The Contact Lens Honours course has been designed to guide and support those interested in attaining a higher contact lens qualification and to prepare students for the ABDO Level 7 ‘Advanced Diploma in Contact Lens Practice’ examinations. Students are expected to develop current knowledge, skills and experience in the specialist field of contact lens practice at a more advanced level than the Level 6 Contact Lens Certificate. Examination candidates will be assessed on their practical ability and knowledge of modern contact lens practice including fitting complex lenses and advanced contact lens aftercare.

The five key areas of study are:
A.Toric Lens Fitting
B. Presbyopia Correction
C.Remedial Fittings
D.Current Knowledge
E. Case Records

The course contains a block programme (two days at Godmersham) which will include both lecture and practical sessions, astigmatic and presbyopic correction, remedial fittings, over-refraction techniques and case record formats. It will also address the various forms of assessment within the ABDO examination.

Revision of the theoretical element of the various subject areas will be supported by the distance learning programme. Students will be expected to complete four assignments on a monthly basis.

Lastly, a pre-examination day will involve a mixture of formats designed to assess theory and practical knowledge in preparation for the examination.

The ABDO Diploma in Advanced Contact Lens Practice is an ‘honours level’ qualification that has been accredited by Ofqal (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) as Level 7 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This means that it is at the same academic level as a Masters degree or postgraduate certificate (ie M level credits).

We will provide coursework material to work through and some assignment questions to answer for each part of the course. We will also allocate you a personal tutor and send you their contact details and a timetable for you to work to. There are 23 units of coursework that you will work through over one or two weeks according to the timetable. You then send your work to your personal tutor who will mark it for you and return it to you with some feedback. As the course is at honours level, you will also need to undertake some additional research and read around the subject in order to gain a thorough understanding of the subject. You can expect this coursework to take you approximately 20 hours per week and you will need to be disciplined to make sure you keep up.

ABDO College.

The Contact Lens Honours course is for qualified contact lens opticians who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills to a more advanced level to achieve the Level 7 Advanced Contact Lens Diploma of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians.

Although not an essential course requirement, it is preferable that you are gaining practical experience to support your learning and developing advanced practical skills in contact lens practice.

You must hold the ABDO Level 6 Certificate in Contact Lens Practice (FBDO CL). You must also provide evidence of a minimum period of 12 months experience in contact lens practice following achievement of the Certificate in Contact Lens Practice and be on the GOC Contact Lens Speciality Register.

If you are unsure about your eligibility to undertake the Contact Lens Honours course please call us and we will be happy to discuss your options with you.

Yes, you will need to retain full membership for the duration of your course.

Yes, as a practicing dispensing optician, it is essential that you retain registration with contact lens speciality for the duration of your course.

The Contact Lens Honours course run by ABDO College prepares students for the Diploma in Advanced Contact Lens Practice examinations available from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians which leads to the Level 7 FBDO (Hons) CL qualification.

Call us. We are happy to answer questions about the available courses from ABDO College and to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. We may also be able to put you in touch with other members who have previously completed this course.

Call the courses team at ABDO College on 01227 738 829 (option 1). Any member of the team will be happy to help you.

For an information pack with details of the next intake, fees, deadline and an application form contact us by telephone, fax, email, post or via the ABDO College website.