For the public

Welcome to the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). We represent over 6,000 qualified dispensing opticians in the UK who are registered with and regulated by the General Optical Council (GOC).

Did you know that all registered dispensing opticians have undergone a minimum of three years academic and practical training to qualify. Only dispensing opticians registered with the GOC can practise in the UK, or use the protected title dispensing optician.

Dispensing opticians are often known as DOs. Their specialist skills include giving your professional advice on lenses for work and leisure, lenses for driving day and night, UV protection, prescription sunglasses, spectacles for VDU use, sports and safety eyewear.

If your child needs spectacles you may be interested to know that their specs must be dispensed by or carried out under supervision of, dispensing opticians or optometrists registered with the GOC.

People with low vision should also only get spectacles and low vision aids from or under supervision of, dispensing opticians or optometrists registered with the GOC.

When buying eyewear ABDO always recommends that you seek the advice and services of a qualified optical practitioner so that your individual needs can be fully assessed and met.

There’s lots more information here for you about eyecare and eyewear, for adults and children.