Post from the president

Kevin receives the chain of office from Daryl Newsome

After spending more than 10 years on the ABDO Board, and serving alongside seven presidents (who I can only hope to aspire to) I am honoured to be writing my first column as ABDO president. At such a time, I do wonder how someone whose first visit to an opticians was for a job interview in 1984, is now the president of the Association.

Within any career, there’s a journey and things generally happen by luck and/or judgement throughout the years. After qualifying, we probably start to think about future opportunities and possible challenges ahead. This might be continuing with further qualifications, increasing practice responsibilities, getting involved in education, sales roles and so on.

Alongside opportunities within the workplace, it was going to ABDO area meetings – before the times of CET/CPD – both as a member and then a speaker which really got me thinking about whether I could be involved with the future direction of the Association and dispensing profession. My time on the Federation of Manufacturing Opticians Board undoubtedly played an important role in my journey, as have far too many individuals to mention – from my very first day in practice to today.

Perhaps these words may prompt even a few of you to put yourself forwards for the upcoming ABDO Board elections; there is still time to submit your nominations by the closing date of 14 June. In this ever-changing world of optics, new ideas, approaches and faces are as vital for the Association as years of experience – so do please think about all the options open to you to get involved.

There are many issues and challenges facing the profession today. Myopia management continues to grow in importance, and there must be a concerted effort to ensure all patients, parents and carers are aware of the potential impact of myopia – now and in the future. In addition, it is vital that we continue to support the fight for appropriate GOS funding.

I would like to thank the ABDO Board for their trust in me, and our immediate past president, Daryl Newsome, who not only led the Board through challenging times, but who also greatly helped in preparing me to take on the mantle. I am looking forward to working with our new vice president, Brenda Rennie, and our CEO Alistair Bridge.

I hope to meet many members at upcoming regional events and at our clinical conference this autumn. If you would like to contact me direct, then please drop me an email at kgutsell@abdoboard.org.uk