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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...
10th February 2026 //Meet Chloe Bowen, student dispensing optician at Lynne Fernandes OptometristsWhat 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...
02nd February 2026 //National Apprenticeships Week webinarTo 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...
31st January 2026 //ABDO College at 100% OpticalABDO 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...
21st January 2026 //Experts share insights into cutting edge tech and AIWe 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...
31st December 2025 //Revision tips and tricksIf 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,...
