Insurance and why you need it

Professional Indemnity / Medical Malpractice - Information About Your Policy

All ABDO members (qualified as FBDO) must retain professional indemnity insurance in accordance with GOC regulations. If you make a mistake or hurt your client unintentionally then this policy will respond.

The circumstances surrounding claims of malpractice can be very stressful. This insurance cover will pay for a specialist lawyer to defend you, and if necessary will cover any compensation you must pay.

The policy will pick up the defence for any claims which are made against you, whether they are justified or not. This way the insurance takes the strain, leaving you free to run your business.

The ABDO scheme is available to members of the Association who are fully qualified dispensing opticians, residing in the United Kingdom. It covers students of yours whilst under direct supervision in practice by a current individual member. It does not cover optometric work.

This insurance policy provides protection for you as an individual. Opticians practices’ should consult their own insurance broker about insuring their own professional indemnity / medical malpractice exposure. ABDO are an Appointed Representative of Lycetts Insurance Brokers (FCA Registration 310623), who would be happy to offer advice and a quotation for you. Please contact them directly on 01604 782782 or email Manjit.sandhu@lycetts.co.uk.

2024 Fees:

*Please contact ABDO Membership services on 01227 733911 if you are a member and would like to upgrade your level of cover to include MECS, or if you are carrying out post-operative refractive care.

Note that the registration fee covers both the cost of the insurance and the administration of the policy by ABDO.

Note that no pro rata fee or refund is offered should you join or leave the scheme during the year (with the exception of newly-qualified FBDOs, qualifying after 31 May, who may pay a reduced fee of £22.50 if joining the scheme in the year of qualification).

Once selected, your insurance will renew automatically each January, with your annual membership subscription. Cover will remain in force provided payment is received by 31 January in the year the fees are due (unless paying in instalments by Direct Debit).

Failure to pay your ABDO membership subscription and/or your ABDO professional indemnity insurance fee will result in your withdrawal from the scheme.

Complete the application form to apply for this cover.