student DOs
New editor for ABDO’s Ophthalmic Lens Availability Online
ABDO launches Clinical Hub for members
ABDO responds to the GOC Council decision to approve new education standards and outcomes
ABDO’s Management & Leadership Training opened to all eye care and eye wear professionals
ABDO Award for Careers in Eyecare Campaign
ABDO freezes member subscriptions for 2021
ABDO to offer members online regional events
ABDO Members tune in for first online Consultation Day
Cautious welcome from ABDO for new ways forward for GOC ESR
ABDO calls for action on discrimination and harassment
ABDO comment on Joint Statement on GOC ESR
ABDO announces Board election results
Successful revision webinar for ABDO students
Statement on reopening from ABDO
Statement on driving from ABDO President Jo Holmes
New ABDO working group for Covid-19 Exit
TDO and CLO supervision changes
ABDO launches Leadership and Management training and qualifications
ABDO extends its reach in Wales
Another 20 years of commitment to optical education at ABDO College
ABDO updates guidance on contact lens aftercare frequency
ABDO response to GOC research into risk in the optical professions
ABDO welcomes Stuart Pell as new regional lead for the South of England
Barry Duncan, Deputy Chief Executive of ABDO, has resigned with immediate effect
ABDO responds to Which? Report
Statement from Deputy Chief Executive of ABDO, Barry Duncan in response to Channel 4 Supershoppers
Children missing out on eye exams
ABDO welcomes road safety statement
ABDO issues new range of patient leaflets
ABDO issues position paper on Myopia
Successful meeting for ABDO’s England Regional team
New members for National Clinical Committee
Contact Lens Opticians to offer acute eyecare services in Wales
Become an independent optician event
Max Halford appointed ABDO Clinical Lead
Brexit Advice for ABDO members
Exciting new partnerships in Australia and New Zealand
ABDO Awards at Optrafair Dinner