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23rd July 2026 //A great way to start your career – apply now for an apprenticeshipApplications are open until 9 August Dispensing optician (DO) apprenticeships can take your career to new heights. The three-year degree-level course offers opportunities for everyone, even if you didn’t follow a traditional higher education route. You’ll achieve a university-level...
09th July 2026 //Vacancy: Board Director and Trustee ABDO College of EducationVoluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed) Term: Four years (renewable once) Make a strategic impact on the future of optical education ABDO College of Education is a specialist higher education provider dedicated to the education, training and professional development of Dispensing...
30th June 2026 //Revision workshops “a great success”Our recent revision workshops at ABDO’s very own conference and events venue, the National Resource Centre (NRC) in Birmingham, were a great success. Both students and leaders praised the content and smooth running of the sessions. These were the first College face-to-face revision...
23rd June 2026 //Prizes awarded at the ABDO graduation ceremonyThe Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO) held our graduation ceremony for dispensing opticians (DOs) and contact lens opticians (CLOs) at Canterbury Cathedral on 12 May. The special event sees graduands approach the dais one by one to be congratulated by ABDO’s director of...
18th June 2026 //Become an apprenticeship coach for ABDO CollegeABDO College are currently recruiting for apprenticeship coaches to join the team from mid July. Maximum 3 days a week £28,000-£33,000 (pro rata for PT roles, with roles ideally 0.6fte) Primarily remote but some occasional travel to ABDO College, Godmersham Park and/or...
26th March 2026 //Employers who invest in training reap the rewardsTraining a registered dispensing optician (DO) brings expert care and professional standards of service into your business – boosting your reputation and aiding staff retention. The FBDO course (Fellowship of the Association of British Dispensing Opticians) takes three years and is...
17th March 2026 //Join us in celebrating 25 years of ABDO College!This year marks a special milestone — 25 years of ABDO College — and we’d love for you to be part of the celebration. We’re looking to showcase both past and present students and highlight what makes ABDO College such an exceptional place to study. If you’d like to take part in our...
12th March 2026 //Registration opens this month for our coursesIt’s time to take charge of your future and develop your career with ABDO College. Registration for all courses open 30 March. Whether you are just starting out or a fully qualified professional looking to specialise, we have an option that will help you to flourish. Our courses are...
03rd March 2026 //ABDO College praised for apprenticeship programme progress in Ofsted New Provider InspectionOfsted 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...
02nd March 2026 //National Careers Week: Exploring exciting career pathways in eyecare with ABDO CollegeNational 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...
26th February 2026 //Meet the trustees at 100% OpticalCome 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...
11th February 2026 //Meet Rebecca Weston FBDO, training manager at Lynne Fernandes OptometristsWhy 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...
