2008 Ophthalmology Innovation Awards - Call for Entries

(Posted: 08 May 2008)

The Ophthalmology Innovation Awards 2008
Call for Entries

The 2008 Ophthalmology Innovation Awards are now open.

Do you have a brilliant idea that could change the lives of those living with eye disorders? For a chance to have your idea validated by a panel of experts and to win R&D funding of up to £500.000 click here for more details http://medicalfutures.co.uk/pdfs/2008_Awards.pdf

To get help with your idea from a series of experts in Ophthalmology, register for the i2 Event http://medicalfutures.co.uk/pdfs/2008_i2_optha.pdf

New GOS Contracts (England)

(Posted: 06 May 2008)

Guidance from the Representative Bodies

Prepared by ABDO, AOP, BMA and FODO

Please click here to view or download

ABDO Annual General Meeting and Benevolent Annual General Meeting

(Posted: 05 May 2008)

The 22nd Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held on Sunday 28 September 2008 at 5pm, at the Midland Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester M60 2DS.

The Annual General Meeting of the Benevolent Fund will be held on Sunday 28 September 2008 at the Midland Hotel, 16 Peter Street, Manchester M60 2DS, immediately after the ABDO AGM.

Please click here to view or download the notice

URGENT INFORMATION FOR PRACTICE OWNERS

(Posted: 15 April 2008)

Please see the advice which has been publicised today on the new GOS contracts which is the end to grandfathering. This advice is very important for all practice owners, irrespective of whether they are currently contractors or not.

Click here for the New GOS Contracts in England.

If you require assistance with this please contact Katie Docker on 01227 733912 after 28th April or email membership@abdo.org.uk

VAO TRUSTEES REQUIRED

(Posted: 09 April 2008)

TRUSTEES REQUIRED

Registered Charity No 1081695
www.vao.org.uk
This is an unpaid position.

Vision Aid Overseas is a charity dedicated to helping people in the developing world who have problems with their eyes, particularly where spectacles can help. It is determined to operate to the highest standards with a view to expanding and helping more patients. Two vacancies for Trustees occur in October 2008 and the Board welcomes applicants with both strategic and management experience in significant organisations. Experience in the developing world would also by useful and it is hoped that one of the Trustees appointed will have knowledge of dispensing optics. CVs by email to Director@vao.org.uk

Closing date 5 May 08. Interviews in London Mon 19 May 08.

ABDO College seeks to launch a Foundation Degree course

(Posted: 02 April 2008)

Press Release

ABDO College seeks to launch a Foundation Degree course

ABDO College based in Godmersham Park, near Canterbury, Kent has announced that, working in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University, it is seeking to launch a Foundation Degree course in Ophthalmic Dispensing and it is currently anticipated that, subject to final approval and validation, the course will commence in September 2008.

The Foundation Degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing is designed for those employed as trainees in the optical sector who wish to access academic qualifications by blended learning. It has been specifically designed to place significant value on learning in the workplace, providing a balance between work-based learning and academic learning which combines distance learning activities with block attendance at ABDO College.

Students can attain a Foundation Degree after successfully completing the first two years of the course which will then equip them with transferable skills enabling them direct access to the third and final year with an opportunity to attain a BSc Hons (subject to validation) in Ophthalmic Dispensing together with a registerable FBDO professional qualification.

The new course will offer students wishing to acquire an education in dispensing optics, at a higher level, with a far greater choice of options than ever before. After the second year and having gained a Foundation Degree graduates have the opportunity to embark on BSc Hons (subject to validation) in Ophthalmic Dispensing course or other higher educational courses. Alternatively, after either the first or second year, students still have the option of switching to the existing distance learning Fellowship Dispensing Diploma course that the ABDO College will continue to run in parallel.

The two routes to FBDO through the Foundation Degree followed by the BSc Hons or the Fellowship Dispensing Diploma allow for greater flexibility of entry as well as exit points. The role of the BSc Hons degree qualified dispensing optician in practise will not initially be significantly different to that of the diplomate, however the graduate’s opportunities for career development will expect to be enhanced. Faster and further progress into specialist fields, management and allied professions such as optometry are also to be expected. The introduction of graduate skills will also broaden the knowledge and academic ability of the graduate allowing them to experience their role with the benefit of judgement, problem solving and enquiry skills not available to the diplomate.

