From the Holmes Front

Jo with a new graduate at last month’s graduation ceremony

Well, my term as ABDO president has certainly been one of two halves.

I think most of us would rather forget 2020, but many positives came out of that year. Amongst these was the General Optical Council’s (GOC) decision to accept the recommendation of the Quality Assurance Agency that qualifications for dispensing opticians should be at least Level 6 on the regulated qualifications framework. This endorsed the value of ABDO’s Level 6 FBDO diploma and finally ended any doubt the GOC had.

At the start of 2021, we entered a third lockdown – but the future was looking brighter with the roll-out of the Covid-19 vaccines. All staff members were wearing personal protective equipment, practices had their Covid-19 risk assessments in place and most remained open throughout this period, working safely and offering our services as required by NHS England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Last year also saw ABDO launch its first annual plan, setting out the activities that are being carried out supporting, developing and representing all our members. As many projects resumed after the initial shock of the pandemic, evenings were filled with zoom calls, working groups were formed and groundwork laid.

One of these was the inaugural SEE (social, ethical and environmental) Summit, which took place last October. This event brought our industry together to collaborate with practice owners, practitioners, professional bodies and manufacturers. Personally, I learned how to embrace the green revolution by bringing our practice up-to-date and changing our procedures to be as sustainable as possible.

This month, we will resume face-to-face CPD – a sure sign that we are returning to normality.

As my presidency comes to an end, I’d like to wish all the very best to incoming president, Daryl Newsome, and vice president, Kevin Gutsell. Daryl will make a great president, as will Kevin as vice president.

ABDO is a fantastic organisation to work with and you, our members, are a joy to represent. Belonging to this optical profession not only fills me with great pride, but provides a real sense of purpose.

My time as ABDO president has given me memories I shall never forget.