ABDO attends Specsavers PAC 2023

The ABDO team at the Specsavers PAC

ABDO participated in its first Specsavers Professional Advancement Conference (PAC) yesterday – with Association president, Daryl Newsome, describing it as “the busiest PAC I have ever attended”.

Held on Sunday 17 September at the Birmingham International Convention Centre, the event was open to all in optics and audiology from both Specsavers practices and non-Specsavers practices.

Joining Daryl on the ABDO stand was ABDO clinical lead, Max Halford, and ABDO director of education, research and professional development, Dr Alicia Thompson.

Max said: “This was the first year that ABDO has had a stand at the event – and it was a wonderful opportunity for us to engage with our members working within the Specsavers Group. The level of interest shown in the ABDO Myopia Management Conference, and the upcoming plans around further qualifications in paediatric dispensing, were really encouraging. A large number of members also had enquiries around our minor eye conditions extended services course. We are really grateful for the team at Specsavers for the opportunity to engage with a huge number of clinicians at the event, and successfully raise the profile of both ABDO and the dispensing optician profession.”

Dr Thompson delivered a lecture to 450 delegates during the conference, titled ‘Every child is unique’. She said: “It was my pleasure to deliver this session. We had great discussions with like-minded colleagues about how we can make the patient experience more accessible and positive for all of our paediatric patients.”

Daryl added: “It was the busiest PAC I have ever attended, and I think it was made better by welcoming all – ensuring it was collaborative and inclusive.”

Improving eyecare access to the homeless

Improving access to sight care for those experiencing homelessness featured on the programme with a discussion workshop led by Ross Campbell, optometry partner at Specsavers Swaledale and Northallerton and a volunteer for Vision Care for Homeless People (VCHP). He highlighted a study showing that 82 per cent of people experiencing homelessness were dispensed spectacles at VCHP Christmas clinics.

“In this research, 32 per cent needed to be referred for an eye condition or had a condition that required management, while 10 per cent of them needed to be referred to secondary care for treatment,” he explained. “This is a lot higher than in the general population.”

Ross also highlighted the fact that people experiencing homelessness often cannot access benefits that entitle them to free NHS-funded sight tests and glasses. “When you don’t have a secure roof over your head, you’re not necessarily going to be thinking about when is my next eye test due. They may also feel uncomfortable going into High Street practices.”

Mr Campbell also spoke about his voluntary work at VCHP’s Leeds clinic, urging others to consider volunteering: “If you have the time and ability to volunteer, it’s massively rewarding because these are some of the most vulnerable people in our society, who are overlooked and underserved. We have the privilege of having the opportunity to help change their lives.”

Raising glaucoma awareness

The conference also saw glaucoma experts Professor Anthony King and Professor Roshini Sanders addressing delegates about the challenges and prospects for glaucoma care. It was announced that Specsavers has renewed its partnership with charity Glaucoma UK, which is chaired by Professor King.

“Specsavers is proud to organise this important event, which shares critical knowledge and learning for the benefit of patients and clinicians,” said Grant Duncan, Specsavers director of professional development. “It was inspiring to hear our expert presenters, with delegates taking away valuable CPD points as well.”

Recognising clinical excellence

Specsavers founders Doug and Dame Mary Perkins recognised the outstanding work of Specsavers colleagues from across the UK and Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland at the conference.

The Doug Perkins medal recognised clinical excellence by optometrists. They were Beth March-Jones for her work with Specsavers Sale in England, Sabina Arshad of Specsavers Llanishen in Wales, Elaine Hawthorn of Specsavers Stranrarer in Scotland, and Helen Rocks of Specsavers Banbridge in Northern Ireland. The medal was also given to Fiona O’Donnell of Specsavers Drogheda in the Republic of Ireland. The domiciliary clinical excellence award was given to Paula Conway of the York Home Visits service.

Dame Mary Perkins medals for outstanding clinical customer care were awarded to the team at Specsavers Ludlow in England, the Specsavers Caernarfon team in Wales, Diana Kelly at Specsavers Linlithgow in Scotland, and the team at Specsavers Antrim in Northern Ireland. From the Republic of Ireland, the Specsavers Tullamore team received the award. The domiciliary category was won by Claire Unsworth from the Manchester Home Visits service.

For audiology, the Doug Perkins medal was awarded to Brian Maher of Specsavers Clonmel in the Republic of Ireland while the Dame Mary Perkins medal was given to Kate Kulesza of Specsavers Aberdeen in Scotland.