ABDO College feels there is a genuine market demand from both employers and students alike, it is therefore currently seeking approval from the GOC and working with partners and stakeholders to ensure the September introduction date is secured.

The Shared Vision Roadshow

(Posted: 26 March 2008)

ABDO 2008 A New Vision

ABDO’s Head of Professional Services, Elaine Grisdale, will be participating in The Shared Vision Roadshow alongside See20/20 and Nikon Optical. Elaine will be describing the benefits of attending the NEW ABDO conference (New Vision 2008) in September. The event promises to be one of the most influential of the year, and a valuable experience for opticians practicing in today’s retail-orientated world.

See20/20 has teamed up with industry giants Nikon Optical and the Association of British Dispensing Opticians to present an unmissable event for eye-care professionals. The Shared Vision Roadshow is visiting 4 UK-wide locations for afternoon and evening seminars, demonstrations and networking sessions.

Registration is completely FREE, drinks and buffet are included, and attendees will have the Opportunity to win a state-of-the-art Nikon camera and a case of luxury wines.

Find out how IT can make a difference to bottom-line profitability
See20/20’s industry-leading Practice Management Software brings significant improvements in communication, customer service and efficiency to deliver tangible financial results. Managing Director Andrew Chance-Hill will be showing you how to get the best from your IT and unveiling the new order service direct to Nikon.

See pioneering optical technology demonstrated
Nikon’s See Series custom-made range of lenses has been specially developed for optimum visual performance. Kevin Gutsell of Nikon UK will be demonstrating the innovative Progressive and Single Vision Lenses, and SeeCoatTM, an advanced, light-control AR coating for the ultimate protection of clarity.

For further details of The Shared Vision Roadshow including locations, dates and registration please see attached pdf.

Places are limited, so register for FREE now.

Vouchers at a glance

(Posted: 25 March 2008)

The latest edition of the extremely useful publication ‘Vouchers at a glance’, which contains the new values that will come into effect 1 April 2008, is now available for you to view and download as a pdf file.

As usual a hard copy will be distributed as an insert with Dispensing Optics; however should you need additional copies for your practice these are available free of charge by contacting ABDO Membership Services on 01227 733902 / 01227 733912 / 01227 733922 or at membership@abdo.org.uk

Click here to download the publication.

Optical Consumer Complaints Service - Relocation of office

(Posted: 25 March 2008)

With effect from Friday, 28 March 2008 the OCCS details are as follows

Telephone number: 0844 800 5071
Fax - 01730 265058
Postal address will be OCCS, P O Box 219, Petersfield GU32 9BY.
Email addresses:-
admin@opticalcomplaints.co.uk
postbox@opticalcomplaints.co.uk

Sportfair 08 April 27/28 Manchester United Football Ground

(Posted: 25 March 2008)

We are very keen to involve ABDO as much as possible in the interesting developments of our understanding of vision in sport.

The importance of vision correction and sports specific appliances and contact lenses has been rather forgotten in a slightly misplaced concern over vision therapy and eye exercises. Recent research points clearly in the direction of visual correction and a much stronger collaboration between Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.

We would be very grateful if you could circulate your membership about this year's Sportfair in Manchester and the Special Practice offer of £599 for up to three members for the two days.

Sport Fair 08 - Background information

Sport Fair 08 - Programme

Sport Fair 08 - Details and Booking Form

Transitions Optical commits to ABDO sponsorship

(Posted: 03 March 2008)

The Association of British Dispensing Opticians and Transitions Optical are jointly pleased to announce that Transitions Optical has committed to provide sponsorship to both the ABDO Conference and the ABDO College.

Luca Conte, Business Manager for Transitions Optical in UK and Ireland, said ‘The core values of training and education, which are vitally important to ABDO, are fully shared by Transitions Optical hence a long term strategic partnership is an ideal opportunity for our company. Our support for the Association and the ABDO College clearly demonstrate our stated intent on assisting the continued development of high dispensing standards in the UK.

