Green light for Blue Light Card

Benefits for DOs add to those of ABDO membership

Dispensing Optics can reveal that General Optical Council (GOC) registered dispensing opticians (DOs), contact lens opticians and optometrists (OOs) can now register for the Blue Light Card discount scheme – first launched in 2009 for those working in the UK’s emergency services, NHS and armed forces. GOC-registered student DOs and student OOs are also eligible to apply.

With more than 13,000 retailers – including big name brands such as Spotify, Greene King, Jet2holidays, Cineworld, Sky and Halfords – the Blue Light Card allows more than three million members to take full advantage of savings, discounts and benefits that are often unavailable to the general public. In 2023, Blue Light Card saved its members more than £330m across electricals, fashion, travel, entertainment, and more.

Speaking on the update, Blue Light Card’s chief operating officer, Andy Collins, said: “We’re really pleased to be broadening our eligibility into this new category, which will allow even more people to benefit from the incredible discounts available from our many retail partners.

“With spring just around the corner, we’ve got some brilliant discounts coming up for days out and holidays, plus many savings available on everyday essentials so we recommend signing up for a membership as soon as possible so you don’t miss out,” added Andy.

“I think many peers and members will agree with me that this has been a long time coming, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic when I started a campaign to get our sector recognised as frontline and primary healthcare workers,” said Matthew Farrugia, who had been campaigning for the Blue Light discount scheme to be extended to the optical sector. “I am extremely ecstatic that Blue Light Card has paved the way for our sector to be recognised and included. This could have not been done without the support of everyone in our sector, Dispensing Optics and ABDO, in particular Max Halford. I look forward to signing up as I am sure many others will do to.”

Welcoming the move, Max Halford, ABDO clinical lead, said: “It is great news that dispensing opticians will now have access to the Blue Light Card and the benefits it brings on top of ABDO membership. I welcome the work that the team at Blue Light Card have put in to making this happen – and particularly recognise the tenacity of dispensing optician Matthew Farrugia who has campaigned tirelessly to get eyecare professionals and their teams access.”

Registering for Blue Light Card membership is quick and easy. A card costs £4.99 and membership is valid for two years. It also includes access to the Blue Light Card app, where members can easily find information about all live offers.

In order for new applications to be approved quickly, new members should upload their GOC number plus a form of personal ID that matches, such as a passport or driving licence. Alternative forms of additional personal ID include: birth certificate, EEA member state identity card, UK residence permit or national identity card.

To register for a Blue Light Card, click here and select ‘Optometry’ as your service.