Fellowship Dispensing Diploma - Year Two
Overview
Duration
This is Year 2 of the 3 year course
Assessment methods
Students must submit 32 weekly distance learning assignments and attain an average of at least 40% in order to be eligible to sit the end of year FQE Theory exams
Course requirements
Students are required to be working in practice for a minimum of 30 hours per week under a GOC registered supervisor. Students must apply to the GOC for student membership and retain this registration, along with complying with all relevant GOC regulations throughout their studies. Students must also be ABDO members for the duration of their study. The distance learning element of the course requires some essential textbooks. The booklist is available at the bottom of this page as well as the prices and order form for ABDO College Bookshop.
Application Deadline
1st August 2021.
Course start date
31st August 2021
Entry requirements
Acceptance to the second year of the Diploma is conditional on passing your first year theory examination (PQE Theory). Students can also apply for the 2nd year of the course by completing an approved program and PQE Theory from a different institution.
Structure
Students study via 'blended learning'. This refers to a combination of distance learning, teaching at the College as well as learning in practice. Students complete 32 weekly distance learning assignments (all online) and attend the College in Godmersham, Kent, for 2 residential blocks each lasting a fortnight, each academic year. Students also complete in practice tasks to re-enforce and demonstrate the skills learnt
Cost
Year 2 = £3750 (exams are not included - for details of examination fees, please contact ABDO Examinations and Registry). 6 month payment plan available: £625 per month.
Details
Entrance is dependant on success in the ABDO’s Preliminary Qualifying Examination – Theory. Students wishing to join this course having studied the first year with a different institution should first contact ABDO in writing to gain exemption from the PQE.
The second year course incorporates 32 weeks of coursework with four weeks block release.
The second year course prepares students for Abnormal Ocular Conditions and Standards of Practice, Ophthalmic Lenses & Ophthalmic Dispensing and Ocular Anatomy final theory examinations and counts towards the Fellowship Diploma of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (FBDO). After successful completion of this year, students may progress to the third and final year. Work based practice visit assessments will take place during Year 2 or Year 3.
Students must continue to work in practice as a trainee Dispensing Opticians under the supervision of a suitably qualified and registered professional for a minimum of 30 hours per week. A practical training timetable will be supplied each year to guide students and their Supervisors through the practice based learning element of the course.
The dispensing courses are periodically reviewed by the General Optical Council (GOC) who havenrecorded their approval of the College as a recognised training institution in accordance with the Optician’s Act.
Employer Involvement
It is a requirement of the course to be working in a dispensing practice, for a minimum of 30 hours
per week, while undertaking the Fellowship Dispensing Diploma course. This must be under the
supervision of a suitably qualified person, in an environment that will provide them with opportunities
to meet the GOC competencies and expectations for practical experience. This may require a
change in working patterns in the practice to ensure that there are frequent, regular progress
reviews between the supervisor and the student.
Trainees will be out of practice for a minimum of four weeks each academic year to attend block
release sessions at ABDO College and will also require extra support and time out of practice for
examinations. In addition to this, employers need to make time available for the trainee and
Supervisor to spend time together in practice for the training and assessment of practical skills and
for pastoral support and guidance.
Submission of assignments and continuous assessment
All students should be aware that if their work is submitted late, reduced or no marks will be
allocated in line with the ABDO College Late Submission Policy. Students unable to achieve course schedules will be withdrawn with no refund.
There are 32 weekly assignments to complete. The pass mark for each assignment is 40%.
In order for students to be eligible to sit ABDO theory and practical examinations, 100% of
assignments need to be submitted on time and, gain an average mark of 40% or more in each topic.
Block release course studies
All ABDO College students in the UK and the Republic of Ireland are required to attend ABDO
College for two separate fortnights study each academic year, as instructed by the GOC. Failure to
attend for your blocks will result in removal from the course.