Ofsted has praised ABDO College for its apprenticeship provision in the recent new provider inspection. It recognised progress made across all key areas, highlighting the College’s strong leadership, high‑quality curriculum design, commitment to inclusion, and effective safeguarding...

National Careers Week is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the rewarding and varied career options available within the optical sector. As the UK’s only college dedicated exclusively to the training of dispensing opticians and optical support staff, ABDO College is uniquely placed to...

Come along to the ABDO College stand at 100% Optical this weekend to meet the trustees and find out more about getting involved with the home of education in dispensing optics. We are looking for ABDO members who want to help guide the development of student dispensing opticians. Could you play...

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)...