Details

ABDO College specialises in the provision of blended and distance learning education for the optical
profession. The Fellowship Dispensing Diploma course is for trainee Dispensing Opticians working
in optical practice in the UK, Ireland or overseas who are interested in advancing their optical
knowledge to achieve a professional qualification.

The distance learning assignments will be delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE). It
is a requirement therefore that you have regular access to a computer, with internet connection, a
scanner and Microsoft Word/PDF software.

The course comprises of the following elements:
Coursework – 32 units to be studied by distance learning. Students will be expected to study for a
minimum of 15 hours per week.
Block release – four weeks. Students will be required to attend ABDO College in Godmersham for
two weeks twice each academic year for face to face learning in a classroom setting.

The course takes three years and prepares students for the Fellowship Diploma examinations
(FBDO). The course is made up of units of work, assignment questions, block release study and
practice based learning.

The dispensing courses are periodically reviewed by the General Optical Council (GOC) who have
recorded 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.