Sir Anthony Garrett, General Secretary of ABDO commented ‘The new look ABDO conference offers Transitions Optical an ideal vehicle to communicate directly with our members. The ABDO College in Godmersham has recently attracted a number of new sponsors and the added support of Transitions Optical will assist continued investment in new lecturing presentation equipment and greater promotion of the College bookshop. In becoming one of the major sponsors of the 2008 ABDO conference, as well as a sponsor of the ABDO College, Transitions Optical is not only demonstrating its support but also the importance it places on professionalism in modern dispensing practice and its future development’.

Luca Conte added ‘We intend to position ourselves as a leading supporter of Britain’s dispensing opticians and to be actively involved with their education. Becoming an official sponsor of the ABDO College, combined with playing our part in the re-invigoration of the ABDO Conference and its appeal that we feel it will have, particularly to younger members, is the perfect platform for Transitions Optical to highlight its commitment to UK optics’.


Luca Conte, Transitions Optical Business Manager for UK and Ireland (left), is thanked for his company’s sponsorship by Sir Anthony Garrett, General Secretary of ABDO.

A NEW VISION FOR THE 2008 ABDO CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

(Posted: 29 February 2008)

The ABDO is pleased to announce that it is launching a completely new format for its annual conference and exhibition which will be held at the prestigious Midland Hotel in Manchester on Saturday 27 to Monday 29 September 2008.

The Association is urging its members and other optical professionals to ‘save the date’ using a ‘teaser’ campaign, with a view to releasing further details as part of the build-up to the event in the months to come.

A large number of major sponsors, including many international names, have already been secured underlying the enthusiastic support and commitment for what promises to be a major new event in UK optics.

Advance details already confirmed by ABDO are:

• A new Pre-Conference Golf Tournament is to be held on Friday 26 September


• The Association’s first ever three day Conference and Exhibition event


• A Cocktail reception evening, hosted by Essilor, is to be held in Harvey Nichols on Saturday 27 September


• On Sunday 28 September a Celebration Dinner will take place in the gothic splendour of Manchester Town Hall, featuring music from one of the regions top live bands, sponsored by Transitions Optical


• The dinner will be followed by a Casino sponsored by Shamir UK


• The grand final of the Essilor Challenge Trophy, a competition for student DOs that offers the winners an expenses paid trip to the USA, will be held on the morning of Saturday 27 September


• In conjunction with Optical World and supported by the FMO the introduction of the first ever ‘SpecTech’ forum which will feature new manufacturing innovations and how they can be applied to retail optics -to be held in the afternoon of Saturday 27 September


• International and as well high profile speakers from the UK


• The ABDO Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 28 September


• A comprehensive series of CET approved lectures


• A wide and varied programme of business and personal development related seminars


• The ABDO Conference CET lecture and seminar programme will run throughout Sunday 28 and Monday 29 September


• Style Clinic


• A bigger and better exhibition that will include leading names as well as specialist companies, that will run for all three days from Saturday 27 through to Monday 29 September


• The exhibition will showcase a wide range of products and services including frames, sunglasses, lenses, contact lenses, practice management software, instruments and equipment – plus exclusive attendance from designer companies who do not normally exhibit in the UK


• Optical question time, to take place on Monday 29 September


• A comprehensive partners’ programme


• The event also runs in parallel with the 27th Biennial Convention of the International Opticians Association (IOA)

The Mansion House in Godmersham Park is now available for conference hire

(Posted: 21 February 2008)

The ABDO College based in The Mansion House in Godmersham Park, near Canterbury, Kent is now making its facilities available outside of its normal academic timetable hours to companies and organisations that are looking for an ideal venue to hold their meetings, seminars, product launches, educational or business conferences.


ABDO College, Godmersham, Kent

A brochure providing details of the extremely competitive conference and meeting room hire charges is available from the College upon request by contacting Paula Hall by telephone on: 01227 733905 or email [phall@abdo.org.uk] or download the PDF of the brochure and the Booking Form.

For companies seeking a prestigious venue in South East England, Godmersham Park could prove to be just the right place to hold their event.

Information for DOs on current grandfathering arrangements

(Posted: 15 February 2008)

ABDO hope to have good news shortly on the arrangements and changes to the regulations regarding contractor status for DOs in practice and the consequent end to the grandfathering arrangements.

We understand from the Department of Health that there will be transitional arrangements put in place after 1st April 2008 with the new arrangements coming into force on 1st July.

