ABDO launches 2021 Annual Plan
ABDO has launched its Annual Plan for 2021.
The ABDO Annual Plan for 2021 sets out the wide range of activities that ABDO will be carrying out to continue to support, develop and represent members.
ABDO president, Jo Holmes, said: “We know that Covid-19 made 2020 a hugely difficult year for everyone – both personally and professionally. ABDO will continue to support members in dealing with the pandemic’s challenges, while managing the organisation’s finances prudently and hoping that the coming year brings more positive news.”
In the plan, ABDO pledges to support members by providing:
• High quality continuing education and training (CET) to support professional development – through articles, webinars, online workshops and, when feasible, regional events
• Professional and personalised responses to requests and enquiries
• A range of professional qualifications to enable entry to the profession and the expansion of roles
• Support to gain accreditations needed to deliver enhanced services
• Guidance and tools via the Business Support Hub
• Advice and guidance on a wide range of clinical and regulatory issues, including via a new Clinical Support Hub
• A regular supply of news and information through eNews and Dispensing Optics
ABDO will represent the profession by:
• Representing members on cross-sector-bodies and committees to ensure the voices of dispensing opticians (DOs) and contact lens opticians (CLOs) are heard
• Working collaboratively with other organisations to promote eye health and the importance of high-quality dispensing
• Engaging with the General Optical Council (GOC) to influence regulatory developments
• Negotiating opportunities for members to develop their roles
ABDO will build on member development opportunities by:
• Reviewing the syllabus for the FBDO Level 6 Diploma in Dispensing Optics and responding to the GOC’s Education Strategic Review once this is concluded
• Having a greater focus on providing education and training that supports members’ continuing professional development
• Encouraging students to work towards the management and leadership qualifications offered in conjunction with the Chartered Management Institute
• Seeking to inspire the next generation of dispensing opticians through the Careers in Eyecare campaign
• Developing a new strategic plan – to take effect in January 2022 – that will set out a positive vision for the future, explain ABDO’s objectives and demonstrate the benefits members can expect to see
Jo added: “As our members’ professional body, we are proud to serve and safeguard the interests of dispensing opticians, contact lens opticians and low vision practitioners, and hope that 2021 proves to be a successful year for all.”
Download the 2021 Annual Plan here.