Optical assistant workshops now open to all

Workshops are run at the ABDO National Resource Centre

ABDO College is opening its Optical Assistant (OA) Practical Skills Workshop days to all sector colleagues, not just those studying on the OA training programme.

The workshop consists of a day at the ABDO National Resource Centre in Birmingham where sessions tailored to the OA role allow students to:

• Learn basic frame repairs and adjustments
• Discuss differing patient/prescription scenarios and their possible solutions
• Experience simulations of the visual symptoms suffered by patients with common eye diseases or conditions
• Learn about the common ’red eye’ conditions and who can help support those patients in practice

Courses coordinator for optical support programmes, Rian Love, said: “This workshop course underpins basic repair and adjustments that are vital in day-to-day optical practice – as well as the basics of how to interpret a prescription to best guide frame selection. In addition, it offers a great insight into how our more vulnerable patients may experience the world with simulation spectacles, which students have always found a beneficial experience.

“I am delighted that we are offering places on this workshop to a wider audience, enabling better patient care and understanding to everyone,” Rian added.

ABDO College head of operational services, Steve Hertz, commented: “The practical skills workshop has been a key part of our optical assistant course since its launch. The feedback has been consistently positive, and we are now pleased to offer this valuable and enjoyable day more widely.”

The first workshops will take place on 13 and 14 March and run from 9am until 5pm – with lunch included for all students.

Find out more, and book onto an Optical Assistant Practical Skills Workshop, on the ABDO College website.