Please let me know if you would like further details on this when they are available by emailing [membership@abdo.org.uk] with your name and membership number.

Katie Docker
Head of Membership Services
Association of British Dispensing Opticians

New Ciba Vision Poll about CET funding for Dispensing Opticians

(Posted: 06 February 2008)

We would urge our Members once again to log onto the CibaVision Specialist club (see instructions) to take part in a subsequent independent poll.

ABDO and CIBA VISION would like to hear your opinions.

The poll will be posted on the 'Specialist Club' forum but will only be accessible to registered Club members. However, membership is free and enrolment is simplicity itself:

• Visit http://specialist.cibavision.co.uk

• Click on 'Register/Login' followed by 'Create Account' and fill in the relevant fields

• Within 48 Hours, (worst case scenario) you will be cleared (and notified) for full access to the 'Forum' and be registered as a Club member.

Thank you for participating and helping to raise the profile of this cause.

Welsh Optometric Conference

(Posted: 25 January 2008)

The Welsh National Optometric AGM and Conference is being held 14th - 16th April 2008.

Please click here to view details

Technicians needed for VAO optical workshops and glazing

(Posted: 19 January 2008)

Technicians needed for VAO optical workshops and glazing

As Vision Aid Overseas moves towards providing more sustainable eyecare in the developing world, the number of optical workshops we are establishing in our target countries is increasing.

Once the workshops have been built and fitted with the necessary equipment, it is important that VAO maintains contact with workshops for a number of reasons. The local staff employed in the workshops need additional training from time to time and the machines have to be serviced and repaired.

Continuing support is vital to ensure workshops are a success and make worthwhile contribution to their communities. VAO needs optical technicians who would be willing to travel in teams to the developing world installing and servicing these workshops. Projects in general last two weeks and team numbers range from five to ten people. VAO projects are a great way for optical professionals to use their skills to help others less fortunate.

VAO also requires the skills of technicians who want to help but cannot commit to going overseas on a project. If you have the machinery and ability to glaze spectacles, you could make a real difference to the eyecare VAO delivers in the developing world. If you feel you can contribute to this very worthy cause, please contact us and we will provide you with the necessary lenses and frames.

If you have the technical skill or would simply like some more information, please contact the VAO office on 01293 535016 or visit the website www.vao.org.uk - see link below.

LOC January Newsletter

(Posted: 12 January 2008)

Click here to view the LOC Newsletter January 2008

ABDO Newly Elected Board Members

(Posted: 17 September 2007)

The newly elected ABDO board members are as follows

Mr Ted Moffatt FBDO
Mr Garry Kousoulou FBDO
Mr Peter Black FBDO

Michael Potter has joined ABDO as Marketing Manager

(Posted: 04 July 2007)

ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH DISPENSING OPTICIANS
199 Gloucester Terrace
London W2 6LD

PRESS RELEASE – 3RD JULY 2007

Michael Potter joins ABDO Team

Michael Potter has joined ABDO as Marketing Manager with effect from Monday 9th July. Michael has joined ABDO initially on a six month contract to develop a marketing strategy for the Association. Michael is joining ABDO after a long career in marketing and sales with Rodenstock. He qualified as a Dispensing Optician in 1977 and registered with the GOC at the same time. Initially he worked in practice in Kent before joining Rodenstock.

ABDO General Secretary Tony Garrett said when announcing the appointment “I am delighted to welcome Michael Potter to the ABDO team. He brings extensive sales and marketing expertise to the Association and I am looking forward to working closely with him in developing new initiatives for our members. In addition his skills will be of considerable benefit to the various departments within ABDO and should help us improve our existing services.

Michael Potter said “I am delighted to be offered this new challenge and look forward to playing a part in progressing the role and status of Dispensing Opticians”

END

ABDO Benefits and Concessions

(Posted: 11 June 2007)

This article has been reproduced for Dispensing Optics March edition 2007.

ABDO Low Vision Committee outlines the advantages of being registered visually impaired in England. This is a quick reference guide to the benefits and concessions which your patient may be able to claim when they register as severely sight impaired (blind), or sight impaired (partially sighted), in England. It also informs them where to apply for help or seek further information.

Please click here to download the article.