Why did you choose the apprenticeship pathway? We heard that ABDO were launching an apprenticeship programme for 2024 intake, and as a forward-thinking independent group we already had an OA who was interesting in becoming a DO. We ultimately decided upon the apprenticeship route to help with...

What inspired you to become a dispensing optician? From a young age I have always wanted to become an optometrist after getting a Saturday job in optics while studying for my A levels I discovered there were other paths in optometry than just going to university. After finishing my A-levels I...

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, ABDO College is excited to host a special “Introduction to Apprenticeships” webinar. Whether you’re a prospective student exploring your next step or an employer interested in supporting future dispensing opticians, this session will give you...

ABDO College will be exhibiting at the UK’s premier eyewear and eyecare show, 100% Optical. Running from 28 February to 2 March, the event offers you the chance to see the latest trends, with four catwalk shows a day. Attend lectures and workshops to develop your clinical expertise and enjoy the...

We recently welcomed a collaboration with lens manufacturer Rodenstock, with presentations from product and training manager Jason Halsey and former College student Sarah Selby. In a series of four visits they gave all year two students a demonstration of their DNEye scanner, which measures the...

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...