If you are facing exams this summer, it’s time to think about revision. Do you know your Pomodoro from your 2357? What are the most effective tips and techniques? ABDO College has a detailed online revision course, starting 3 February – applications must be in by 18 January. In the meantime,...

Do you know training costs for apprentices aged 21 to 24 will soon be free for small businesses? We’ve welcomed government moves to boost apprenticeships.  The apprenticeship levy is to be replaced by a Growth and Skills Levy that will make training costs fully funded for most apprentices in...

Plan your workload Get deadlines down in your diary as soon as you receive them. Make sure you map study demands against work schedules. Then work backwards from the deadline, planning in time for learning as well as work demands. Create a routine Set aside time for study every week. Also make...

“You are capable of more than you think,” is Sarah Marsden’s message to students. “There will be topics that come easily and ones that won’t, but you will get there in the end with a little bit of determination, consistency and perseverance.”   A dispensing optician (DO)...

Applications now open ABDO College is excited to announce a new recruitment window for those looking to become distance learning tutors to support our students from introductory optical assistant courses through to the level 6 FBDO and contact lens diploma programmes. Becoming a distance...

“Being nosey and asking lots of questions” was the attraction for Helen when she started as an optical adviser. She tells us what she hopes to achieve as an apprenticeship coach in dispensing optics. How did you come into the optical profession?  I applied for a customer service role...

Everyone has a different way of learning, says dispensing optician (DO) apprenticeship coach Gina Tye,  FBDO CL. When she started out in optics she never thought she’d be able to become a contact lens optician (CLO) but today she works in that role in a busy practice. How do you see the...

Self-confessed “optics nerd” Alex Vincett discovered the field by chance – she worked as an optical assistant while applying for graduate roles and “ended up falling in love with it”. Alex  is a contact lens optician (CLO) and apprenticeship coach.  What attracted you to becoming an...

Kevin is the President of ABDO. He has a 40-year career in dispensing optics, and has been a tutor since 1992. He’s worked in practice, teaching, sales, manufacturing and as a UK distributor for an Italian company. Now he’s taking on the role of coach for apprentices studying to become...

Studying at ABDO College is a unique and rewarding experience, combining academic learning with hands-on practice and in-person residential blocks. But managing these different elements can be challenging. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking to improve your routine, here are some...

This week see’s the fifth World WellBeing Week. Being a student and working leads to a busy life and it is important to look after your wellbeing. How do you relax and focus on yourself? We have found some resources that may be helpful for you to help your wellbeing: The NHS have...

Today is World Refill Day. Did you know that half of the plastic we create (about 400million tonnes a year!) goes into packaging that’s single-use. Less than 10% of the plastic we use is known to be recycled. That’s why we need to transition to a reusable future. ABDO College can help...